The Observer Vol. 88 No. 7 – July 2023 by Jewish Observer

www.jewishobservernashville.org

Vol. 88 No. 7 • July 2023

12 Tamuz - 13 Av 5783

Nashville’s Moishe House Looks to the Future By BARBARA DAB

y most accounts, Nashville is continuing its upward growth, sailing past the one million mark last year. Anecdotally, growth in the Jewish community runs parallel to that upward trend. The Facebook group for NowGen, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s program for young adults boasts 1,300 members. Those seeking connection do not have to look very hard to find some type of organized Jewish community. East Nashville’s Moishe House is one of those communal groups seeking to engage and connect young adults with Jewish life. Rabbi Dan Horwitz, incoming CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, was one of the original 10 employees of Moishe House nationally. He says Moishe House provides a critical step helping keep young adults connected to their Jewish identity. “Moishe House helps fill the gap between college and the next steps in adulthood.” And Leslie Kirby, president of the Federation, says Moishe House is one of the most impactful programs the Federation sponsors. “In

the past 18 months, they’ve hosted almost 100 events with over 1,300 participants. Moishe House is serving a vital role in our

ecosystem here in Jewish Nashville.” The word “ecosystem” comes up regularly in the context of Moishe House,

and it is part of what keeps the program vibrant. Horwitz says, “What’s beautiful about the Moishe House model is that transitions are built in.” The latest proof of the evolving nature of the program is the upcoming move out by two of the current Moishe House residents and the welcoming of new ones. Rose Capin, one of the founding residents, says her time in Nashville has been one of personal growth and solidifying her adult Jewish identity. “I have become a better communicator,” she says, “And I have found a deeper understanding of the ways people can show up in community.” Becca Groner, one of the founding residents of Moishe House Nashville, is the recipient of the 2023 Sandy Averbuch Young Leader Award from the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. In her acceptance remarks she also spoke about Moishe House as part of the Jewish Nashville ecosystem. Groner has been at the forefront of Moishe House’s development in Nashville. She arrived in town more than five years ago looking for Jewish peers. At the time, the young Continued on page 18

Federation’s Partnership2Gether Finally Convenes in Israel After Pandemic Delay By CHRISTIE WIEMERS

ashville is one of 12 communities throughout the Southeastern United States that along with the Czech Republic, partners with the Hadera-Eiron region in Israel. These communities participate in people-to-people exchanges, both in person and virtual. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville plays an even larger leadership role in that the current United States chair of the partnership committee is Fred Zimmerman, a lifelong member of Nashville’s Jewish community. The exchanges result in strong, meaningful, and life-long relationships. Many, if not all, of us who have participated in P2G programming can attest that the P2G program has not just made Israel more than a place on a map, but a home. Through the Partnership, we also create extended families with community members throughout the Southeast. In early March 2020, the annual Partnership2Gether Hadera-Eiron A Publication of the

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Southeastern Consortium Steering Committee convened in St. Petersburg, Florida. In addition to normal consortium business, the committee, consisting of CEOs, staff, and lay chairs began planning for the 20th Anniversary Celebration for Spring 2021. At the time, of course, we did not know the events that would immediately follow, and which would derail the celebratory plans. Over the years that followed, both Israeli and stateside staff and lay chairs changed, but the goal remained the same. We would eventually prevail, and all see each other in Israel to celebrate a major milestone not only as a committee but as a united community. Fast forward to spring 2023. After years of planning, postponing, and keeping the dream alive, the P2G Southeastern Consortium, Czech Republic, HaderaEiron 20th Celebration commenced. Yes, it was only three years, but we all agree it felt like much, much longer. This past April, Leslie Kirby, Fred Zimmerman, Deborah Oleshansky and I arrived in Tel A Rabbi and a Doctor Walked into Berlin… The ultimate buddy trip, page 3

Aviv. Along the way, Abigail Erwin, Drew Marshall, and Natalie Steinberg joined us to participate in the coinciding Leadership2Gether (L2G) retreat. Needless to say, Nashville was well represented. For Leslie, Fred, Deborah, and I, this was a long-awaited reunion with our consortium family. For Natalie, Drew, and Abigail, their journeys with P2G were just beginning. Upon arrival to Israel, we were ushered away to welcome events in the region - where the first, middle, and last orders of business were hugs all around. The celebration included events and experiences throughout the region. We tasted food from local chefs, toured favorite places, spent Shabbat with consortium friends, and interacted with youth. We visited entrepreneurs at their businesses, including a winery and brewery. We met young people involved in our teen exchanges. We participated in activities teaching about diaspora Jewry. We experienced local education, art, and Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Welcomes New CE O at Annual Meeting, page 4

music. Each person we met continues to be directly impacted by our partnership programs. Over the course of just four days, we not only witnessed the impact we have already made, but were impacted, yet again, by the rich culture, spirituality, and communities of Hadera-Eiron. Most important, the celebration brought together family and friends from across the world to reunite because of a partnership forged over 20 years ago. Because of our partnership, we and our fellow consortium communities are stronger and more connected than they ever could have been. We take our communities to Israel, but we also bring Israel to our communities. And that means you don’t have to get on a plane to be involved in Partnership. There are numerous opportunities to be involved. For more information on our Partnership region and how to get involved, please reach out to Deborah Oleshansky at (deborah@ jewishnashville.org). • Back To School Special Section page 25

Celebrating Our Donors By NORMA SHIRK, LIFE & LEGACY COMMUNITY COORDINATOR

n June 7, at the Gordon Jewish Community Center, our community celebrated the achievements of the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, by honoring the donors who are ensuring the future of Jewish Nashville. A list of LIFE & LEGACY™ donors appears in the centerfold of this edition of the Observer.

During six years participating in the program, 14 organizations in the Nashville Jewish community have obtained 841 letters of intent with an estimated value of $25.6 million. About 73% of donors have already formalized their gifts by updating their wills or completing a beneficiary form for a life insurance policy or a 401(k) plan, designating their chosen organizations as beneficiaries. By the end of our sixth

year, the participating organizations had already received $743,336 from donors. The LIFE & LEGACY™ program was created by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) to support Jewish organizations across North America through partnerships with local Jewish Federations and Foundations to promote after-lifetime giving. After-lifetime giving allows donors to use their money during the donor’s lifetime while confirming they will leave

a gift to the organizations of their choice. As Nashville enters our seventh year in the LIFE & LEGACY™ program the volunteers for each participating organization will continue having conversations with potential donors about the benefits of this program. Donors participate for a variety of personal reasons but the common thread is that they want to ensure the future of the Nashville Jewish community. •

Community Relations Committee Working to Build a Safer Community By DEBORAH OLESHANSKY

ashville is a growing city, but at times it can still feel like a small town. This small-town feel was palpable when news of the Covenant School shooting began to emerge. Some learned of the horror from personal text messages long before the official reporting of the incident was public. Many of us are only one degree of separation from those killed, injured, and directly affected in the Covenant School shooting. The families there are friends and neighbors, and that tragic day has impacted us on a personal level. Even Governor Lee is not immune from this proximity. One of the teachers shot and killed was a close friend of the Governor and his wife, Maria. In his statement the day after the tragedy, he said, “Cindy (Peak) was supposed to come over to have dinner with Maria

last night after she filled in as a substitute teacher yesterday at Covenant.” Perhaps this personal connection softened his heart and moved him to call a special session of the state legislature for August 21 to come back together to work on ways to address the epidemic of violence committed by guns in our state. Woodmont Christian Church in Green Hills counts Covenant School families among their church community, making the church a natural place to host a panel discussion, “After Covenant: Faith, Guns, and Protecting

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Tennesseans.’ Church members Katie and Mike Dieckhaus’ daughter, Evelyn Dieckhaus, was among the children gunned down and killed at the school. “You all have continued to show us how to be beacons of light strength and love. Like our Evelyn,” Katie Dieckhaus said as she addressed the crowd assembled to hear the panelists. The gun safety conversation was led by three panelists: Dr. Alex Jahangir, former U.S. Senator Dr. Bill Frist, and Rev. Dr. Clay Stauffer, Senior Minister of the church. In his remarks, Senator Frist, a medical doctor and former Republican Majority Leader for the U.S. Senate, said it’s an issue that’s growing and it’s time for us to act on it. “These guns and these weapons are the number one cause of death for people under the age of 19. That’s never been seen in any other country in history but it’s occurring today and it’s increasing.” Senator Frist said that the polarization in our political sphere has been the root cause of the lack of laws to adequately address gun violence, especially in Tennessee. Frist urged everyone in the room to call their elected officials. He said the message we should communicate to our lawmakers going into the special session is to genuinely listen to the voices of the people of Tennessee. The vast majority of Americans, over 75 percent, including Republicans, Democrats, gun owners and non- gun owners agree that we need to revamp, revise and do everything we can on a policy level to address the issue, just as we did with regard to car safety years ago, reducing car and traffic deaths significantly. Specific policy recommendations shared by Frist include: • Enact extreme risk protection orders. Much like red flag laws, this would allow families or police to temporarily confiscate firearms belonging to potentially dangerous people or bar them from purchasing firearms. • Child access prevention and safe storage laws. It’s all about responsible gun ownership. Legislation would impose penalties on adults that allow children unsupervised access to firearms, while safe storage laws require gun owners to store firearms unloaded. • Expand background checks to all firearm purchases. Tennessee is without universal background checks as those legally prohibited from purchasing weapons often circumvent the system through private sales. • Require firearm safety courses. Every licensed hunter must complete a course, why not gun owners? The

panel said education could reduce firearm injures and accidental deaths. We in the Jewish community know only too well the danger of violence committed by guns. Advocating for security grant funding to protect houses of worship, hiring security personnel, and organizing active shooter trainings is depressingly common practice for all Jewish congregations. It was a person with a gun who took the lives of 11 people at The Tree of Life shooting. The shooter was recently convicted of all counts and awaiting sentencing, but the scars and trauma of that day continue to haunt the congregation, the Pittsburgh community, and all of us who now must walk past armed security as we enter our houses of worship. In his closing comments at the Woodmont Church panel discussion, Rev. Stauffer shared his thoughts on how we can move forward, beyond the partisan bickering and rhetoric, to come together to truly solve problems rather than simply blame problems on the other side of the political aisle. He quickly recommended a book, “Morality, Restoring the Common Good in Divided Times,” by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, of blessed memory. Learn more about Rabbi Sacks here: www.rabbisacks.org Stauffer’s recommendation of this book is a reminder of the wisdom author Dara Horn shared during her Nashville presentation in May. She urged people to move beyond talking about dead Jews, and move toward celebrating, sharing, and amplifying the social justice and communal values inherent in Jewish life. Jewish wisdom, and the teachings of Jewish leaders, can be valuable for everyone striving for a more just and respectful community. Even Stauffer, a Christian church leader, referenced the wisdom of Rabbi Sacks as a way forward. JCRC will remain engaged in this conversation, urging our elected officials to be creative, thoughtful, and comprehensive in working on policy to address the epidemic of violence committed by guns, both with policy specific to the use of guns, and policy to address the other factors that lead to the violence we are witnessing throughout our city, state, and country. Building safe and resilient communities will be part of the theme of the JCRC Social Justice Seder on April 11, 2024. At the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Annual meeting in June, we thanked outgoing chair, Steven Remer, and welcomed incoming chair, Harold Benus. To learn more about the work of JCRC in our community please message Deborah Oleshansky, Deborah@ jewishnashville.org •

A Rabbi and a Doctor Walked into Berlin… The ultimate buddy trip past. They even visited a local flea market. “I felt connected to my parents,” says Schiftan, who is fluent in Yiddush, “I was speaking as they would to each other.” Boehm says he felt acceptance. “I felt a brightness there. I felt at home.” Schiftan found other unexpected comforts during his wanderings in Berlin. “Everything that was a value with which I was raised was a value there. The punctuality, the orderliness, the commitment to the best way to get things done.”

By BARBARA DAB

rabbi and a doctor, each the only child of Holocaust survivors, walking buddies, longtime friends, and a 20-year age difference between them. Each searching for signs of the life their parents were forced to leave behind in Germany more than a generation ago. Each wondering if atonement and redemption are possible. Each looking for answers to questions they’d carried throughout their lives. It was against this backdrop that Rabbi Mark Schiftan and Doctor Frank Boehm, both now retired, set off on what they both say was a pilgrimage to Berlin. “It all began with our Monday walks,” says Schiftan, “I’d read an article in The Atlantic about what the German government had done to memorialize the Holocaust, and said to Frank, ‘Let’s go.’” That article, written by Clint Smith, titled “America still can’t figure out how to memorialize the sins of our history. What can we learn from Germany,” lays out a path from the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 to the present day, unpacking the ways the German government deals with their painful history. Schiftan says he had three main goals for the trip. “First, since we both have German ancestry and both our families were forced to leave, we wanted to be there to say, ‘We’re still here.’ Second, I wanted to see what the German government did to atone and apologize for the Holocaust. And finally, what have they done to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to the next generation, and to teach the broader lesson of what happens c

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Rabbi Mark Schiftan and Doctor Frank Boehm in front of Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, Germany

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the official Holocaust memorial of Germany

when human beings are dehumanized.” Boehm received German citizenship last year, something he says completed a circle in his family. “In 1935 the German government took away my parents’ citizenship. In 2023 I got it back.” Boehm says he kept his new citizenship papers in his pocket while he was in Berlin. Smith’s article begins by describing the horrors the American soldiers encountered when they entered Dachau and details their reactions. A subtitle in the article says, “The first memorials to the Holocaust were the bodies in the concentration camps.” But neither the article, nor Schiftan and Boehm, dwell on the most obvious examples of man’s inhumanity to man. The pair visited many other sites that bear witness to what happened there. They visited Gleis 17, fifty yards of train track from which Jews in Berlin were

deported to concentration camps. Along the wall of the memorial are plaques with the date, number of Jews to board the train, the names, and the camps they were sent to. Schiftan says he read every single name on each plaque, the last one dated 1945 with just 18 Jews deported. “I needed to pay honor to those people. You see these things and realize it was an abhorrent moment in time.”

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

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Possibly the most impactful place Schiftan and Boehm visited was Wannsee, an idyllic country home outside of Berlin along the bank of Wannsee Lake. The surroundings belie the villa’s dark past. Wannsee is where, on January 20, 1942, leaders of the Nazi regime gathered to discuss and refine their ideas about implementing “the final solution,” the plan to exterminate the Jews of Eastern Europe once and for all, the Jews of Eastern Europe. Boehm says the experience hit him hard. “I was surprised at my reaction. I cried the hardest there.” Boehm says all copies of the original 30-page plan were burned, except for one. “Here was a country at the center of culture and science of the world. For all that to end with these 15 individuals…” Here Boehm, still moved, is at a loss for any more words.

Each morning, as is Schiftan and Boehm’s custom, the two met up early for coffee and a walk. They roamed the streets of Berlin, walking in the footsteps of their parents, soaking in the sights and sounds of the modern-day city, and feeling surprisingly connected to their

During the walks around the city, they encountered yet another sign of German atonement. Embedded in the cobblestones in front of many of the houses are small metal plaques, called Stolperstein, or “stumbling stone.” Each of these brass cubes are engraved with the name of the person who once lived there, their birthday, and other dates, day of deportation, date, and location of death. The stones were created in 1996 by German artist Gunter Demnig, whose father fought for Nazi Germany. Demnig continues to create and place the stones today.

Boehm says the Stolpersteine are but one sign the German people are continuing to remember and learn from their past. “I feel the country is saying they’re sorry in the best way.” Schiftan agrees. “They excel at looking at that time in history and not only doing a full atonement, but also teaching about it to make sure it is not repeated.” There were lighter moments, too. A visit to the opera for a performance of, wait for it, Richard Wagner, an irony not lost on Boehm and Schiftan. “Mark wasn’t sure I’d want to go,” says Boehm, “But it was an incredible experience.” A visit to the Neue Synagogue brought further satisfaction that Jewish life is thriving in Berlin’s small community. “There were young kids running Continued on page 18

• July 2023

Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Welcomes New CEO at Annual Meeting he Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville welcomed incoming CEO Rabbi Dan Horwitz at this year’s annual meeting held last month. Horwitz, who will move with his family to Nashville for an August 1 start date, said he is looking forward to becoming part of the community. “Our tradition has no shortage of leaders to draw inspiration from,” he said. Becca Groner was hon-

ored with the Sandy Averbuch Young Leader Award. She said, “I feel like I just won the Jewish Oscars. But seriously, I feel a true sense of belonging among the Southern Jewish community.” Leslie Kirby, who is continuing as president of the Federation, expressed appreciation for the staff who helped keep the organization moving forward during a challenging and atypical year. “Each and every one of them stepped up, pitched in, and did what was needed. In

a time of tremendous uncertainty, they showed perseverance and dedication to the mission of the Federation. I and our entire community owe them a debt of gratitude.” Kirby was installed as the continuing President, along with this year’s officers: Aron Karabel, Vice President, Christie Wiemers, Secretary, Jacob Kleinrock, Treasurer. New members at large are Arlene Averbuch, Rabbi Lindsay Danziger, Ori Hart, and Jason Sparks. •

Federation president Leslie Kirby opening the meeting.

Federation incoming CEO Rabbi Dan Horwitz addressing the meeting.

Annual meeting attendees meet Rabbi Dan Horwitz.

By BARBARA DAB

Pictured l. to r. Larry Averbuch, Becca Groner, Sam Averbuch

Why Should American Jews Care about Israel? By MICHAL BECKER

he answer to this question is very personal. Some will connect it to their Jewish Identity, some for the need to have a Jewish country—a “just-in-case county”, and some cannot explain why they care, but they do. However, many people think about Israel as a concept. It’s the Jewish State. Jewish people with a mostly Jewish government, and Jewish army. A country with great food, cool Tel Aviv, and beautiful Jerusalem. A place where they can feel at home, surrounded by so many other Jewish people, like them. Is it? It is not. Indeed, many Jewish people live in Israel. However, it is a very complex place that comprises multigroups (“tribes”) and subgroups, and sub-subgroups of people who have different cultural backgrounds, histories, values, and most importantly, a different vision for the future of Israel. When the founders of the country envisioned the Israeli state, they imagine all these groups combining into one “melting-pot” definition of the “New Jew”—creating a new shared culture, history, and society that will emerge from the fact that they all live together on the same land. But this vision was not realized. On the contrary, the incidents of the last few months in Israel have revealed how big the gap between these groups is. The level of stress, protests, and anger has reached new peaks. It is a historical time in Israel that will probably affect Israeli society for many years to come. How did Israel get to this place? Who are these tribes that are the components of Israeli society? What drives them? What do they think of other groups? How do they see the future of Israel? The goal of the Israel Seminar of the Mandel Executive Leadership Program

July 2023 •

was to try and answer these questions. I am a Fellow in this program, and many of my cohort friends are about to take positions of CEO and other very senior positions in Jewish organizations around the U.S. and Canada. These are the people who will play a significant role in the relationship between Jews in Israel and the diaspora. It is crucial for them, the future Jewish American leaders, to understand the complexities of Israeli society. However, the program was so excellent, thorough, and thought-provoking that I also wish that Israeli leaders could have experienced it as well. The Mandel seminar dedicated each day (and these were very long days) to a different group in Israeli society: the Ultra-Orthodox (Haredim), the National-Religious in the settlements, the Mizrahi people who live in the periphery in the south, the seculars in Tel Aviv, Israeli Arabs, and people who live in mixed cities like Haifa and Akko. Within each group we met with the people most qualified to present us with the

complexity of that specific group, people who do not always fit the narrative we came with and opened our eyes to the depth of each tribe of Israeli society. We met Ultra-Orthodox who do a lot, and pay a price, to get higher education, or make a change within their society, who want to have a profession and earn a living while maintaining their beliefs and traditions. We met settlers who portrayed a whole spectrum of opinions. On one hand, we met with the person who twitted to wipe out the Palestinian village of Hawara— a tweet that was re-tweeted by Bezalel Smotritch, which eventually led to President Joe Biden’s refusal to invite him to the White House. At the same panel, we heard a feminist female Rabbi, who, despite recently losing her closest friend in a terror attack, still believes in the two-state solution. We met people in Tel Aviv who feel that they must fight for their democratic country, as they know it. And a person who takes pictures of the city so she can show her grandchildren how life in the

city was before everything changed. We met Israeli Arabs who want to feel part of Israeli society, but the door is not always open for them. The entire week we heard pain, anger, and fear, but also a lot of love for Israel and hope. These identity tribes live within the very small State of Israel—they live alongside each other, with each other, and despite each other. In such a little piece of land, it is almost inevitable for one to find orthodox, secular, national-religious, and Arabs in every bus line you’ll decide to take. However, even though they all ride the same bus, it still feels as if they do not see each other. The tribal-identity society, which is enforced by the separate education system that the country provides for each group, does not encourage people to reach out to others who do not think like them. It creates a simplified narrative of what the others want or think: the ultra-Orthodox wants Israel to become an Iran-like country, they don’t want to work or study math. The seculars like only people who think like them. The settlers are terrorists, and the Arabs do not want to be part of Israeli society. The Mandel seminar enabled me and my Fellow friends to break these narratives—to dive deep into each tribe and to find that the gaps between the groups are not always as big as they first seem. In the seminar we tried to understand that every group, every tribe, has people who hate and people who love. And we met with them. In every group, there are people with whom I can connect with, people who want to be part of the greater society of Israel. And we heard them. But most of all, we saw the need for the other tribes to listen to each other as well. I, as many Israelis these days, also fear for the future of the democratic nature of the country, and for the government’s checks and balances. I feel Continued on page 7

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• July 2023

Mayoral Candidates Discuss Views on Affordable Housing and Transportation By BARBARA DAB

ast month the 11 candidates vying to be Nashville’s next Mayor came together in a forum to discuss their views on affordable housing and the city’s need for better transit options. The forum, held at West End Synagogue, was presented by the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable; co-sponsors included The Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Committee; the Social Justice Committees of Congregation Micah, The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom, Congregation Sherith Israel and West End Synagogue; The West Nashville Clergy Group; and AMAC (The American Muslim Advisory Committee). The forum was attended by: Vivian

Wilhoite, Matt Wiltshire, Freddie O’Connell, Heidi Campbell, Jeff Yarbro, Alice Rolli, Natisha Brooks, Fran Bush, Sharon Hurt, Stephanie Johnson, and Jim Gingrich. The discussion, moderated by

Pictured l. to r., Mayoral Candidates: Vivian Wilhoite, Matt Wiltshire, Heidi Campbell, Freddie O’Connell, Stephanie Johnson, Sharon Hurt, Jeff Yarbro, Jim Gingrich, Alice Rolli, Natisha Brooks, Fran Bush

journalist Emily Siner, provided each candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves and answer a series of questions. Among the common issues discussed was the notion that affordable housing and public transit are linked together. Solutions included the need to streamline the permit process to enable more development and assist those in need of housing subsidies. When it comes to transit, there was agreement that a top priority is addressing regional transit funding and developing more efficient, affordable options between downtown Nashville and the surrounding counties. The audience of approximately 150 people came from Nashville’s diverse populations within the Jewish community and the community at large. The candidates were available after the formal program to answer questions and provide further information about their views on the topics addressed. •

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Irwin Venick, chair of the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable speaks with candidate Vivian Wilhoite

Calling Organizations for Under One Roof 2023 Artwork By SHARON BENUS, ADULT AND COMMUNITY WIDE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

he Gordon Jewish Community Center welcomes organizations to participate in the seventh annual Under One Roof art exhibit in celebration of Sukkot. Under One Roof brings together 30+ local organizations in Nashville to create artwork around a chosen theme to be displayed in our sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot. The exhibit will run from October 1-8 with a reception on Thursday, October 5 from 6-9PM. The theme for this year’s Under One Roof is “Honor Humanity, K’vod Ha’Briot.” To honor humanity is an intrinsic value in Judaism which emphasizes the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. It is also a value that transcends cultural, religious, and soci-

etal boundaries. We need to be mindful of our behavior and treat all human beings with respect, empathy, and fairness. When we acknowledge this, we respect our innate differences and see what every human being has to offer in this world. By practicing the value of honoring humanity, we are pursuing justice, equality, and working towards a harmonious and inclusive society. The Gordon JCC provides participating organizations with a large canvas to share their visual interpretation of the theme. Perhaps there will be collage adhered to the canvas or a tapestry of colors painted across the blank space. The organizations are able to visually interpret what Honor Humanity: K’vod Ha’Briot means to them. For more information on the exhibit or if your organization would like to participate contact sharonb@nashvillejcc.org •

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First “Shabbat-Luck” Dinner for Jewish Franklin, TN By MARSHA RAIMI

he “About Us” description on Facebook reads, “This group is for the Jews of Franklin, TN to connect, network, get together, become friends, etc. We might not have a synagogue, but we have this group.” In just three short months, the Facebook group “Jewish Franklin,TN” started by Ellen Witt Monen, has blossomed into a community of around 100 families. Over 40 adults and children attended a dairy potluck Shabbat dinner on June 16 at Fieldstone Park. Monen, who moved from Atlanta in early 2020 with her husband and children aged 8 and 6, said she started it because, “I want to make sure my kids know they’re not the only Jews in Franklin.” Friendships have sprung up quick-

Care about Israel Continued from page 4

strongly that in spite of the demographic changes that are happening in the country, there are certain values, like the right of speech, freedom of religion, and other human rights that should always be protected by law and the court. However, the seminar helped me understand that the fight for these values needs to be open enough for anyone, from every tribe, to participate in. The seminar enabled us to understand Israel’s complexity, and then try to bring this understanding to our communities in the United States. Learning about these issues makes it easier to understand Israel, and therefore, to understand the relationship between Israel and the

ly between the members. While many are new to the area, about half the attendees at the dinner were longtime Franklin residents eager to help them connect. Melissa Sostrin, owner and chief baker of Melissa & Sons Sweets, reached out to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, which funded rental of a covered pavilion at the park. She also secured books from PJ Library for the nearly 20 children in attendance. The group’s first event was at “We Rock the Spectrum,” an indoor children’s sensory gym that promotes an inclusive play environment for kids of all abilities, owned by group members Samantha and Steve Komarnitsky. Upcoming events include July 15 Ladies’ Happy Hour, July 29 – L’Chayim Hour (adults-only drinks & appetizers at a private home), September 9 – Private

More than 40 people attended a recent Jewish Franklin potluck Shabbat dinner.

Comedy Hour with Steve Goodie. To join us, look for “Jewish Franklin, TN” on Facebook. It is open to all residents

of Greater Nashville, but all events will likely be in Franklin. After all, that’s the point! •

United States. However, this seminar was also a reminder that every society is dealing with complicated issues these days—with groups that create their own truth, without listening to other opinions, groups who feel threatened that others are changing their reality. We put everyone who doesn’t think like us in one box, believing that “they” all think the same. We, like many “people” in Israel these days, need to reach out to people on the other side and find the ones who share some of our values. We need to understand that compromise is not a bad word and that one side cannot win without everyone losing. • https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeldivided-along-tribal-lines-rivlin-warns/

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

Visit The Jewish Observer’s website www.jewishobservernashville.org • July 2023

Commentary

Those who leave everything in G-d’s hand, will see G-d’s hand in everything.

By RABBI YITZCHOK TIECHTEL

eople ask me, “What do rabbis do all day?” I ask them, “What don’t rabbis do all day.” As you can imagine, being a Chabad rabbi, we are called upon every day by people of all walks of life, from those that we know, and those that we don’t know yet. In my private conversations with various people, they often share with me their medical concerns, anxieties and fears. When facing illness, it’s easy to become terrified. If your doctor tells you that your days are numbered, it seems obvious that you’re in deep trouble. In a recent conversation with a terminally ill person, I shared that our Torah inspires us to replace fear with faith because the mindset is the most important medicine. Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the choice that there is something more powerful than fear. Though doctors are some of the most admired people in society, the Talmud (Kiddushin 82a) makes a shocking statement: “The best (Tov) of the doctors will go to hell (Gehinom).” (Note: Torah doesn’t believe in Hell as a place of eternal damnation but rather as a place of temporary soul cleansing and therapy. Even so, it’s not that flattering for doctors). This bizarre statement actually car-

ries within it profound wisdom to help us face our pharmaceutical fears. In Hebrew, every letter has a mathematical value. The value of the words “the best of (Tov)” in Hebrew is 17. A deeper reading of this text thus reads, “The 17 of doctors will go to hell.” This number hints at the prayer we recite thrice daily—the Amidah also known as the Shmona Esreh—covering 18 of the most important human needs for which we turn to G-d daily— ranging from our livelihood and prosperity to our consciousness and redemption. One of the blessings we pray for is G-d’s healing. A doctor who prays only seventeen blessings is a doctor whose hubris precludes his need to turn to G-d for healing, because he feels that he is the determinant of life and death. Such a doctor, who fails to grasp his role merely as G-d’s agent for healing, is indeed destined to go to hell. Here Judaism lays out for us our approach to medicine and doctors. Like the illness comes from G-d, so does the healing. The role of the doctor is to serve as the conduit for G-d’s healing blessings. Indeed, the Torah (Exodus 21:19) explicitly gives doctors the instruction to serve as healers. For a doctor to tell someone that they are going to succumb to illness or die is an abuse of their power, violating their G-d given gifts. A doctor who

is filled with faith, humbly serving as G-d’s ambassador, is truly the paradigm of blessing! An example is the story of Mrs. Rhoda Friedland who was having fertility problems in the late 1940s and asked the Previous Chabad Rebbe— Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn— for a blessing. She told him that she could not conceive. The Rebbe laughed and said that she and her husband will have children. This was the last private audience of the Previous Rebbe, as he passed away less than 48 hours later. She continued to try to conceive against doctors’ orders wanting her to have an emergency hysterectomy. The new Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson— assured her that the Previous Rebbe’s blessing would certainly come true, notwithstanding her doctor’s ominous prognosis. At one point, the Rebbe sent her to his own wife’s doctor. But that doctor gave her the same gloomy prediction. Once again, the Rebbe sent her to a third doctor. She went to what she describes as a “very big doctor on Park Avenue” who, upon seeing her, promptly booked her for an emergency surgery. Resigning to her fate of infertility, she then thanked the Rebbe for caring, but informed him that she had decided to proceed with the surgery that would eliminate her ability to ever conceive.

The Rebbe urged her to try one final doctor. It was only at this point that the doctor discovered that she was already pregnant with her son Binyamin Mendel! Enlightenment is when a wave realizes that it’s the ocean. The Torah is teaching us that we are never, ever alone. G-d is directing every detail of our lives behind the scenes. You are driven by the power of Almighty G-d, Creator of Heaven and Earth! It is precisely this truth that we affirm each time we declare “Shema Yisrael, Hashem Elokeinu, Hashem Echad (Hear o Israel, Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is One)”. We are affirming our belief not only in “One G-d”, but in a “G-d who is One.” We’re not stating the obvious that G-d is the only G-d— we’re saying that G-d is the only true power in our lives. Nothing else—no disease nor doctor—has any power over us. Only G-d. Healing comes through doctors, not from them. And in case this sounds a little too religious, it’s actually printed on our money too! “In G-d We Trust!” Those who leave everything in G-d’s hand, will eventually see G-d’s hand in everything. • Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel is the senior Rabbi at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, and the executive Director of Chabad Of Nashville

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July 2023 •

Opinion By DR. FRANK H. BOEHM

t was this past April 18, the day of Yom HaShoah and the noise around me was bothersome and irritating. Loud jackhammer drilling through the building’s concrete that was being performed to make our condominium in Florida safe, was a necessary project to extend the life of our beachfront home that Julie and I have lived in for the past 33 years. And so, as I gathered my towel and book to head down to the pool to escape the constant noisy drilling around me, I suddenly began to see a connection between what our building was going through and the Holocaust that killed six million of our fellow Jews. I know that sounds like a stretch but bear with me. On June 24, 2021, Champlain Towers South in Miami collapsed in the middle of the night and as a result, 98 residents lost their lives. The cause of the collapse was a condominium board that failed to respond to needed repairs of the building over several decades due to a reluctance to make necessary assessments to pay for the needed repairs. In response to this tragic event, the State of Florida’s legislature passed several regulations that required buildings older

Never Again than 40 years to undergo rigid evaluations by professional engineers to search for structural damage that needed lifesaving repair. The condominium I lived in underwent such an examination and much damage was found, therefore the disturbing noise I was experiencing as repairs were being made. One could say, as many did, that the 98 individuals who died in the Miami building collapse would eventually save many lives by preventing other buildings to collapse. So, you may ask, how does this tragic loss of life in Miami relate to the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust? Clearly the number of deaths is unequal, yet our Jewish teaching that to save one life is to save all humanity and conversely to kill one human is to destroy all humanity, would apply here making the disparate number a non-issue. Just as our condominium would now be repaired and the safety of its inhabitants assured for many years to come, so did the Holocaust result in the United Nations in November of 1947 vote to create the State of Israel. That vote, in the opinion of many historians, was a direct result of the death of six million Jews in World War II. The world finally understood that the Jewish people need-

ed their own country to survive. That vote, much like the Florida legislature’s vote, resulted in the creation of the State of Israel, which gave Jews all over the world a safe place to live. “Never again” were two words that had its origin in the creation of Israel and with this creation a new era of safety for Jewish people all over the world was realized. Interestingly, while the Holocaust gave rise to the creation of Israel, it also aided significantly in the survival of the State. In October 1973, the armies of Egypt and Syria invaded Israel in a surprise attack on the holy day of Yom Kippur. Because Israel was surprised and not prepared for such an invasion, the Arab armies were poised to overrun the entire country of Israel and so the Prime Minister of Israel, Golda Meir called Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and told him that he must immediately send replacement aircraft, tanks, guns and ammunition or Israel would be lost. She added that two airplanes were loaded with an atomic bomb and that they would be used against Cairo and Damascus if help did not arrive soon. It was in part because Israel had atomic weapons at its disposal that the USA quickly responded to Golda Meir’s request and threat, and it was because of the Holocaust that Israel had

such modern and destructive weapons. Let me explain. In 1956, the Minister of Defense of Israel, Shimon Peres requested an atomic reactor from the French government. Peres was eager to have at Israel’s disposal atomic weapons so that his small country, surrounded by enemies eager to destroy the entire nation would be able to survive and give meaning to the concept of “never again.” The French government gave Israel what it wanted, because it understood how much Jews suffered during the Holocaust and understood that Israel needed such weaponry to survive. The Holocaust played a significant role in the creation of the State of Israel and so did it play a significant role in its survival. The pain and agony of what happened in Nazi Germany can never be forgotten nor forgiven. It will always remain the greatest tragedy to befall humankind. Yet in an important way, it led to the establishment as well as the survival of the country that would forever be a haven for the Jewish people. The words “never again” rose from the ashes of six million dying Jews and gave life to God’s chosen people. • Dr. Frank H. Boehm can be reached at frank.boehm@vumc.org

Letter to the Editor B

y way of introduction, I am a Christian Zionist and founding member of Christians United for Israel (CUFI). I have worked for Israel and the Jewish people on the CUFI platform since 2006. I have been the CUFI State Director as a volunteer for 16 years and retired as ambassador for CUFI. As you may know my passion is biblically-based and therefore solid. The article on gun control [in the June issue] caught my attention and I offer you feedback for thought. As you know language is a powerful force. Therefore, consider the article’s references to “killed by guns.” I have owned and used guns since I was 11 years old (I am now 85). These guns have never killed anyone. Although they were used to kill game, the gun did not do the killing, I did! There was a report on “gun homicide.” Is the homicide not committed by a person? Is the person not put on trial for justice? Is the gun arrested and put on trial to then go to prison as a deterrent to other guns? Next, we come to the favorite of the language manipulators: “gun violence.” Is a gun not an inanimate object, incapable of thought or action beyond the holder? Oh, how the language deceives. Next, we have the “automatic firearm” used at Covenant School. Actually, she [the shooter] had a “semi-automatic” rifle just like any other common rifle. The fact that is it on a military platform, made of carbon fiber for endurance and black in color does not change its basic function from any “normal” rifle, and not “automatic.” Later the article language turns to “assault weapon.” What a distinction. So, knives, stones, hammers, and fists are not called assault weapons, but a

semiautomatic rifle is. Again, language manipulation. Is language for truth or for certain agendas? The article says, “We have to talk to each other.” Yes! Honestly, hopefully, hearing ideas with rational consideration. Solutions here are difficult but should be pursued beyond language manipulations or agendas. Meanwhile, we must protect ourselves at work, in public, at synagogue, at church, at school. And use the same weapons that the perpetrators use: pistols or rifles as the situation dictates. You may choose to not carry a weapon, but if a shooter arrives at your location, you will welcome me beside you. I will add one concerning development that you might give thought to. Our governor wants a “red flag” law. If ever there was a loss of freedom that would be it. You could be tagged by anyone, justifiable or not, and be on a watchlist jeopardizing your place of work, your position in your community at large, or your faith community. As a minority [note: we are now a country of minorities, or literally tribes, including so-called Christians], it will be personal warfare, unmanageable by government authorities. Unintended consequences will abound. I do not have a solution. Mental illness and severe depression are blurred lines that science cannot discover. Therefore “red flag” will fail as a solution and hurt unjustly targeted people. It is not about the gun; it is all about who holds the gun! If you have read this far, thank you for hearing me, perhaps considering this feedback for future good. Thank you for the Observer.

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• July 2023

Get Connected Returns Nashville Teens to Israel By BARBARA DAB

fter a three-year hiatus, Nashville Jewish teens returned to Israel on the annual Get Connected trip. During the two-week trip the teens toured, studied, explored, and met up with their

counterparts in the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s partnership region of Hadera-Eiron. Next month’s Observer will feature some reflections from the participants. But, as they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words, so here are several thousand. •

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10 July 2023 •

AvevA’s soulful style influenced by family’s immigrant experience By ZOE BELL

veva Dese did not begin sharing her music with the world until after a serious car accident left her home for over a year. Now, she is a celebrated singer-songwriter who sells out VIP concert tickets. Dese, whose stage name is AvevA, said the car accident was a turning point for her. “As a kid, I always loved music; always loved singing, dancing to music, listening to music, but I didn’t really do anything about it until I was much older,” Dese said. “In high school, I used to write [songs], but only to myself. …While I was rehabilitating, it was a life-changing point in life because I didn’t really [have] the courage and belief in myself before that. And after that, I just decided to go after my dream and really start working on it and start singing in front of more people.” Her dream was to express herself through a mixture of soul, pop and traditional Ethiopian sounds, honoring her familial roots — Dese sings in both English and Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. While in recovery from her accident, Dese said she experienced depression, which worsened when her father passed away that same year. “It was really hard for the family also, but it really pushed me to the edge and I had a lot of time to think, to write, to process and it really gave me an optimistic side that I didn’t have before: really just deciding to be more bold, and just to do what I think I should do and not really

care about what people think I should do,” Dese said. “… Realizing I almost lost the opportunity to be here, I feel like I got a second chance literally. And that was just a thought that I had, like I don’t want to waste any time that I have here.” In 1984, Dese’s parents left home in Ethiopia and walked to a refugee camp in Sudan, where they lived for a few months before arriving in Israel. Her parents were among the nearly 45,000 Ethiopian Jews who fled to Israel between the 1980s and early 1990s. Dese, who was born and raised in Nazareth, Israel, said she tells her family’s story through her music. “I find music is a great educational tool; that’s what it was for me,” Dese said. “And I want to do the same for others, mainly educate the younger generations to come. I try to bring messages that I find most important, especially realizing that my family story won’t be told if we won’t tell it.” She added that she wants to speak for her people, the Ethiopian Jews who were persecuted in refugee camps in the

late 20th century. “For me, my parents’ story is the Israeli story,” Dese said. “It’s one of many Israeli stories, but it’s an Israeli story. It’s a Jewish story. The fact that they struggled for so many years, fighting for the rights to live as a Jewish people in a non-Jewish country who didn’t welcome them. It’s all part of my story. … It’s just part of who I am and I bring all the different types of who I am into my music.” Growing up and finding her place as an Ethiopian Israeli was not easy, Dese said. She hopes to bring messages of love and acceptance to Nashville when she performs there. “I hope that the audience will get the idea [of] diversity, cultural diversity, and how it’s a wonderful thing that we have and how we should cherish it and

celebrate it more than fight against the differences between one another,” Dese said. “I think it’s something that I talk about in my music. It’s something that I’ve experienced in my personal life as an Ethiopian Israeli who always struggled to find her place in between those two worlds. So, this would be my main hope: that people will find the joy and the celebration in this world, where we have so many different opinions, so many different backgrounds, so many different stories.” Dese said she wrote a song about racism inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words, titled, “Freedom“. Her music centers around a common theme of acceptance, appreciation for others and community. When she performs on stage, Dese said she “always” worries what other people think, but with time, she has grown to move past these fears. “It always comes [to] mind, but then I try to remind myself why I’m doing it, to remind myself that it’s mainly for me, then it’s important for me to stay true to myself,” Dese said of overcoming the anxiety of being onstage. “It’s all those small, critical, judgmental thoughts that I have while I perform. I always try to shut them down and just enjoy the moment and the connection that I get with the audience.” AvevA performed June 21 at The Analog at Hutton Hotel, sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. • zoe@jewishnashville.org

‘We’re glad it’s pride, but it feels different this year’ Jewish Nashvillians celebrate pride month amid anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in Tennessee By ZOE BELL

ilyFish Gomberg backed into her parking space at Vanderbilt University for a few weeks in order to conceal her rainbow flag bumper sticker. Working as a fellow for the Vanderbilt Hillel team, Gomberg feared for her safety amid “intense” antiLGBTQ+ protests on the campus. “Right now, it is not necessarily safe to be queer in Nashville, especially to be [transgender] in Nashville or Tennessee,” Gomberg said in an interview. In March, Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed a law that prohibits most types of gender-affirming care — such as puberty blockers and hormone therapies — for transgender minors. In the same week, Lee also signed a law that banned drag performances in public or in the presence of children, which was deemed unconstitutional and overturned by a federal judge June 2. “It’s very, very clear from the legislation being passed that the Tennessee government is incredibly transphobic and, in fact, aggressive towards trans people,” Gomberg said. Celebrating pride Despite these laws, members of the LGBTQ+ community in Nashville celebrated pride month throughout June. Jace Wilder, a master’s student at Vanderbilt, attended pride events in Pulaski, Columbia and Dickson County, Tennessee. He said more than 1,000 people showed up to

the Columbia Pride Festival, whereas the other events were smaller. Pulaski Pride on June 3 was one of the smaller celebrations, possibly due to the town’s history as the birthplace of the Ku Klux Klan. “With Pulaski, it was actually very small, but it was amazing…” Wilder said. “There is an amazing group of individuals who have come together and over the years fought against a lot of the oppressive issues that have happened in Pulaski and fought against the presence of the KKK at events.” He said for all of the three years Pulaski has held a pride festival, the celebration has nearly not happened, with this June being especially difficult for organizers. One specific challenge was finding security for the pride festival, a private event.

“But [pride] still happened and it was great because the bands that played were all local,” Wilder said. “They played as loud as possible to drown out any protesters that were walking through that were screaming any kind of hatred.” ‘Devastating’ drag ban Franklin, Tennessee held a pride event June 3 in Williamson County, home of Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, who Wilder said pushed for anti-LGBTQ+, specifically anti-trans, bills. The drag ban, which would have gone into effect July 1, was enforced in some places. “That pride wasn’t allowed to have drag queens,” Wilder said of Franklin Pride. “...They had a plan around not having drag in attendance, which I think for everyone kind of put a damper [on] the celebration because drag — whether for gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans individ-

uals or anyone else — is a huge portion of LGBTQ history and celebration. Also, I feel like drag naturally kind of brings the light to the party when it comes to pride celebrations and not having that present because of fear of being arrested is really damaging to the community.” He added that the absence of drag queens at Franklin Pride was “devastating.” In the 1960s and ‘70s, drag shows provided a source of revenue for the birth of LGBTQ+ organizations and raised millions of dollars to help combat the AIDS epidemic, according to an article by LGBTQ San Diego News. Two drag queens played a major role in the 1969 Stonewall riots, a violent six-day confrontation between the police and LGBTQ+ protesters. Gomberg, who recently left Nashville for unrelated reasons, said Franklin Pride was not as large as in previous years in part due to the recent legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community. “The emails I keep getting from every queer org this pride month say, like, ‘We’re glad it’s pride, but it feels different this year,’” Gomberg said. “We are under attack, and I mean, we’ve always been under attack and this year it feels bigger, especially in Tennessee with the drag bill.” They said there was also a sense of celebration given that the drag ban was overturned by a Memphis federal judge earlier in June. Peter Depp, a standup Continued on page 21

• July 2023

Thank you!

The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, on behalf of the 14 participating organizations in the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, recognizes our community members who have chosen to leave a legacy to secure the future of our community. As we celebrate the end of Year 6 of the program, our community has secured over 841 letters of intent with an estimated value of $25 million. Thank you for your support!

of Greater Nashville PA R T N E R I N G W I T H

Key: Blue means donor has formalized gift as of June 1, 2023 z”l – zichron L’Vracha – May their memory be for a blessing

12 July 2023 •

Anonymous (31) Anonymous (39) Stephen and Robin Abelman Richard and Patricia Abelson Ken Adler Kevin and Theresa Alexandroni Barry Allen Heidi Allen Peter Allingham Judy Allington-Baum Denise Alper K.N. and Felicia Anchor Avishay Aroas Harvey Asher Lawrence A. Averbuch Richard Barnett Carla Baron Howard and Joy Baum Gil Ben Ami Adele Berkon Estate of Minnie Berlin Tommy Bernard Brian and Didi Biesman Merle Born Jeremy and Jamie Brook Estate of Louis H. Brooks Starlet Burney Kathryn F. Calhoon Marjean Coddon and Henry Johs Lynne Cohen Marcia Cohen Mark A. and Robin Cohen Richard and Teena Cohen Sandy Cohen Terri Z. Cohen Victoria Cohen-Crumpton Erin Coleman Micah Coleman Pamela Compton Lanie and Bill (z”l) Cook Lauren Cooper Renette and Abe Corenswet (z”l) Mary Cornelius and Elaine Taubin John M. and Barbara Dab Karen Daniel Norman and Melissa Davis Michael Doochin Ben and Tish Doochin Karen A. Dotter Adam and Julie Dretler Michael and Mindy Drongowski Ari Dubin and Abigail Wolf Jerry A. and Rabbi Debbie Israel Dubin Chris Ehresman and Beth Davis Steven (z”l) and Gay Eisen Dan and Jill Eisenstein Jason Elbaz William E. Engel Richard Eskind Billy and Jamie Eskind Kevin and Andrea Falik Stan and Marco Fernandez-Schklar Suriva Fischer James and Royce Fishel Brad and Lori Fishel Nancy Gail Flexer Lee Forb Lisa B. Forberg Julie Fortune and Tony Jackson Gilbert III and Joyce (z”l) Fox Gil Fox (z”l) Marilyn G. Foyer Gary and Carol Fradkin Joe Freedman Mark S. and Leslie J. Klein Freedman Dara Freiberg Donald A. and Joyce E. Friedman Eitan and Nili Friedman

Robert Friedman Lawrence B. Fuldauer Ron and Faith Haber Galbraith Elliott Garrett Linda Geringer Frank and Barbara Ghertner Harris A. Gilbert Natalie Glazer Mark Glazer and Cindy Stone Bruce Howard Gold Michael and Cindee S. Gold Charles R. Goldberg Mark Goldfarb Dr. Fred and Martha U. Goldner (z”l) Dan and Amy Goldstein Deana Goldstein Kimberly Goldstein Bernie Goldstein (z”l) Lenn E. and Roberta Goodman Frank and Gwen Gordon Joel C. Gordon (z”l) Robert Gordon Lorna Graff Ralph Greenbaum Julie Greenberg Illene B. Gross Daniel Grossman Michael Gryll Reta Guttman (z”l) Rinah Hamberger Jim Handler Grant Hansell Shayna Hansen Brianna Harper Spencer Harper John and Heidi Hassenfeld Rachel Hauber Ron and Lynn Heady Steve and Sandra Hecklin David Heller Eugene (z”l) and Reva Heller Richard and Toni Heller Greg Hersh Bruce and Rae Hirsch Steven and Ellen Hirsch Gary and Hannah Bloom Hirschberg Doug and Melanie Hirt Kenneth and Mindy Hirt Adam and Ilana Horn Anita Howards Aryeh Hurwitz Larry and Carol Hyatt Seth and Sharone Hyatt Raymond and Nancy Jacobs Gail Gordon Jacobs Shoshana Jaffa Marsha Jaffa Mary Loventhal Jones Estate of Frances Kaminitz Rabbi Kenneth A. Kanter Aron and Batia Karabel Jeffrey & Brenda Karp Jackie Karr Marion A. Katz (z”l) Dr. Steve Kaufman Saul and Pam Kelner Paula Kholos Judy Kilgore Lloyd King Terry Klein King Leslie Kirby and Craig Smith Howard Kirschner Robert and Devora Kitchener Ruth Klar Marvin and Evelyn Koch Laurence B. Koch (z”l) Martin A and Sherri G. Kooperman Alan Koufer Keith and Meryl Kraft

Lee and Glenda Kraft Rabbi Joshua Kullock Adam and Valerie Landa Jeremy and Diana Landa Roslyn B. Landa Brian and Kim Lapidus Stephen and Leslye K. Lapidus Joseph A. Lattke Michael and Arielle Lebovitz Paul and Ruth Lebovitz Matt Leff Aaron and Celia Lerch Daniel and Kristine Levin Lawrence and Carolyn Levine Michael and Sherrie Levine Estate of Mark Edward Levitch Michael J. and Ellen G. Levitt Ruth Levitt Bennett Lieberman George Lieberman Phil & Yedida Eisenstat Lieberman Jan Abby Liff Martin and Ann Light Mitchell Light Alex and Bobbie Limor Miri Limor Menachem and Lea Limor (z”l) Yuri Livshitz Sheldon and Diana Lutz James Mackler Josh and Rena Malkovsky-Berger Brian and Victoria Marger Dru Markle-Bloom James A. and Patrice G. Marks Andrew May Jack May Martin and Barbara Mayden Marisa Mayhan Monica McCready Sara Melamed Warren Melamed Robert and Bonnie Miller Scott Miller Steve Morris Estate of Irene Nagrotsky Evan Nahmias Estate of Norma Neaderthal Jacob R. and April Nemer Robert and Martha L. Nemer Harvey J. and Barbara H. Olsher Scott and Anna-Gene O’Neal Richard and LaQuita Martin Orland Laurel Orley Andy Pargh Bernard and Maria Pargh Franklin Pargh Frank and Elaine Parker (z”l) Moises and Sharon Paz Joe Perlen Arthur and Lisa Perlen Maxine Perlen Suzy Perlman Estate of Ralph Pilsk Jessica Pinsly Jonathan Poster and Leora Horn Stephen J. and Ellen Vinocur Potash Peter S. (z”l) and Ruth G. Pressman David and Edria Ragosin Marsha Raimi Sylvia Rapoport Virginia W. Rapoport (z”l) Steven and Esther Remer Rabbi Flip and Rabbi Laurie Rice Thomas and Audrey Rice Dudley and Peggy Richter Evan Rittenberg Stephen S. Riven Bruce C. Robins

Van Robins Russ and Leslie Robinson Michael and Ellen Rosen Estate of Betty Lee Rosen Scott Rosenberg S. Trent Rosenbloom and Ellie Weiss Rodney and Lynne L. Rosenblum Mark and Carla Rosenthal Jon and Iris Rotker Howard C. Rubin Marilyn Rubin Eileen Ruchman Ben and Marissa Russ Freya M. Sachs Eugene and Ruthi Sacks Larry Sacks Kenneth and Marla Sanderson Michael Sanderson Andy and Laura Saul Laura P. Saul Leslie Sax Mark and Goldie Shepard Mike and Lisa Shmerling Phillip and Laura Shmerling Richard and Molly Schneider Andrew and Rachel Schulman James and Suzanne Schulman Estate of Barbara W. Schwartz Charlotte Seloff Faye Serkin (z”l) Joan Shayne Martin H. Singer Brian and Shannon Small Doug and Bonnie Small Elise Small Robert Smith Russell and Judith Smith Larry and Barbara Speller Nan E. Speller Shirley Speyer Avi and Rachel Spielman Dr. Richard and Dr. Adele Stein David Steine, Jr. Sarah K. Sten Lee T. and Marcia Stewart Eric Stillman Hope S. Stringer Rabbi Saul Strosberg and Rabba Daniella Pressner Elaine Taubin Andrea Thaler Ted Thaler Rabbi Yitzchok and Esther Tiechtel Alyssa Trachtman Michelle Trachtman Sy Trachtman (z”l) Cynthia Trainer Debra Turriciano Jacob and Kelly Unger Adam and Katie Wayne Howard L. and Karen Weil Rami and Janet Weismark Chaim Weitman Daniel Weitz Melissa Werthan Moshe and Libby Werthan Rachel Whitney Titus and Christie Wiemers Richard and Beth Wise Stuart and Debbie Wiston Larry and Sally (z”l) Wolfe Yoseph Yaffe Uzi and Yaara Yemin Greg and Erin Zagnoev Rebekah Zeitlin Shirley Zeitlin Bernard Zelenka Raymond and Etta Zimmerman David M. Zolensky

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES:

of Greater Nashville

To learn more about the LIFE & LEGACY™ program in our community, contact Norma Shirk at Norma@jewishnashville.org or 615-354-1678.

• July 2023

West End Synagogue Presents Nathan Davis and Goldstein Awards C

eila Wiston was the 2023 recipient of the Nathan Davis Award, given annually by West End Synagogue to the outstanding student in the Beit Miriam graduation class. Wiston, a rising senior at Hendersonville High School, was presented the award during graduation ceremonies on June 2 by past president, Charlotte Davis Seloff, granddaughter of Nathan Davis. Nathan Davis, president of West End Synagogue from 1931 to 1934, was so loved and respected that he was given the honorary title of president for life in 1935, a year before his untimely death at the age of 52. His family established the award in 1936 because Jewish education for the young people of the congregation was his first imperative. Charlotte shared a bit of her grandfather’s history with the graduates. “Nathan Davis moved to America from Russia in the early 1900’s and settled in Wiggins, Mississippi. He and his cousin decided to buy a horse and buggy and sold everyday items that farmers and their wives could use. They walked for miles selling their wares until they saved up enough money to open a general store. Nathan Davis married and had four children. His wife Eva had a sister living in Nashville who told them to move there because business was booming. And they did. They opened a ladies’ ready-to-wear store in downtown Nashville near the square and joined the Kahal Kodesh Adath Israel (aka the Gay Street Synagogue) which was also located downtown. Nathan Davis became interested in the religious school because he wanted his children and all the children in the synagogue to become knowledgeable, proud Jews. He was eventually elected president of the synagogue and given the honorary title of “President for Life.” Unfortunately, he died of a stroke at the age of 52. When he died, his wife Eva and son Morris Davis, decided to create an award to be presented to the outstanding student in the West End Synagogue Religious School in his memory. Following Morris Davis’ death in 2005, the award was endowed in perpetuity with the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The Nathan Davis Award is the oldest continuously presented award in the Nashville Jewish community. The Davis award is given to the student who shows excellence in religious studies, leadership abilities, a positive attitude toward Jewish learning, dedication, commitment, honesty, sincerity, a cooperative attitude, respect for others, and involvement in youth activities and synagogue affairs. The

Celia Kaita Wiston, recipient of Beit Miriam 2023 Nathan Davis Award

Max Harrison Lapidus, honored with passing on the Chain of Tradition

recipient is chosen by the professional staff and teachers. Wiston has attended religious school at West End Synagogue since fourth grade. She has read Torah and/or Haftarah on the High Holidays every year since becoming bat mitzvah. She taught T’filah, prayer, at Beit Miriam this year and served as president of our USY chapter for the past two years. In addition, she was elected Executive Vice President in charge of Religion and Education on our regional USY Board, HaNegev. She and our USY chapter officers planned and executed the USY/Kadima Ein Gedi subregional convention that was held at WES this past March. Eighty students from around the subregion came in for the weekend. Celia attended Akiva School and has attended Camp Ramah Darom for the past eight years. She is going on Ramah Seminar to Poland and Israel this summer. Henry Rhoades Sterling was the recipient of the Sandi & Bernie Goldstein Award for active and meaningful community service. presented at the Beit Miriam graduation ceremony. Sterling is a rising senior at Franklin High School. The annual award was established in perpetuity in 2015 by Bernie Goldstein and his children, Steven, Ronna, and Stewart to honor an outstanding student in the Beit Miriam graduating class, in loving memory of their wife and mother, Sandra Goldstein. Sandra was described as an Ayshet Chayil, a woman of valor. She advocated “Tikkun Olam,” giving back by helping others in the community. She valued being involved in the Jewish and non-Jewish community. It

was the family’s intent and hope that this award would serve as an inspiration for West End Synagogue high school students to increase awareness and promote Tzedakah and community service, as a duty and core trait of the Jewish Faith. The award was renamed the Sandi & Bernie Goldstein Award upon the death of Bernie Goldstein last year. Bernie was also a past president of West End Synagogue. Award recipient, Henry Rhoades Sterling has been an active member of Boy Scout Troop 86 since he was in the fifth grade. He has volunteered to help in several projects in the Nashville Jewish community through the Scouts and through Beit Miriam and wants to make a difference. Elizabeth Link, the Troop 86 committee chair wrote the following about Henry. “I have known Henry for the past six years as an adult leader of Troop 86. He has developed into a motivated, independent, and high achieving member of our troop. He is very responsible, and his attendance has been impeccable. Since his sophomore year, Henry has served in leadership positions, for 18 months as a Patrol leader in charge of 8-10 boys during weekly meetings and on campouts. He is currently a Troop guide and oversees a team of instructors. Henry’s skills and dedication have influenced dozens of younger boys. On two separate occasions, he traveled with the troop to Waverly, TN to help clean up Trace Creek after the devastating flood there in 2021. Henry volunteered on his own time at Second Harvest Food Bank helping to stock and organize the food pantry and at Project Cure helping to sort medical

Henry Nathaniel Rhoades Sterling, recipient of the 2023 Sandi & Bernie Goldstein Award for Community Service.

equipment for shipment to countries in need. Henry is a hardworking and kind young man who has volunteered to help his community and even people far from home. He is an excellent role model for our younger scouts. He plans to be an Eagle Scout and will be organizing his own service project in the coming months.” Max Lapidus, a rising senior at USN, was given the honor of passing on our chain of Tradition, the link from the Beit Miriam graduating class of 2023 to the class of 2024. He alone in the class carries the tradition of generational involvement in West End Synagogue. His great-great grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Lapidus, his great grandparents, Lillian and Harold Lapidus, his grandparents Steve and Leslye Lapidus and his parents, Brian and Kim Lapidus have all taken leadership roles in our Synagogue. Max just returned from a semester in Israel on the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program and was elected Regional President of BBYO. Ariela Lowen, a rising junior at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood accepted the Chain of Tradition from Max Lapidus on behalf of the Beit Miriam graduating class of 2024. Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning at West End Synagogue commenting on the award recipients, said, “These three students are all deserving of the recognition they received. They are all active and involved in the Jewish community and in our school and they are also kind-hearted, generous, Jewishly committed and caring teens. I am so proud of them all.” •

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

14 July 2023 •

Camp Davis is underway here at the J! By ANDREW FISHMAN, DIRECTOR OF CAMP DAVIS

ummer has kicked off to a great start and campers have been swimming, creating, dancing, playing, hiking, and so much more. Smiles have never been bigger and Ruach sessions have never been

so spirited. Swim tests have been passed, pedal cars have been raced, and zip lines have been zipped. Mika, our Israeli Shlicha, has brought her expertise to our campers and they’re having such a great time learning about Israel. Our incredible team is working hard to bring your kiddos their best summer ever, so here’s a little

Bunkmates turn into friends!

snapshot of how it’s going so far: Shannon Dilks: “It has been so fun in specialty camps to see all of the returning campers and how they’ve grown over the summer. We have also made many new friends and learned so many great skills from cooking to fashion design to dance.” Destin Wade: “Camp Davis is the

best summer camp ever! All the kids are so excited to be here and so are the counselors. We are all having a great time this year.” There are still a few spots left in the remaining weeks, so head to campdavisnashville.com or contact Andrew@ nashvillejcc.org to register! •

Showing our love for Israel.

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• July 2023

Local Teens Spend the Semester in Israel By BARBARA DAB

his past spring semester, four teens from Nashville’s Jewish community participated in the Alexander Muss High School in Israel program. For four months the teens, Eden Rice, Max Lapidus, Jackson Schneider, and Ben Poster, studied, traveled, and experienced life in Israel. The program focuses on academics while building life skills that students will carry with them into their futures. Below are reflections from two of the participants, Eden Rice and Max Lapidus. For more information on the AMHSI program, visit www.amhsi.org.

Pictured l. to r.: Jackson Schneider, Ben Poster, Eden Rice, Max Lapidus

After spending the past four months in Israel, it would be hard for me to pinpoint one life changing moment because there were so many. We traveled around Israel, confronted the tragic history of our people in Poland, and hiked from the Mediterranean to the Kinneret. We spent time in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Tzfat, Haifa, the Golan, Eilat, and all over the Negev. Though Israel and all of its stories were outstanding and definitely life changing, when people ask me what the best part was, I immediately say the people. I made forever friends from all over country, and I can’t imagine not having them with me as I experienced this past semester. One major highlight was Yam l’Yam, a 45-mile hike from sea to sea. We spent every day hiking and swimming in beautiful waterfalls until we arrived at a new campsite each night where we would reflect on our day, make a fire, and cuddle up in our tents. Another element that had a huge impact on me was our trip to Poland. Though it was difficult, visiting the camps and old ghettos was very eye opening and meaningful. We visited Yad Vashem before we left, and our Israeli Studies teachers helped us understand and deal with the painful stories from and memorials to our past. Going on Muss was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve come home feeling more confident in myself and in my knowledge of Israel’s long and complicated history. I now eagerly wait for the day that my friends and I can reunite on the beaches of Tel Aviv, return to the Kotel, and experience Israel’s magic again. — Eden Rice

Nashville students in Israel with Alexander Muss High School in Israel program.

Prior to going, Alexander Muss High School in Israel was always described as the best four months of someone’s life. I heard this phrase so many times, but now I truly understand it. If I had to reflect on what was most important, I would immediately answer the people. All my best memories were formed surrounded by them. They are people who I know will be in my life in the future. Apart from the people, we also took part in some amazing field trips. Our hikes took us to places with spectacular views where we could see all of Israel. Our trips allowed us to dive into the history of Israel. Apart from the history, our trips also allowed us to explore the culture of the country. Our weekends spent in different cities allowed us to dive into different cultures within the country. We also took trips, on which we were able to learn more about ourselves. Our four-day hike across the country gave us time to reflect on how we grew during the semester. We reflected on memories and how

thankful we were for our time in Israel. The final aspect of this journey, which I thought was most impactful was the way it allowed me to grow as a person. For the first time I was thrown into a situation where I had to balance both school and real life without my parents. Along with this I now had to make sure I was taking care of my sleep and my eating. Being in this situation prepared me for the future when I will attend college. Being in a foreign country, I was also forced to figure out how to make it around with a language barrier. I had to learn and adapt to situations whether that was in different cities or even just on the program. Learning how to live alone and adapt were things that helped me grow as a person during these four months. In conclusion these four months really were the best four months of my life, and I would strongly suggest going on the trip. — Max Lapidus

Get Outside: Nature Is A Cheap Date By MELISSA SOSTRIN

esides the mental, physical, and spiritual benefits of being out in nature there is the benefit to your wallet. Nature can be a very cheap date, and the over 99 miles of greenways in Nashville are certainly that. For the low, low cost of walking, biking, or driving to the nearest one you will most likely have close access to one of the eight major water corridors along which they run. The origin of greenways goes back to the 19th century park-planning era which afforded access to open spaces close to where urban dwellers lived. These days, you might pass close to residential backyards, a golf course, or a major water treatment plant. You might hear the roar of traffic, however, very soon you might be surrounded by woods or pastures, or close to a rushing river or creek. Towhees, cardinals, wrens, bluebirds, chickadees and more tweet and warble as you amble along. Under a rock overhang along the Stones River, we came face to face with a groundhog. Depending on the time and day of the week you might be alone or have plenty of company. Unfortunately, many of the bikers are unaware that the greenways are not raceways, and that road manners dictate that they call out “on your left” as they pass. Ah, well, even Eden had its serpents so beware. Recently, we explored much of the 10 miles of the Stones River Greenway which has seven trailheads and connects Shelby Bottoms to the J. Percy Priest Dam and the Cumberland River Pedestrian

16 July 2023 •

bridge. Across the street from the J. Percy Priest Dam trailhead is a ranger station which interestingly is closed Saturday and Sunday. On a beautiful recent Sunday along a stretch of the 213 miles of shoreline, several families were grilling, and a gentleman preparing to picnic on the shore told us that it would be wall-towall people once everyone got there after church. Nearby, a family lazed, without life jackets in a raft. Given the potential for danger, my catastrophizing self wondered, “Why no rangers?” The trailhead has restrooms and a large dog park as well as, of course, proximity to the powerful dam which annually generates 70 million kilowatt-hours of electricity (the average American household consumes 10,632 kilowatt-hours per year.) It also contributes to flood control in the Cumberland Valley. At the Heartland trailhead there is a sign which indicates the height the waters reached in the May 2010 flood when a record 13.5 inches of rain fell in two days causing the river to crest at 52.5 feet. The Army Corps of Engineers has speculated that had there been no dams to control the river, it could have crested as much as five feet higher. The five-mile-long Richland Creek Greenway, though far more congested, meanders through woods connecting Sylvan Park to Cherokee Park and offered a surprise history lesson to this transplant. At the White Bridge Road trailhead are a couple of relics from the 1918 train wreck that occurred there at Dutchman’s Curve. Caused by human error, in a Belle Meade zip code no less, it

was one of the worst railroad accidents in United States history with 101 fatalities and 171 injuries. It also makes for one of those dreaded math problems with one train leaving Nashville headed for Memphis while the other was coming from Memphis and had passed Bellevue 35 minutes behind schedule. The accident occurred where one section of the route was single-track. The 9.8-mile Mill Creek Greenway follows the creek and provides access to a playground, a community garden, schools, soccer fields, picnic areas, and more. It’s quite flat for the most part which is great for bike riding with children. On different outings we’ve seen herons, snakes, and deer, and have been

told that in some parts one can easily catch crayfish. Or do you say crawfish? Or crawdad? Unfortunately, some parts have trash along the trail and by the water’s edge. Happily, there are more greenways being planned or already under construction including one that will link the Stones River Greenway to Opry Mills. Plans to extend the 440 Greenway are also underway. When complete its seven miles will be part of the planned 35-milelong City Central Greenway, a loop that will encircle the core of Nashville and connect it to surrounding neighborhoods. Maybe if we can’t get the major public transportation figured out, we can become a biking city like Amsterdam. •

July in The Galleries: Featuring the Work of Hal Wright, Daniel Hall and Camp Davis Art

he Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Hal Wright. Watercolor artist, Wright’s work has been described as “eye-catching,” “engaging,” “whimsical,” “heartfelt,” bold,” “bright,” and “unique.” His paintings are sometimes of familiar places and things though he often paints from imagination and memory, bending reality in hopes of making it more interesting or mysterious. Wright began painting in his sixties following a long career in business. He developed his art skills through reading, studying the works of others, and participating in many, many workshops. The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the work of Daniel Hall. Hall’s medium is drawing. He specializes in portraiture using graphite pencil. His work is focused on characters or celebrities who have influenced his life in some way. This is his first exhibit in the Gordon JCC galleries. The Sig Held Gallery will feature the art of the Camp Davis summer camps which include Nature and Fashion Camp art amongst other specialty camps. The Senior Lounge Art Gallery continues to show the art of Marla Faith. The House gallery will feature the Under One Roof collaborative exhibit. The Art Reception will be

Batman, by Daniel Hall

Bosc and D’anjou at the edge of the very dark woods, by Hal Wright

Wednesday, July 19 from 6 – 8pm. The Exhibition Dates are May 1 -30. 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. •

Happy Kids, Happy Faces, Summer Fun at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool

Clint Eastwood, by Daniel Hall

Fashion Sketch

hildren at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool summer camp are enjoying the beautiful outdoor campus of their preschool, with summer fun activities of swimming, splashing, biking and riding, while they learn to share with their friends as they glide down the great big preschool waterslide. For more information about the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool please call 615646-5750. Only a few spaces open for the fall period. •

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR LOCAL PARKISON'S COMMUNITY! Navigating the Parkinson's Path: Insights and Information on Improved Living When: Saturday, August 12th Doors open at 8am, programming begins at 9am

Parkinson's Support Group Meeting When: 2nd Wednesday of every month (10:00am)

Peterson's Voices When: Thursday's (10:30am - 11:30am)

Pickleball When: Tuesday & Sunday (2:00pm - 3:00pm)

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

For more information visit petersonforparkinsons.org

• July 2023

Moishe House Continued from page 1

adult landscape looked very different, with fewer people in the demographic. Enter Moishe House Without Walls, (MHWOW), a scaled back program that provides Jewish programming in a smaller, more intimate setting in an apartment, the park, or a local bar. “I wanted to live in a place where I could bring people in and get to know each other in a Jewish space,” says Groner. And so, she became a MHWOW host. Liza Moskowitz, who lives in Nashville but worked for Moishe House previously in Chicago, says it was clear MHWOW would be successful in Nashville. “We knew it was growing and it was a way to support a community that did not have a Moishe House.” Moskowitz says programs like MHWOW can have a big impact in smaller communities. “The work in smaller Jewish communities is almost more important because it has to be an actual choice to become involved. In larger cities, Judaism can be in your life more passively.” Moskowitz says it was Groner who paved the way for Moishe House Nashville. “This is a vibrant community that loves Moishe House,” she says. Groner reached out to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville for help building a full-fledged Moishe House. The group applied for and received some funding through a Federation Innovation Grant. The first residents moved in during the summer of 2021, in the midst of the Covid19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the first three residents, Groner, Capin, and Shea Northfield, were able to create programming that offered a little something for everyone from feminist book groups, to swap meets, to Shabbat dinners. As the remaining founding resident, Northfield says the transition, while expected, is bittersweet. “I’m grateful to be part of the founding group, and grateful for all the moments we shared.” And she is looking forward to some new ideas and is focused on helping meet the community’s needs. “The community changes when the residents change, which is why there are limits on the number of years someone can live in Moishe House. This is a living ecosystem, and the next great idea [for a program] might not have been thought of yet.” There is that word again, “ecosystem.” As Moishe House Nashville has developed and grown, it has become a visible presence, partnering with other organized Jewish groups on programs and events. Moskowitz says it is perhaps

18 July 2023 •

an unintentional consequence of being a smaller Jewish community. “Moishe House is interconnected with the rest of the community. There is a sense of ownership. We have a stake here.” And Moishe House residents and participants can often be seen at synagogue services, Federation events, and fundraisers. Sometimes evolving means circling back to explore earlier goals. According to Dave Press, senior director of advancement for Moishe House, Moishe House is no longer just about houses. “That will always be at the core, but it has evolved into a global platform for young adult engagement, leadership development and Jewish enrichment,” he says, “Nashville, like many other cities, has experienced rapid growth - particularly among young adults in the 21 to 32 age range in recent years. This demographic plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the Jewish community. As Nashville’s young Jewish population expands, the presence of Moishe House becomes increasingly vital.” Locally, Moskowitz says the next logical step is to focus on being relevant for participants who are getting older. “It’s important to look at the role Moishe House wants to play for the older end of the demographic. The regular programming isn’t always the right fit.” Groner herself moved out of the house last summer to travel and engage in personal growth, is once again a MHWOW host. This time around, though, she is focused on that slightly older, 28- to 32-year-old demographic. “I wanted to revisit the program, but I am older now, so I wanted to focus on my friends who are approaching their 30s,” she says. For the past six months, Groner has hosted smaller, more intimate gatherings, and one seder in partnership with East Side Tribe. When asked if Nashville’s young adult Jewish community can sustain both MHWOW and Moishe House, Northfield says some coordination might be needed. “We are still navigating that. We want to complement each other,” she says. Proof that Moishe House’s presence in Nashville has struck a chord could be found in the number of applicants the current group received from potential new residents. “It was great that we had so many applicants, but it was challenging,” says Northfield. She says the goal is to find creative ways to include and involve those who were not chosen. “There could only be two, which means most of the applicants were not picked.” Moishe House’s funding comes from a combination of support from the national organization, grants from the Federation, and private donations. Press says, “The mission is to attract investment from the local community. We expect 75 to 80 percent of the funding to come locally.” The value of the program is not lost on Horwitz who, in addition to finding a satisfying career path through Moishe House, also met his wife at a Moishe House learning retreat more than 10 years ago. “Nashville is growing, Moishe House is growing, I hope our community can find meaningful ways to support it.” For her part, Kirby says Moishe House is a valuable tool to not only develop young adult connections, but in securing the future of the Jewish community. “I’ve been working closely with Moishe House International to build up local support for the program in the broader Nashville Jewish community, and I look forward to talking about Moishe House with our donors who are interested in building future leaders.” •

Rabbi and Doctor Continued from page 3

around at the day school,” says Boehm. And Schiftan even took his place on the bimah for a moment of triumph and reflection. “I felt totally at home there,” says Schiftan.” Still, during services, the two stood to say Kaddish. “We wanted to say it [kaddish] even though it wasn’t a yahrtzeit. We wanted to pay respect and remember,” says Boehm.

Just a day after their return, Boehm and Schiftan reflect on all they saw and what they found. Schiftan says he was struck by the comparison between the book burnings in the 1930s and what is happening in the United States today. As the two stood in front of Berlin’s main

university, the site where 20,000 banned books were burned in 1933, Schiftan says, “We have a long way to go in this country to deal with the fear of looking at our problematic past as opposed to looking at those lessons and seeing how we can atone so it doesn’t happen again.” Schiftan shares a prophetic quote from German author Heinrich Heine who said in the early 1920s, “Wherever they burn books they will also, in the end, burn human beings.” Both Schiftan and Boehm say this trip was an opportunity to not only learn but to pay homage to their parents. “I was always enamored by my father’s vision and his decision to leave Germany. After he heard Hitler speak in 1931 or ’32, he told my mother they had to leave,” says Boehm. Schiftan says he experienced a full range of emotion. “We saw horrific sites that made me wonder how this all could have happened. And other moments where the part of me of Germanic descent felt at home. I felt my father’s presence with me.” Schiftan also says many questions remain that will remain unanswered. “I would have loved to have asked my parents: what was it like? That sense that things were closing in. What was it like leaving your family behind? How often did you think about your brothers, your mother, and what happened to them? I think my father would have loved knowing his son came back and stood as a Jew in his homeland.” Boehm says, “A rabbi and a doctor walked into Berlin and felt everything that was there.” •

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

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah

Meet in Person for Prayer and Cholent Chabad of Nashville is a happening place on Shabbat mornings. Join community and Friends for Shabbat morning services, replete with joyful prayer, kavanah, simcha and great energy. Join Chabad on Shabbat mornings at 10:00 AM for prayer and Torah reading, inspiring learning and a weekly sermon, followed by a hot cholent, freshly baked Challah, a gourmet buffet lunch, and a weekly farbrengen with some friendly L’Chaim.

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in July Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evening, July 14 and 28, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville. There is no cost to attend the TGIS Shabbat experience, however we kindly request that you RSVP by letting us know you will be attending at chabadnashville@ gmail.com

Congregation Beit Tefilah to hold Tisha B’Av Memorial Service The Jewish Memorial Day, The Fast of the Ninth of the Jewish month of Av, Tisha b’Av, marks the end of a three - week period of mourning during which our people remember the series of events that led to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem and the destruction of our people’s first Temple on that date in the year 586 BCE. Tisha B’Av is on Shabbat this year, and the fast is therefore postponed for Sunday, the tenth of Av. The fast starts on sundown on Wednesday, July 26, the eighth of Av, 7:58 PM, and lasts until the following nightfall, Thursday, July 27, 8:26 PM. During this time-period we fast, eschew pleasurable activities, and lament the destruction of the Holy Temple and our nation’s exile. On the eve of Tisha B’Av, we gather in the synagogue to read the Book of Lamentations. Tallit and Tefillin are not worn during the morning prayers. After the morning prayers we recite Kinot (elegies). We put on the Tallit and Tefillin for the afternoon prayers. To commemorate this day, Congregation Beit Tefilah will hold a Tisha B’Av Memorial Service with the reading of the Book of Lamentations, known as the Book of Eicha by candlelight. This will take place on Wednesday night, July 26, at 8:30 PM. On Thursay, July 27, Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad will have a Tisha B’Av Mincha Service and Torah reading at 7:00 PM and will be followed by a light break fast after dark. For more information or to learn more about Tisha B’Av go to chabadnashville.com.

Email ChabadNashville@gmail.com, with your name and email address, and include the topics and text that you would like to study, and we will set you up with a study partner, that will add to your purpose and meaning in life.

@ 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 on YouTube, Zoom, and our Livestream. 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 hors d’oeuvres and refreshments are served.

Saturday Morning Torah Study: Saturdays at 9 AM on Zoom

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

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

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

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

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.

July Events: Micah Reads: Monday, July 10, at 7 PM on Zoom

Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on the book Gateway to the Moon by Mary Morris in July.

@ Sherith Israel Mrs. Smiley’s Southern Style Fried Chicken Dinner Friday Night, July 14th Services at 6:45 pm, Dinner at 7:30 pm Adults $20, Kids $13 RSVP with the Shul office or online

Tisha B’Av Evening Service Wednesday Night, July 26th Maariv and Megillat Eicha. 8pm. All are welcome.

Torah and Tea - for Women by Women Join an all-woman’s Torah and Tea leadership study group every Shabbat, following the sit down lunch, at congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, at 1:00 PM. The study group is led by Rebetzen Esther Tiechtel, who teaches with wisdom and wit, and embraces each participant with warmth and friendship. Torah and Tea will bring you this tradition of classical Jewish learning in a series of clear and engaging weekly classes. Probing the ideas and issues related to the modern Jewish woman, these classes will offer timely lessons -from the most timeless of all texts. Join together with fellow women from the Nashville community, for inspiring Torah study, warm camaraderie, hot tea and delicious refreshments!

Looking for a Chavrutah study Partner? Looking for a study partner? Wanted to learn with someone but don’t know where to turn to? Call Chabad Of Nashville and we will set you up with your own personal study partner, where you choose the topic and text, and reach great heights in your spiritual journey of life.

@ The Temple 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 Continued on page 20

• July 2023

At Our Congregations… Continued from page 19

Shabbat Schedule for July

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org. Friday, July 7th ~ 6:00 PM Friday, July 14th~ 6:00 PM Friday, July 21st~6:00 PM- SONG WRITERS SHABBAT WITH BIRTHDAY BLESSINGS Friday, July 28th ~ 6:00 PM – BLUE JEAN SHABBAT

Temple Songwriter’s Shabbat:

For the seventh year in a row, The Temple is excited for Songwriter’s Shabbat on Friday, July 21 at 6:00pm - a fun Shabbat service featuring music written by our own Temple members! This service has become a beloved tradition in our Temple community and we look forward to a night of beautiful music and pride in our Temple family.

Golden Lunch Bunch

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on July 4: No lunch, Happy Independence Day!!! July 18: Russ Davis 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

Taste of Judaism with Rabbi Rami Shapiro

Join Rabbi Shapiro and learn everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in three easy lessons on the following Tuesdays in July. July 11th, 18th, 25th 7:00pm at The Temple Check thetemplehub.org for more information

Women’s Torah Study July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th 10:30 AM

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

Lunch with the Rabbi July 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Lunch at 11:30AM Program12:00-1:00 PM $15 per person for lunch

Engage with Rabbi Danziger and guests in a discussion of current and important issues from a Jewish perspective. RSVP on 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! July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st 1:00pm Drop in for Mah Jongg. We’ll have coffee and water. Bring your friends, a card, and a set and have some fun. Mah Jongg cards and sets are available for purchase in The Temple Gift Shop.

Writers of the Lost Ark First Wednesday of the Month July 5th 7:00-8:00 PM

Are you looking for a creative outlet? Writers of the Lost Ark, our Temple writer’s group, meets the first Wednesday of each month currently via Zoom. This is a safe, supportive, and no pressure environment to share your creative ideas whether they be stories, songs, poems, or praise. The group is open to all regardless of how little or how long you’ve been writing. Those curious to find their creative side are welcome as well. For more information, please contact ninapacent@bellsouth.net.

@ West End For links to the following online services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org

Tisha b’Av

You are invited to observe Tisha b’Av with us at West End Synagogue. In person services will be held on Wednesday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m., and Thursday July 27 at 7:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

20 July 2023 •

Birthday Shabbat

Join us on Shabbat morning, July 22, for a special celebration of our July birthdays. The main service begins at 9:30 a.m. and a kiddush sponsored by the synagogue will follow. Everyone is welcome.

Class with Rabbi Ari Bursztein

Rabbi Bursztein will be teaching a class on Tuesday mornings (July 11, 18, and 25) following minyan. This month’s topic will be, “Studying the Laws Regarding Tisha B’Av”.

Order Your Weekly Challah from Sisterhood Challah is 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 8 challah rolls. Plain is $7/each, the rest are $8/each. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhQUa6iflZvg8gP-sOaREXK8JNGloMceEBkuvUynahkVdt8A/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1jz_oKOT8Df3E82W7iNu8TX_ G70Nc3bOXOEJ25r73efxnvQT3ATFijvC0

Shacharit (in person)

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

Mincha (on Zoom)

Join us for daily Mincha (afternoon Zoom only service) at 6:00 p.m., Sunday-Friday on Zoom only.

Kabbalat Shabbat

You are invited to join us every Friday evening at 6:00 pm in person for Kabbalat Shabbat & Maariv services. Until August, there is no Shabbat Zoom, we will zoom only for the weekday 6:00 p.m. minyan.

Morning Shabbat services

You are invited to join us on Saturday mornings in person (Until August, there is no Shabbat Zoom, we will zoom only for the weekday 6:00 p.m. minyan.) at 9:30 a.m. There will be great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion and a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services!

Torah study

Join us for breakfast and study of the weekly parasha with Nechemya Rosenfeld every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. following morning minyan at 7:00 a.m.

Community Listings Hadassah Gabrielle Schonder presented her Frontline program NRA Under Fire on May 31st. Gabrielle is a multi-award winning director at Frontline and 60 Minutes. She is a 2022 Nieman Fellow at Harvard University and the daughter of our past president Deana Goldstein. NRA Under Fire was an interesting look into the history of the NRA and how it has become the powerful organization it is today. Gabrielle did a masterful job examining the school shootings at Parkland and Sandy Hook. We were joined by Quin Evans Segall who is the Vice Chair of Nashville’s Industrial Development Board and a candidate for an at-large seat on Metro Council. We had an informative and interesting discussion on gun control and legislation in Washington DC and Tennessee. Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderful program. We look forward to having Gabrielle with us again soon as she presents her newest documentary America’s Dangerous Trucks, which airs on PBS on June 13th. BOOK CLUB On Sunday August 20th we will meet at 4pm to discuss The Girl From San-Daniele by Ilan Bahar. Judy Abromowitz will host this event. We look forward to seeing you! Come and stretch your mind! Join us for our three-part interactive study session: Women of Action, Past and Present. Facilitator: Edria Ragosin Thursday August 24th Thursday September 28th Thursday October 26th Your donation of $18 will go to support Youth Aliyah Time and location to be announced. •

Heart of the Matter

LET’S TALK RETIREMENT!

FYI Here’s the quote most often heard from people discussing plans for retirement: “One of the main things I plan to do when I retire is TRAVEL.”

By ASHLEY FRANKLIN

hope everyone is enjoying their summer! As a social worker, it feels really special to work for an agency that has the time, compassion, and values to reach out into the community and be proactive about finding resources for families and individuals. We don’t just wait for people to show up for help- we find them too! It is always a great experience to watch the community come together to collect school supplies, Hanukkah gifts, and other items for our families. We are

Pride Month Continued from page 11

comedian living in Nashville, said the original ban may have been counterintuitive in that more Americans have focused on drag ever since Lee signed Senate Bill 3. “With the drag ban… it’s done the opposite effect for drag,” Depp said. “‘Parent advisory’ stickers back in the ‘80s and ‘90s drove people to want to buy those albums. No one wanted an album that didn’t have a ‘parent advisory’ sticker and it wasn’t cool. I mean, drag was already cool. Obviously, RuPaul’s Drag Race, it’s already happening. It’s high-profile. [The ban] created this sense of, like, it’s even cooler, like a ‘parental advisory’ sticker on it.” He added that LGBTQ+ allies spoke up against the drag ban, including singer-songwriter Lizzo, who invited drag queens onstage at her Knoxville concert in April in protest of Tennessee’s legislation. Being LGBTQ+ in Tennessee Wilder said he was able to connect with other attendees at Pulaski Pride through conversations about the oppression that the LGBTQ+ community has faced in Tennessee. “For me, as a trans person who has lived in Tennessee his entire life, this is my community; this is my family,” said Wilder, who is originally from Cheatham County. “This is my home. And I think that it’s beyond ridiculous to ever imagine that you can drive someone out of their own home just because it gets you political brownie points.” Wilder works as education manager for the Tennessee Equality Project, a nonprofit organization that advocates for equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee through legislative advocacy. He has spoken in front of committees and to legislators about what it means to be trans and how certain legislation can harm trans people. “It has definitely enraged me because I see both the injustice that’s happening [to] youth as if their lives aren’t hard enough being in the South and seeing state oppression forced onto them…, but also having to see my own community suffer has been really difficult, but I’m so proud to have continued the fight here,” Wilder said. “And that I think that we have shown that no amount of pawn politics can get rid of us.” Judaism and pride Gomberg, who regularly wears a rainbow kippah, said their Jewish and LGBTQ+ identities have been intertwined. “For me, they’ve always been super connected,” Gomberg said. “I grew up in Massachusetts with my lesbian rabbi

mindful about keeping our eyes and ears open during the year to see what needs may come up for families. We check in with synagogues and schools, and people in the community to make sure kids and families have what they need to be prepared to start back to school or whatever need that comes up!! It is so heartwarming to see people want to volunteer to help collect, organize, or distribute needed supplies to children. If you are interested in school supplies, please give us a call! Ashley Franklin • Ashley Franklin, LMSW is a licensed social worker with Jewish Family Service. You can reach Ashley at 615-354-1662.

playing guitar on the bimah on Shabbat and her wife was my Hebrew school teacher. There was never any hush hush in my community growing up.” Two years ago, Gomberg moved to Nashville to work with Vanderbilt Hillel. She said she feels fortunate to have found a welcoming community. “Within my Jewish community, I’m absolutely celebrated and uplifted,” Gomberg said of Jewish Nashville. “And I feel incredibly, incredibly lucky. I got to Vanderbilt and there was not a queer group, and I said, ‘I think there should be a queer group.’ And now there’s a queer group.” Wilder said it was initially difficult to be a trans person in the South, but he has since found a place of belonging. “I still have difficulties finding where my space is in my Southern Jewish community,” Wilder said. “...When I started coming out, I wasn’t sure how I was going to go about being a Jewish trans man of the South, especially when no one at the time was coming out. There [were] no resources for it. There [were] no synagogues coming out in support around me. Now, there are, which I’m very grateful for and seeing more and more of that from the Orthodox [Jewish] community all the way over to the Reform community.” Wilder, who initially felt the need to choose between his Jewish and trans identities, added that he believes Judaism has always been accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. “I realized if Judaism is going to be accepting of me and my whole identity, I don’t get the right to reject where I came from and where my faith is because it’s already accepted me,” Wilder said. “It’s already here. It’s already inside of me, so I can’t run away from that.” He spoke about the importance of remembering the history of pride and its start as a series of protests. “I think that it’s more important than ever to be celebrating pride and not just celebrating it through parties and drinking … but also [to go] back to the origins of pride of truly fighting against the systems which have led us back to the seats of oppression and not sitting down in them so kindly,” Wilder said. “It’s okay to throw out the chairs and build a new dining set for us.” Gomberg, who studied Jewish and queer studies at Brandeis University, shared a similar sentiment. “Pride is absolutely a celebration; it should be a celebration,” Gomberg said. “It should be joyful. It should be very exciting, and it’s also still a protest, especially in a state like Tennessee.”• zoe@jewishnashville.org

(…because it’s not just about the money!)

By LORETTA SAFF

f you have followed me long enough or simply know me well, you are familiar with the four areas of non-financial retirement I discuss, preach, talk about, and emphasize that are necessary to prepare for retirement: mental, physical, social, and spiritual. Today I’m writing this column while traveling abroad, and I dedicate it to all of you who are saying, “One of the main things I plan to do when I retire is TRAVEL.” To deal with the challenges of today’s travel, let’s talk about PHYSICAL fitness. Are you ready for what’s ahead? We all know that Covid caused people to stay home and be cautious. Now the travel light has turned green, postponed trips are back on the books, and everyone is out searching for a new four-wheeled suitcase! (NOTE: Since most of us would rather not check our new four-wheeled suitcase, please read my list of reminders that follows first while packing, then while practicing pulling your packed case around the house, and finally while picking it up and pretending to squish it into the overhead bin.) Here are four reasons to focus on your fitness before your dream of retirement travel: 1 - THERE ARE HUGE CROWDS EVERYWHERE YOU GO. There are crowds at the airport, in the restaurants, on the tours, and trying to find a taxi. There are people who are short-tempered and in a hurry. You will need to either keep up or move aside. Make sure you are physically fit.

2 – SOMETIMES YOU WILL HAVE TO WALK VERY FAR (like for 20 minutes!) TO GET TO A CONNECTING FLIGHT IN AN AIRPORT And, if your first flight is delayed, you may even have to jog (!) to get to the gate before the boarding door is closed. Missing the connector means you may have to spend the night in the airport. Make sure you are physically fit.

at Heathrow Airport is famous for this). And remember your not-checked fourwheeled bag must come up the steps with you. Or, you may just have to check the bag where it may go on its own unscheduled journey, while you hope desperately to see it show up along the baggage carousel. Make sure you are physically fit.

And one more… 4 – SOMETIMES THE WAY TO GET TO A TRAIN STATION WHEN THERE IS NO TAXI AVAILABLE IS TO WALK FOR SEVEN MINUTES. (This really happened to me.) Seven minutes later, the station is in sight. But so are the three flights of steps to get to the station! If you are in shape, this Sisyphean* challenge for you and your new fourwheeled friend that now includes several treasured souvenirs might just be manageable. Make sure you are physically fit!

Those are four very good reasons that I always ask you about physical fitness as you prepare for retirement. Travel is exciting, educational, interesting, and fun. It may be harder today, but when you are physically fit, you will be better prepared to handle “stuff” that can happen. I wish everyone a fun summer full of friends, family, adventure and very few travel challenges. BON VOYAGE! Loretta • *In Greek mythology, Zeus punished Sisyphus by forcing him to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity. P.S. I’d love to hear your travel stories and how glad you were to have physically prepared for the challenges and the fun. Tell me: loretta@coachingwithloretta.com

8FhSF 0O :PVS .PWF

www.aginginplaceservices.net 629-999-2477 MRJS@aginginplaceservices.net

3 – ON SOME AIRLINES IT IS NECESSARY TO CLIMB STEPS TO GET ON THE PLANE. (British Airways

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

• July 2023

Lifecycles B’rit Mitzvah Robin and Becky Warren

Mazel Tov! Gulmira Josephine Norman Propper On your graduation from The Wharton School of Business From your parents, Dr. and Mrs. Michael W. Propper

Robin and Becky Warren will celebrate their B’not Mitzvah on Saturday, July 8, at The Temple. Robin Warren, the proud mother of Becky Warren, lives in St. Petersburg, Fla., where she serves on the Boards of Temple Beth El, Project Prosper and the Florida Council on Economic Education. Robin previously served on the Board of The Florida Holocaust Museum and continues to be an active volunteer at the museum. Becky Warren is an active member of The Temple’s Chevrah Torah, the Afghan refugee volunteer team, WOTLA, Temple Together and the book and pickleball tribes. She grew up in Atlanta, the only child of John (z”l) and Robin Warren, attended Wellesley College, and now works as a graphic designer for the UK government. Becky is also a songwriter, and has released albums about post-9/11 veterans, mental health and homelessness. She has a boyfriend, Leon (who often attends services with her), and two terriers, Pearl and Herschel. In her free time, Becky enjoys board games, trivia, small adventures and anything involving animals.

Graduation Gulmira Josephine Norman Propper

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

Congratulations to Gulmira Josephine Norman Propper of Nashville who graduated with a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from The Wharton School of Business of The

University of Pennsylvania on May 14. Ms. Propper was a student in the Wharton MBA Program in Health Care Management (HCM) and was a board member of the Wharton Health Care Club. She will begin working for the Pfizer, Inc. Marketing Division, in the fall. She served as a Pfizer Marketing Intern in 2022. Ms. Propper graduated from Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, where she was a valedictorian. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and biology from Brown University. In 2020, Ms. Propper published her first book, “Silk Road Recipes: Parida’s Uyghur Cookbook,” which was named an Amazon “Best Cookbook of The Year.” She continues to donate 100 percent of profits from the cookbook to research efforts at the Uyghur Human Rights Project (www.UHRP.org). She is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Michael Propper of Nashville.

Rebekah Sonnenberg

Congratulations to Rebekah Sonnenberg on her high school graduation. The daughter of Roy and Carla Sonnenberg will attend the University of Tennessee in Knoxville this fall. •

Obituaries Bernard Bernstein

Condolences to the family of Bernard Bernstein, who died May 19 in Knoxville. father of WES congregant Barri Bernstein. A graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, he attended New York University School of Law and received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Bernstein practiced law for 54 years with the firm he founded, which came to be known as Bernstein, Stair & McAdams. He was committed to the provision of legal assistance for those who could not afford to hire an attorney, and, early in his career, was one of the founders of the Legal Aid Clinic at the UT College of Law. He is survived by his daughter, Barri Bernstein. Donations may be made to Legal Aid of East Tennessee, The University of Tennessee Medical Center, or Heska Amuna Synagogue.

Arlene Ekstein

Condolences to the family of Arlene Ekstein, who died May 29 after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her brother, Ron Wolff; her children, Dan (Jena) Ekstein, Lori (Tim) Barber; and her three grandchildren, Max Ekstein, Caleb Barber and Graham Barber; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews, including Debby (Stuart) Wiston.

Dr. Harvey Spark

HUNT MEMORIALS, INC 4807 GALLATIN PIKE | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

22 July 2023 •

Condolences to the family of Dr. Harvey Spark, who died June 4. He is survived by his son, Jeffrey Spark, and granddaughter, Eleanor Spark. Donations may be made in Harvey’s memory to Congregation Micah or Congregation Agudath Jacob. •

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

OPTOMETRIST

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

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

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

APPLIANCES

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

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

GASTROENTEROLOGISTS

DR. POINTER & DR. SHARMA Serving Hendersonville & Nashville 615-832-5530 or www.thegidocs.com Lighting • Appliances • Hardware Plumbing • Accessories 615•843•3300 www.gohermitage.com

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.

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

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

ORTHODONTISTS

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

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GHERTNER & COMPANY Homeowner Association and Condominium Management Full Service and Financial Management Property Management since 1968 615-255-8531 www.ghertner.com

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

REAL ESTATE

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

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

CARE GIVER

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

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

INSURANCE/MEDICARE HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE? Turning 65? Let us Assist you. Jeffrey G. Brier CLU, ChFC, CASL jbrier@brier-brier.com. 401-751-2990 www.Brier-Brier.com

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!

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

JESSICA AVERBUCH CEO, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-294-9880 (cell) jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com www.jessicaaverbuch.com LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-794-0833 (bus.) 615-351-5343 (cell) lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com NAN SPELLER Broker, GRI, ABR 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-973-1117 (cell) nanspeller2014@gmail.com JENNIE ZAGNOEV Affiliate Broker 615-383-0183 (bus.) 615-838-2048 (cell) jennie.zagnoev@zeitlin.com

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

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

• July 2023

People of the Books

Galford, Ellen. The Dyke and the Dybbuk (Seal Press, 1994) and Yiddish Lost and Found: Eavesdropping on the Ancestors (Amazon, 2015) Reviews by ELYCE RAE HELFORD

ummer reading means different things to different folks. As a university professor, I see summer as a time for both relaxation and research, for light and heavy reading in equal measure. In recent days, I’ve been reading some challenging tomes about antisemitism today, and I’ll happily foist them upon readers come fall. But for now, I’ll share a different pleasure, my appreciation for American-born Scottish Jewish author Ellen Galford. Galford was born in the US and grew up on the East Coast. She migrated to the United Kingdom in 1971, after ending a brief marriage. Thereafter, she came out as a lesbian. She has lived in London, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, and her various experiences appear in her Twitter handle (@lothianlitvak) and her witty, engaging prose. The Dyke and the Dybbuk is the first book I read by Galford, a delightful blend of lesbian romantic comedy and Jewish folklore. I discovered the novel, which critics call a “feminist cult classic,” when I was looking for contemporary depictions of dybbuks. The bold, humorous title drew me in immediately. In this London-set romp, we meet young lesbian cab driver Rosalind “Rainbow” Rosenbloom, pestered by overbearing aunts. Soon, she

finds herself pursued by another, this time Dybbuk Kokos, a soul-stealer who escapes after 200 years trapped inside a tree. Her mission is to find and torment the current descendent of the woman she haunted generations ago. Their adventures are hilarious and heart-warming, and the novel has a happier ending than Rainbow, Kokos, or I expected. Between the pages of this 240-page novel we find spectacles and spells alongside cultural commentary and tasteful, tame erotica. I consider it perfect for a summer reader looking to update their appreciation for Isaac Bashevis Singer. (Out of print, but easy to find used online.) To pair with this escapist frolic, I recommend something equally enjoyable but quite different. While Galford’s 1980s and 1990s novels are all worth a read, she wrote less fiction thereafter. My favorite of her more recent writings is 2015’s Yiddish Lost and Found: Eavesdropping on the Ancestors. In this encyclopedia-meets-memoir, Galford presents her personal journey through memories of Yiddish as she experienced them in mid-20th century New York and New Jersey. As difficult to categorize as it is to put down, I recommend this unorthodox social history of three generations of Jews, shared through words that show their devotion to the Ashkenazi mameloshn. (Available for Kindle only.) Whichever volume you choose, a unique Jewish adventure awaits. Elyce Rae Helford, Ph.D., is a professor of English and director of the Jewish and Holocaust Studies minor at Middle Tennessee State University. Reach her at elyce.helford@ mtsu.edu.

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24 July 2023 •

Kvetch in the City By CARRIE MILLS

ell, it’s fitting that it’s July, and the start of July celebrates Independence Day. Because yes, here I am, very much, once again, independent, and by that I mean the relationship computer did not reboot, and I am once again fully reinstated in my single life. I follow all these random, relationship-oriented pages on Instagram for entertainment. One relationship “coach” said something to the effect of, don’t call yourself single, rather say, “I’m back to avoiding future human disappointments.” That felt pretty accurate to me in regards to my recent dating history. And yet, in some inexplicable way I remain hopeful. I mean, it’s way better to be single than to be in a situationship disguised as a relationship, which clearly, I found myself in the last few months. Nevertheless, it hasn’t taken long for me to find my way back to the joy of living in my usual, day-to-day life. It always seems to come down to the most basic joy of all. Waking up in the morning to find I am still alive. Like, that is huge to me. Every day the news is filled with people dying all over the place. Celebrities always steal the headlines when it comes to dying, however, people are dropping like flies all over the place every day, so I count myself very lucky to open my eyes each morning, and for that I feel immense gratitude. What I don’t feel much gratitude for is the state-of-affairs in NYC regarding affordable, decent rentable apartments. I went up to the city a few weeks back trying to help my son find a one-bedroom place he could afford. That was the most insane, anxiety-producing weekend I’ve had in a very long time and resulted in an epic meltdown on the streets of Williamsburg where I somehow ended up after getting on the wrong train after being on trains all day long, crisscrossing the city, walking up five flights or more, to look at hell holes priced at $2500 a month that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Wait…I take that back. I probably would wish that on my worst enemy. I get some satisfaction with revengeful thinking sometimes. Wait, do I even have enemies? I sure hope I don’t have enemies. That would actually be disturbing to think I have enemies. Back to my meltdown. I was standing on some random street screaming into the phone, “I don’t know where I am!!!!” in front of a single family house where a kid with a skateboard was coming out, which was supposed to be an apartment building where I was to meet my son at any minute, as some man in a car passed by and gave me a side-eye look that communicated, “Oh, another NYC crazy on the street.” It was that precise moment that I

decided it was time to reach into my emergency fund and use some of my hard earned cash to bribe some realtor into getting a lease signed for my son. I’d reached the end of my rope and I knew it would be a last hope ploy after four exhausting days clocking in over 18,000 steps a day and countless tenement buildings with hundreds of people clamoring for a bid on a washer and dryerless, too small apartment, where if you are lucky enough to secure one of these grungy, 10 flights up apartments, the renter must make over $100,000 to secure the lease, otherwise they need a guarantor that makes over $250,000. And while that may not seem unreasonable to many people, it certainly is a lot for my 26-year-old son, let alone me. Truth is, I have high hopes for Garrett, because he is doing excellent at his new job, and I think he is on the trajectory to a very successful career. However, at this point, he still needs a guarantor, which quite honestly is insane considering his salary is higher than mine. Having grown up renting in NYC since I was literally 17 years old, I remember landlords being more than happy to have you sign a lease with no follow up paperwork or proof of income. Just your name on the document was enough for them to hand over the keys. Back to the bribery part of the story. So I have Garrett call the realtor who had kept leading him on about an apartment she had shown him that he wanted and tell her I’d give her a wad of cash to please just let him sign the lease to which she then replied, “All the parents are doing that and it wouldn’t help because the landlord doesn’t feel Garrett makes enough money to pay the rent,” which he absolutely could, but apparently there was a bidding war on for that apartment, making the rent go up by the minute. We were in a nightmare that we couldn’t get out of. So, what’s a Jewish mother to do? I said let’s go grab a cup of coffee and a nosh. We found our favorite café nearby, sat down, crunched the numbers, including the bribery money which I now decided was best given to Garrett without any kind of bribe attached, except maybe some Jewish Mom guilt trip in regards to letting me come visit anytime I want, and right then and there we called the landlord of the apartment he presently occupies and asked if it was possible to have him resign the lease under his own name, sans roommate. Miracle of miracles, the landlord said yes, and with literally one of hour sleep in two days, I flew back to Nashville and joyously kissed the ground in my beautiful condo which I independently own. And as a newly, once again single woman, in my beautiful single home and my son secured in his first ever NYC apartment minus a roommate, I can truly say, Happy Independence Day to all!

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

Back To School ADVERTORIALS

JULY 2023

• July 2023

ADVERTORIALS

Adventure Science Center It’s not too late for summer fun at Adventure Science Center. Explore scientific concepts like fractals and physics through firsthand, interactive exhibits like Infinium Room and Adventure Gallery. Plus, give your K-6th grader a summer to remember with a week at Adventure Science Center Camp. Your kiddos can experience paleontology, learn to sew, and explore science experiments up-close and personal. Limited spots remain. We can’t wait to see you Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Visit adventuresci.org to plan your adventure today and follow us on Instagram at @AdventureSci for real-time updates on everything happening at the science center.

Temple Preschool At The Temple Preschool, we believe that children’s early education experiences should be individualized and self-directed, exploratory and social, play- and strengthsbased, rich in expressive opportunities, curiosity-driven and meaningful, nature-inclusive, and the foundation for a life-long love of learning. All of our preschool staff hold the values of community, collaboration, kindness, respect, and mindfulness in the highest regard and strive to nurture those values in the children we care for. Each value embraces our approach and philosophy in a way that raises our practice of teaching. We strive to transcend being teachers and become learners, explorers, facilitators, observers, and educators. Each day we bring with us a level of awareness of the importance of our work. By valuing ourselves, our co-workers, our school families, and our environments, we become a true community of learners. In addition to our newly-redesigned and beautifully-landscaped playground, our rolling hills, creek and garden beds provide children with opportunities to play and work in nature and to care for the earth in hands-on ways. Children can grow their own vegetables and flowers, conduct science experiments around water flow, and daydream under a canopy of trees. This is just a sampling of what makes The Temple Preschool so special. Contact us for more detailed information on how we might partner with your family during your child’s early years.

Congregation Micah’s Religious School, JLAB Congregation Micah’s Religious School, JLAB, is the home and heart of joyous and progressive Jewish education, bringing the best of formal and informal study to our families. Our weekly family service fills our sanctuary with music, prayer and playful participation in the ever-present and unfolding Jewish story.

Come explore with us! The Temple Preschool

Jewish-Focused

Curiosity-Driven

5015 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 615.356.8009

26 July 2023 •

We are a diverse community that celebrates our common bonds of Jewish identity - intellectually, spiritually, and culturally. We explore the dynamic disciplines of Jewish tradition - Hebrew, History, Ethics, Social Justice, Israel, Mitzvot, Mussar, Tzedakah and more - with Torah as our touchstone. In addition to weekly worship and study, students encounter Jewish authors, artists, musicians, chefs, and social justice leaders. Our parents remain students, as well, with regular opportunities to study and socialize. Our inclusion specialist works with faculty and families to ensure that all students are honored and able to access the full richness of Jewish tradition before, during and beyond our brit mitzvah process. Micah’s expansive campus includes a natural playscape, kibbutz-style demonstration garden, labyrinth, gaga pit, and colorful student-made art installations. This beautiful setting invites students to discover the wonders of creation in both meditative and active ways. Our middle and high school youth groups extend Jewish life through group travel to New York, Washington D.C., Montgomery, and Israel, as well as through local retreats, performances, and social action projects. CHAI Society, our flagship high school program, empowers students to become confident, creative leaders who enter the larger world doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with their God.

Beit Miriam: 2023-2024 Back to School Question: How big is the smallest sukkah? How long does it take to make matzah? Answer: Visit Beit Miriam at West End Synagogue to find out! Depending on the season, you might see our K-7 students constructing their own life size sukkot or the entire school making oil in our olive press just like the Maccabees. Additionally, you will find b’nai mitzvah students cooking for Room In the Inn and debating whether Judaism is a nationality, religion or ethnicity, 6th graders making their own tallitot, and students receiving individual and customized Hebrew training ensuring that we meet students where they are. This wide and diverse programming is an example of the innovative and interactive educational activities that are the core of Beit Miriam. Beit Miriam educates children from 3 years old through eleventh grade focusing on learning and living Jewishly. Many of our graduates return as teacher aides in their senior year giving back to the program that has given them so much. Beit Miriam is proud of its faculty. Classes cover a breadth of Jewish literacy including Jewish History, Customs, Holiday Celebrations, Israel, Torah, Talmud, and Hebrew. Students come together as a kehilla (community) for interactive learning through music and art. • All students attend on Sundays from 9:00 AM to noon; • Second through seventh graders attend midweek-Hebrew on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15-6:30 PM and are encouraged to participate in our once a month “camp based” Shabbat services led by our students. Our school also offers opportunities for teen involvement in synagogue life and parent learning sessions. Contact Sharon Paz, Director at 615.269.4592 x 17 or spaz@ westendsyn.org for more information.

ADVERTORIALS

Are You Simply Feeling Overwhelmed? Are you and your kids ready for the first day of school? If not, Jane R. Snyder can help to save you time, maximize your energy, and lower your stress level. With so much to do, what other tasks are weighing down your ìTo Doî list now? Are you ready to downsize for a new home move? Do you need to prepare to celebrate a family or business milestone this year? Are you thinking about organizing a closet or your entire house? With decades of professional experience, whatever you need Jane has done it before quickly and confidentially. Working as your assistant, advocate, or project manager, she will make your life easier. A broad skill set enables Jane to meet any objective you outline. She can also write anything you need a birth announcement, press release, condolence letter, party invitation, family history, or even an obituary or eulogy. Her event planning record is extensive. For one family, Jane helped to organize three birthday celebrations at separate venues held over one single weekend! It proved to be a memorable time for the hosts and hundreds of their delighted guests. If you have a complex problem, a simple one-day job, or you’d like more information, call her at 615-557-6277 or email calljane@comcast.net. And don’t forget to ask about her 20% new client discount! All clients must meet COVID protocols for vaccination, booster shots, social distancing, and masking. All of her clients say, I don’t know what I would do without Jane!

SUMMER FUN AT ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER Science Camps, Summer Events, & MORE at AdventureSci.org

Continued on page 28

BEIT MIRIAM HEBREW SCHOOL @WEST END SYNAGOGUE

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

3-YEAR OLDS THROUGH 11TH GRADE SCHOOL BEGINS SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023. EXPERIENTIAL PROGRAMING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: • WHERE HEBREW IS A LIVING LANGUAGE • WHERE FAMILY TRADITIONS GROW • WHERE JEWISH VALUES THRIVE

BECOME A PART OF THE BEIT MIRIAM FAMILY. CONTACT SHARON PAZ, DIRECTOR OF LIFELONG LEARNING (615) 269-4592 EXT. 17 | SPAZ@WESTENDSYN.ORG WWW.WESTENDSYN.ORG | HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BEITMIRIAMWES/

• July 2023

ADVERTORIALS

Gordon JCC Early Childhood Learning Center: Explore, Imagine, Create. Choosing your child’s first preschool experience may be one of the most important decisions you make. Discover the many enriching programs offered through the Gordon JCC’s Early Childhood Learning Community for ages 6 weeks through pre-K. Our Jewish early childhood program experience includes a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach to curriculum and play. Swimming lessons are included once per week for our 3-year-old program through pre-K. Our curriculum includes a project-based approach based on the interests of the children. In addition, we incorporate a monthly Jewish theme such as Tikkun Olam (repair of the world) into our lesson plans to help children grow into caring, thoughtful, and loving human beings who will carry these values throughout their lives. We are part of the JCC Association of North America’s Sheva Center, adopting its seven core elements in our program: Children as Constructivist Learners; Early Childhood Directors as Visionaries; Early Childhood Educators as Professionals; Families as Engaged Partners; Environments as Inspiration for Inquiry; Discover: CATCH as Sh’mirat HaGuf (taking care of our bodies); and Israel as a Source and Resource. We are fully licensed by Tennessee’s Department of Human Services, adhere to all DHS regulations, policies, and procedures, and hold a 3-star rating from the Tennessee ECERS and ITERS programs. For more information, please contact ECLC Assistant Director Michele Dills at michele@nashvillejcc.org or visit nashvillejcc.org/preschool

Akiva School Akiva School is a community K-6th school that is committed to maintaining a diverse population with regards to its socio-economic, denominational, and cultural composition. We strive to foster a love of learning that supports our students’ social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual growth. We are founded on helping children deepen their curiosity, morality, perseverance, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Akiva children are known for their sense of self, their ability to delve into diverse learning opportunities, and their meaningful contribution in their communities, within the school and beyond. The Akiva philosophy is predicated on the idea that we are all lifelong learners, and we model what it means to ask questions, take risks, and learn from all experiences. In doing so, our children develop confidence, competence, and reflective practice. Students are empowered to understand their needs and to advocate for them as both individuals and as a community. We strive to help our children gain a rich understanding of their culture and heritage, their individual purpose, and their profound responsibility to the world. Our students become lifelong learners, leaders, and thoughtful contributors to this world.

Gordon jcc early childhood learning center A large, inclusive

DHS 3 Star

community center setting

Facility

Indoor and outdoor year-

Ages 6 weeks to

round certified swim

6 years

Akiva strives to create an environment where every child is loved and nurtured and where every child recognizes his/her role in the Akiva community. Our commitment to these ideals provides an environment that is both physically and emotionally safe and allows each child the opportunity to learn to his/her potential. We encourage you to come witness this yourself, and experience the Akiva advantage.

Harpeth Hall At Harpeth Hall, ambitions become achievements and girls become purposeful young women prepared to make a meaningful difference in their communities and the world. As an independent, college preparatory school for students in 5th through 12th grades, every aspect of Harpeth Hall is deliberately designed with girls in mind. The student council president is a girl. The soccer captain is a girl. The robotics team members are all girls. At Harpeth Hall, we know how girls learn best and provide an environment where our students are embraced for who they are and encouraged in their intellectual curiosity. In the classroom, our students discover by doing. From power tools to telescopes, Harpeth Hall teachers create hands-on experiences that elevate concepts beyond the textbook and make lessons memorable. Our students develop global perspectives as they think outside of familiar boundaries and engage in a vibrant academic environment that values diversity of thought and cultivates respect for others’ views. At Harpeth Hall, all girls are welcome and every girl thrives. Beyond the classroom, our school encourages experiences that prepare girls to challenge themselves as individuals and as leaders. From athletics to dance, student government to STEM, musical productions to community service, Harpeth Hall students develop new interests and discover new talents as they imagine their brightest future. For more than 155 years, Harpeth Hall has held true to the idea that girls deserve an excellent education full of possibilities and purpose. At Harpeth Hall, students learn to think critically, lead confidently, and live honorably. For more information, please visit HarpethHall.org.

Currey Ingram Academy The mission of Currey Ingram is to provide an exemplary PreK-12 day school program and boarding school program for grades 9-12 that empowers students with learning differences to achieve their fullest potential. We settle for nothing less than being a premier educational environment for students with language-based learning challenges, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, ADHD, executive functioning and processing deficits, mild anxiety disorders, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and more. Students are set up to thrive because of Currey Ingram’s focus on individualized attention. In fact, the average student-teacher ratio is 4.5:1 school-wide. With evidence-based instruction, Individualized Learning Plans (ILP), and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists on staff, we provide the tools necessary to support each student’s needs.

CURIOSITY • PERSEVERANCE • LOVE OF LEARNING

instruction Bright classrooms with multiple outdoor play

jewish preschool is for everyone!

areas

Part of the JCC Association of North America’s

For more information contact JULIE FORTUNE at

Sheva Center, we explore Jewish culture with monthly Jewish themes, rituals, CATCH, and weekly Shabbat celebrations.

Contact Assistant Director Michele Dills at michele@nashvillejcc.org

28 July 2023 •

BUILDING LEADERS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 6th GRADE jfortune@akivanashville.net | 615-432-2552

Or visit us at Nashvillejcc.org/preschool

ADVERTORIALS Students enjoy no-cut arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities outside our educational program. Currey Ingram’s campus includes features such as music, theater, and art studios, a professional sound recording studio, five tennis courts, forest trails, and a creek. Whatever the student’s passion, they can pursue it at Currey Ingram. The 83-acre campus is in an idyllic, pastoral area of Brentwood, Tenn. The campus is just 11 miles from downtown Nashville and eight miles from the Franklin/Cool Springs area. Over the years, families from 33 states and nine countries have cited the school as a major factor in moving to the Nashville area. With tuition assistance available and rolling admission, it is never too late to start learning at Currey Ingram Academy!

Montgomery Bell Academy Montgomery Bell Academy is the oldest independent school for boys in Tennessee. Founded in 1867, MBA is home to 835 boys in grades 7-12. MBA offers young men an exemplary college preparatory experience in an inclusive community, assisting them to be “gentlemen, scholars, and athletes” and young men of wisdom and moral integrity who will make significant contributions to society. At MBA, students are taught the value of leadership and character; are equipped with the fundamental tools to succeed in the classroom and beyond; develop an appreContinued on page 30

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Harpeth Hall educates young women to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably

A future filled with possibilities and purpose For information about admission and financial aid visit HarpethHall.org Harpeth Hall is a college preparatory school for girls in grades 5-12 3801 Hobbs Road • Nashville, TN • 615-297-9543

• July 2023

ADVERTORIALS ciation for the effort required to achieve excellence; and form friendships that last a lifetime. Montgomery Bell Academy is a place where a boy’s academic, extracurricular, and emotional needs are the priority. Faculty and staff at MBA are committed to providing the best education for young men, and to know, care for, and understand our students. Admission to MBA is competitive and successful candidates are those who have demonstrated a serious approach to their studies. Candidates ascribe to MBA’s ideal of becoming a Gentleman, Scholar, and Athlete. Additionally, we want students who will seek the abundant opportunities that MBA provides. The best way to experience MBA is to come see it in person. We hope you will visit us, take a tour of the campus, and see first-hand this vibrant and caring community.

Battle Ground Academy is located in Franklin, Tenn., and is the No. 1 Private K-12 School in Williamson County.

FOR CAMPUS TOUR & ADMISSION INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.MONTGOMERYBELL.EDU

M ONTGOMERY B ELL A CADEMY – A SC H O O L F O R B OY S IN GRADES 7-12 – where students are taught the value of leadership and character; are equipped with the fundamental tools to succeed in the classroom and beyond; develop an appreciation for the effort required to achieve excellence; and form friendships that last a lifetime.

30 July 2023 •

Known for creating an elevated educational experience, we believe in the enormous potential within every child, and to that end, BGA will open the doors of its Early Learning Center for pre-K4 and pre-K5 students in Fall 2024. Our youngest students will actively participate in their learning; create meaningful connections between their school and their world; and find joy as they grow, play, and create in our language-rich learning community. Students will have daily opportunities to grow in math, literacy skills, phonemic awareness, and character development. Whether engaged in inquiry-based learning through a pre-K creative center or our challenging college preparatory K-12 curriculum, our students’ needs are recognized, supported, and encouraged by a caring faculty committed to igniting and nurturing student curiosity, intellect, and character. Admissions Process: Families are invited to inquire at battlegroundacademy.org/inquire. Applications will open in August, and those interested in first-round admission consideration must apply by December 15 (pre-k and kindergarten) and January 5 (first grade and up). TIP: This fall, BGA will expand its Upper School academic program to include a concentration in Global Studies. The Academy’s innovative Entrepreneurial Leadership, STEM, and Global Studies concentrations provide students the opportunity to meaningfully explore and dive deeper into an area of academic interest through specialized curricula, enhanced learning opportunities, and intentional experiences.

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

ADVERTORIALS

When it’s back to school time fall dressing is on everyone’s mind. Our personal mission at Cute & Comfy is to make sure that you can look and FEEL your best, whether you are traveling, working, playing, or going to a special event! We are well-versed in foot issues, such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s Neuroma, bunions, hammer toes, and many other fun ailments that any of us can get! We will, however, take as much time as it takes to help you find the right shoes for your needs both physically and stylistically! Our clothing follows the same mission as our shoes. We want you to look and feel your best in what you are wearing. We want you to be able to go into your closet and be excited to get dressed in the morning or for a trip! We will help you find just the right things for you and not pressure you into things that’ll sit in your closet. We carry missy and plus size offerings. Our Summer Clearance Sale is from July 22 – August 3! This is a GREAT time to come and save on some of your favorite brands.

Druid Tree Service: Forest Canopy Benefits Health and Beauty While planning the year ahead, sending kids back to school, and getting ready for the upcoming fall season, spending time outside during the summer months is one of the best things you can do for yourself. By breathing in a bit of your natural surroundings, you may feel a sense of calming and comfort. This effect has been studied and scientific research reveals that negative ions, found in falling water vapor from the canopy, balance out our positive ions produced from everyday stress. While reducing stress, your trees will additionally lessen the effects of the sun’s heat and lower the air temperature, producing an oasis around your home. At Druid Tree Service, Inc., we’re specialists in preserving the natural beauty of trees and shrubs. From specialty hand pruning of boxwoods, yews, and topiary forms, to preserving the health and safety of mature trees, our arborist and professional team offer expert care for all size landscapes.

Our consulting arborist, Cabot Cameron, identifies concerns, makes recommendations for pest and fertility issues, and offers preventative treatment programs for all types of tree disease and pests. We use “pollinator safe” pest control in order to maintain a healthier ecosystem. Similarly, we correct soil issues using regenerative composting and natural bio-active fertilizers to reverse soil compaction, correct pH, and remedy fertility problems. We are concerned with the preservation of ash trees prevalent in our neighborhoods. The Emerald Ash Borer is devastating ash trees throughout Nashville, and we have been preserving these trees for our clients. We welcome your calls or emails and look forward to talking with you about your trees and shrubs. We can be reached at 615-373- 4342 or office@druidtree.com. •

Your Naot Destination Made in Israel

Stop in and see us! 4121 Hillsboro Rd Ste 106 Nashville, TN 37215 Located behind King Jewelers next to Subway!

Shop Online anytime: www.cutecomfyshoes.com Follow us on Facebook/Instagram: @cuteandcomfyshoes Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help s upport our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know... you saw their ad here!

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615.356.3242 EXT. 299

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“My job is to make your life easier!” JAN E R . SNYDER Personal Assistant, Concierge & Family Advocate CallJane@comcast.net • 615-557-6277

• July 2023

The Observer’s Annual

All Things Seniors ISSUE

COMING AUGUST 2023

We will be highlighting all things seniors in this issue. Special offer when you advertise 1/8 page ad or larger! Along with your ad, send up to 250 words highlighting your business for inclusion in the editorial section of this special issue!

32 July 2023 •

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