The Observer Vol. 85 No. 8 – August 2020 by Jewish Observer

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Vol. 85 No. 8 • August 2020

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The Lori Ann Fishel Fund Fosters Inclusion Through Expanded Grants Program By BARBARA DAB

n recent years individuals throughout Nashville’s Jewish community have benefited from grants provided by the Lori Ann Fishel Fund. The Fund aims to provide assistance so that people with disabilities can live a full and meaningful life, just as did Lori Ann Fishel. Whether it be attending summer camp, concerts, lectures or other enriching activities, the fund is designed to help defray costs that might be a barrier to participation. This year, the Fishel family made the decision to open their grants application to organizations, agencies and congregations to enable them to be more inclusive and responsive to the needs of their respective constituencies. Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning and Israel Partnerships for The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, says the goal was to help change the culture for people with disabilities. He says, “The

biggest challenge is making sure that people with disabilities feel included in the community This is a dedicated source of funding in our community for people with disabilities.” The grants were made to Sherith Israel, Akiva School and Camp Davis at the Gordon JCC and reflecting the unique needs of each of those organizations. At Sherith Israel, congregants with hearing loss are often not able to hear much of Shabbat morning services. According to Rabbi Saul Strosberg, microphones are not customarily used in Orthodox services because their use is not conducive to the personal, intimate environment the tradition wants to achieve. That means hearing aids are not as effective at delivering the sound and blocking out ambient noise. Rabbi Stosberg sought to solve the problem through the Lori Ann Fishel Fund inclusion grant, which helped fund the use of a system called, “hearing loops.”

Through the use of induction technology which helps amplify the sound around the sanctuary, folks are better able to hear the service. Rabbi Strosberg says for congregants with hearing loss, the system is a game changer, “People have come to me and said it’s like night and day for them. They haven’t been able to hear in services for years.” The hearing loops technology was provided by a company in Georgia that had not previously been asked to use it in synagogue services, and the cost was prohibitive. “We weren’t going to be able to do this,” says Rabbi Strosberg, “But then the Fishel Fund came along and made it possible.” He says the hearing loops system at Sherith Israel is the first, and only, of its kind to be used in North America. Akiva School’s Head of School, Daniella Pressner, says the primary goal of Akiva is to meet the needs of as many students as possible. With the plan of proContinued on page 4

Inclusion Coordinator, Wes Barker keeping cool during a hot summer day with campers in the 2nd/3rd grade group

The Temple Religious School to Partner With Institute of Southern Jewish Life By BARBARA DAB

Aron Karabel to Chair The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee 2021 Annual Campaign, page 4 A Publication of the

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reating and implementing meaningful, stimulating curriculum in the religious school realm is a challenge for educators who also must work within the constraints of a supplemental program. Locally, The Temple Religious School is meeting that challenge by partnering with the Institute of Southern Jewish Life, which provides curriculum and support to Jewish communities throughout the South. The ISJL initially developed this education program to assist smaller communities that lack the resources to provide a quality religious school education. But according to Risa Klein Herzog, Director of Development for ISJL, “The curriculum has successfully grown to become a model for larger communities as well.” The ISJL curriculum spans all grade levels and is trans-denominational. According to Risa Klein Herzog, approxContinued on page 4 Jewish Family Service Emergency Financial Assistance, page 2

ISJL Orientation featuring Miriam Heller-Stern as keynote speaker Nashville-raised Lone Soldier Faces Training During Pandemic, page 8

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All Things School Seniors

Back To School

All Things Seniors Special Section, page 17 Back To School Special Section, page 22

Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Board Approves Over Two Million Dollars in Grants By BARBARA DAB

he Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee recently approved over $2 million in grants to local, national and international agencies. The funds go to a diverse group of recipients and is the culmination of a process that began in December and then quickly evolved as the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting local, “Shelter in Place,” order required a change in plans. Still the mission of the committee, to provide assistance to worthwhile programs and services, remained the same. Batia Karabel, Co-chair of the Grants Committee, says, “This year we had to pivot quickly in our process, but we still made sure to consider whether a program is an excellent one for the Federation to fund.” This year also saw the addition of an outside consultant from the Center for Nonprofit Management in Nashville.

Batia Karabel says, “The idea was to figure out how organizations can work collaboratively to create a vision for Jewish Nashville.” As a first step a workshop was conducted to create a cohesive community where all the organizations were challenged to think strategically about the allocation of local resources in the context of that vision. And then, everything changed. With organizations closing their doors and canceling in-person programs, it suddenly became important to make sure they could survive in both the short and long term. Though organizations generally apply for grants for specific programs rather than asking for general funds, in some cases the committee pivoted to understanding staff needs. Gary Fradkin, Grants Committee Co-chair, says, “How we evolved to a block grant approach for some organizations made sense because we wanted to do our part to keep everyone as whole as we can during this time.” The approach worked well this year as

the committee looked at programming, scholarships and need-based grants. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation agrees. He says, “Under very difficult circumstances, the Grants Committee worked hard and adapted this year to meet the immediate and pressing needs identified by each of our agencies and congregations facing the economic impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.” This year grants were given to local agencies and congregations as well as to regional and national organizations focused on education and assistance services. There also were grants given to support agencies in Israel and to Jews in the former Soviet Union. Gary Fradkin says, “Those are all relationships our community wants to maintain. We have a lot of engagement with Israel, it’s very important to lots of people here.” He adds that since most organizations do plan to re-open, it was important to help maintain them during the difficult times. In total, Israel and overseas grants

amount to 34.5% of all of the grants for this year. The committee itself also had some challenges. The combination of new members and the lack of in person meetings meant it took some time to create a cohesive group. But Batia Karabel says, “Everyone on the committee took the responsibility seriously and thankfully, we have the ability to be nimble when it comes to making changes.” And despite the shifting needs of the community, both locally and internationally, Eric Stillman says this year’s committee overcame all the obstacles, “I feel that the Grants approved by the Federation Board in May and June 2020 were the result of a very thoughtful and responsive process on the part of the Grants Committee.” In addition to the two co-chairs, the committee consisted of the following volunteers: Tara Axelroth, David Bockian, Hillary Diskin, Ellie Flier, Mark Kaplan, Ben Katz, Judy Lefkovitz and Michael Simon. •

Jewish Family Service Emergency Financial Assistance By BARBARA DAB

he Jewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee provides a broad program of assistance to families throughout the region. From adoptions to counseling to financial planning and guidance, JFS social workers are the ones on the front line delivering these services. In particular, the current COVID-19 pandemic has meant many families find themselves struggling financially. And, for social workers this also means that meeting the needs of the community requires adjustments. To learn more Toni Jacobsen, Clinical Director of JFS, answers questions about how the agency is pivoting to help those in need of financial assistance during this time. 1. What types of financial assistance does JFS provide? At JFS, we provide need based, confidential financial assistance for the Jewish community. This can range from assisting someone with housing or utility bills, providing school supplies or Hanukkah gifts to parents, monthly food boxes to qualified families and counseling on a sliding scale basis. 2. Can you describe what a typical day is like for you? There isn’t a typical day at JFS. We never know who might call for assistance and what the situation might entail. I am always waiting for the surprise need to present itself, but I relax knowing that we have the resources to help the community and the flexibility to meet their unique needs. 3. Describe a moment that felt particularly gratifying to you? Sometimes families who have been served through our Financial Assistance (FA) program come back to us and help serve others through donating to the School Supply or Hanukkah Gift Program. I remember the sweet little smiles on the children’s faces the first time they brought in the gifts for their sponsored child. Most families served are working people who, through no fault of their own, are facing a financial crisis. It can happen

to any of us. Many of these families are willing and able to help once they are financially stable again. 4. When have you felt frustrated or unsatisfied about the work and why? Sometimes I feel frustrated when I am talking to someone who could benefit from FA and they turn it down because they feel that they are not indigent and do not want to take away from someone who needs it more. In fact, most of our cases are not indigent families. All of us have moments when we have financial strain caused by an illness or other emergency. If you don’t have a sufficient emergency fund set aside, you will find yourself in financial need and that is where we might be able to help. Helping one person does not take away from anyone else. Our FA program is well funded by The Federation and there will always be enough for everyone. 5. What makes JFS’ FA different from other social service agencies? Our FA programs differ from other local programs in quality and quantity. We are able to help someone with rent or a bill in a more significant way. Other agencies can help with up to a few hundred dollars at a time, but we are able to help with larger amounts and truly get people back on track financially. We also complete a financial assessment and assist clients in altering their budget with the goal of helping them be self-sufficient. At times, we might deny financial assistance until changes are made in order for the clients to live within their means. Common changes to the budget include lowering cable and phone bills. In terms of the school supply program, we not only provide students with what they need for school, but we give them enough supplies to have at home and for refills throughout the school year. Our Hanukkah program is unique in that we ask the parents for a wish list of 5 gifts under $35 and then we assign volunteer donors to shop for the specific items. The parents give the gifts to their children

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

and the child doesn’t know that we are involved. We maintain the parent’s dignity at all times, and we want the children to have a bright holiday receiving gifts that make them happy. For the Kosher Food Box Program, we are different in that we purchase the food from Publix. We do accept donations, but they are always put on a small cart for people to get what they want. Our food is diverse and provide basic staples that we believe most people will eat. I personally try every item we add to the box. You won’t find beets or asparagus in the box because not everyone likes these, but you will find green beans, corn and mixed vegetables. 6. What is hardest thing about this area of your job? The hardest part of financial assistance is assisting individuals or families and knowing they will continue to struggle financially. Early in my years at JFS, I often wondered how the families managed to make ends meet. That is when I had the idea of providing food on a regular basis to give them a little wiggle room for necessary expenses like medication. We started with a pilot program of a few boxes of food in the corner of our office and we delivered a sample box to elderly seniors who were known to us. We weren’t sure how the program would be received but it quickly took off. 7. What is the most rewarding aspect about providing financial asistance?

The most rewarding aspect of financial assistance is working with the clients. Sometimes it is difficult for people to ask for help. I try to make the experience as comfortable as possible. We are here to help and proceed with the assumption that we will provide financial assistance within the set parameters unless there are valid concerns. In the end, most FA clients feel good about the process and are comforted to know that we are available if an emergency should arise in the future. It is rewarding to see someone who approached you in a nervous, worried way end the process with a relaxed and thankful smile. 8. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your work, both positively and the negatively? Covid-19 has caused havoc in the way we provide all our services. For FA, I am working with clients remotely and it is more difficult to develop a relationship. Often times client’s fears will be alleviated after meeting face to face. They see that we are kind and respectful and not judging them. I have to work harder at putting people at ease over the phone. We typically require everyone to meet with us before receiving assistance, but this is put on hold right now due to Covid-19. 9. What are you looking forward to at this moment? I am looking forward to life getting back to normal. The situations that people are finding themselves in during a pandemic sometimes feel unsurmountable. Evictions, job loss and COVID-19 positive individuals quarantined without an income. Life before COVID-19 was simpler and more straightforward in terms of our ability to help alleviate financial stress for our clients. I am also looking forward to seeing people face to face to more easily convey that we are a helpful and friendly resource here to assist the Jewish community. If you would like to learn more about the financial assistance JFS has to offer, you can contact JFS at 615-356-4234 or email info@jfsnashville.org. •

Perspectives From Rabbi Saul Strosberg

Remarks, July 4th 2020 This past fall, I was invited to speak at Lipscomb University’s School of Nursing; my assignment was part of an effort to introduce their very white American student body to diverse cultures. On this morning, the lecture hall was completely full - not just with students, but with faculty and staff. I opened by describing the basics of Jewish belief and practice, turned to some of the challenges of keeping shabbat and kashrut while in a hospital, and closed by speaking about what it’s like to be a minority in a very white Christian country, and how most Americans, no matter how hard they try, could not know what it feels like to be a minority. As I exited the lecture hall, one of the faculty members pulled me aside. Wiping away her tears, she thanked me for saying what I said about minorities. She told me that as a Black woman, she felt isolated despite her being a professor at the school. She appreciated that I had given her students and colleagues a moment to reflect on facts that most of them would never understand, but could at least now begin to recognize: the fact that minorities in this country are treated differently; the fact that people have prejudices of which they may not even be aware. I write at a challenging time that threatens to divide our nation even further and charges us to think even more deeply about our responsibility to our children. Last year, our concern was antisemitism. In 2019, there were over 2100 antisemitic acts in the United States, a 12% increase from the previous year. Not only is antisemitism still alive c

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

and well in the United States, so, too, is racism, as has become clear in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, the shooting of jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, the shooting of emergency room technician Breonna Taylor, in her bed, in Louisville, and the attack on Althea Bernstein, in Wisconsin. How is it that in the year 2020, human beings still insist on treating others as less than human? How is it that, after the horrors of slavery and the Holocaust, people still so easily succumb to hatred? This July 4th, I ask for two things. First, let us offer thanksgiving for the United States of America and for the ideals upon which it was founded, as well as thanksgiving for our own community. We have been so blessed. Second, I challenge us all to think of ways we can work to make this country a better place. For example, let’s become better informed about issues of racism, of prejudice, of bigotry. Let’s get better at ‘calling people in’, who’s views might be different but whose core values we share, rather than ‘calling people out’. Let’s engage with other minority communities and form meaningful relationships. Let’s continue to provide our support - through the Shul or through other means – to organizations that help all who suffer from food instability, lack of housing, and lack of access to healthcare and education. And finally, let’s renew our commitment to raising the next generation of Jews who will model Hillel’s insistence that “What is hateful to you, do not to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary; [Let’s] go and learn it.” Wishing you a Good Shabbos and a beautiful Fourth of July, Rabbi Saul

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

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

BLM Spews Anti-Semitic Lies in the Cover of Anti-Racism

It was heartbreaking to see Black Lives Matter demonstrators marching in Washington, D.C chanting “Israel, we know you, you murder children too,” spewing vile anti-Semitic and anti-Israel lies while cloaked in the cover of anti-racism. Every Jew I know stands shoulder to shoulder with the plight of black people; we understand what long term mistreatment looks like and we get how long it takes to heal. But the idea that so many who are fighting and seeking allies in their fight for civil rights would utilize their moment of pain, their expression of anger, to attack another minority, the Jews, who have experienced so much hatred themselves, is beyond me. It hurts to the core. Recently we read in the Torah about a partnership of two anti-Semites, Balak the king of Moab and Balaam the prophet of Midian, as they team up to curse the Jews and infuse them with negative energy. Thankfully, G-d tells Balaam that he will only have the ability to express words that are placed in his mouth by G-d, and as it turns out, those words were some of the kindest and most complimentary blessings that were ever showered on Jewry.

It’s been the theme throughout Jewish history: when paying close attention to the rhetoric spewed against our people you will find, in their lies and distortions, subtle compliments about who we are, and they are flattering. When they scream “the Jews own the banks and Wall Street”, it’s their way of saying “darn, these Jews are so charitable”. When they scream “the Jews killed the savior”, it’s their way of saying “we’ve tried for 2,000 years and they still believe in ONLY one G-d”. When they say, “Jews use gentile blood in their Matzah”, it’s their way of saying “we’ve tried to get them away from their religion for so long and they are still baking Matzot for Passover”. When they say Israel is apartheid, it’s their way of saying “we are in shock at how kind the Jews are to all people in the land of Israel, no matter their race or religion”. We just need to learn to listen closely and we will see that they are trying to praise us, but their hatred stops them, so they attack. Balaam tried, Balak strived, Amalek attempted, and the Amorites gave it their best shot, but after all is said and done “Am Yisroel Chai” – “The People of Israel are Alive and will Live on Eternally.” If you don’t believe me; ask your local anti-Semite! Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel

We get letters S

ince the stay at home order began our wonderful seniors, the most vulnerable of our community, were intensely affected on many levels. Here at the Gordon JCC, our entire Adult Program team, under the direction of Executive Director Leslie Sax, and the team at Jewish Family Service, kicked into high gear to make sure they were accommodated and felt the care and love we all feel for them. From weekly calls, meal deliveries, homemade masks, special weekly virtual music and intellectually stimulating programming created just for them, the team, along with incredible volunteers from our community have worked diligently to keep life as close to normal as possible while keeping our seniors safe at home.

Since much of the emails come directly from me and I navigate much of the communication, many of our seniors send me notes, calls, emails, texts, letting me know how much they appreciate all that is being done. While many of these emails are addressed to me personally, I know I am just a cog in the wheel of our great Jewish community who loves and cares for all. We at the Observer wanted to share a few of the many comments coming our way. Carrie Mills From Susan Cohen: Always enjoy Sheldon Kahan. He plays my kind of music. Thank you for Continued on page 4

West End Charmer | 3629 Valley Vista Road S PACIOUS • UPDATED • 4 BR • SCREENED PORCH • PRIME LOCATION

To ensure publication, submissions must arrive by the 15th of the month prior to the intended month of publication. For advertising deadlines, contact Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at 615-354-1699, or by email at carrie@nashvillejcc.org.

LORNA GRAFF c: 615.351.5343 o: 615.794.0833 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com

The Observer • August 2020

We Get Letters Continued from page 3 organizing these shows. They almost make me feel I am back at the JCC. From Florence Wittenstein and Rudy Saperstein: Dear Carrie, Just a note to let you know we appreciate everything you have done for us Seniors and continue to do for us. We don’t know what we would do without you and your help. You are such an asset and the JCC and all of us are so very lucky to have you as a friend. May G-d bless you with good health. Thanks again for everything. From Rhoda Cooper: He was Marvelous! Stupendous! And played songs I knew. Especially,

Religious School Continued from page 1 imately 70 communities throughout the South utilize the ISJL curriculum, reaching over 4,000 students each year. The curriculum is adaptable to the culture of individual congregations, as well as all types of learners. With built-in weekly lesson plans, it also helps with recruitment of teachers. Rabbi Michael Shulman, Director of Education and Next Generation Programming at The Temple, says, “The number one challenge for teachers is creating curriculum. This will help me find the best teachers who are passionate and who love Judaism, without that obstacle.” According to Rabbi Shulman, the goal of The Temple religious school is to help students develop a love of Jewish life and values and to understand the importance of building community. He believes the partnership with ISJL will help do just that. A key component of the ISJL is the Education Fellows program for recent college graduates. These young educators become experts in the curriculum and work with the religious schools to support their implementation of the curriculum. They also gain valuable experience within the Jewish communities they serve. Risa Herzog says, “These Fellows are the

“Don’t get around much Anymore.” That was my 1st pop song I learned to play on piano in 1941! Great Duke Ellington song! PLEASE LET’S GET HIM BACK - online Lunch Series & of course, if & when we ever meet again at JCC! From Ruth Klar: Carrie. You picked a winner this week!!!!!!!. Dennis Scott!!! He sung OUR kind of songs! And I’m glad he included his wife. What a great musical team they make!!! My only regret is that Dennis couldn’t see the reaction from his audience because I am sure he had EVERYONE smiling and swinging to his beat…I know I was!!! And boy, we sure could use a little fun in our lives these days and Dennis filled the bill...in spades!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanx for lightening up another ho-hum day... love ya,........ oxoxox ruth klar •

next generation of Jewish leaders.” Rabbi Shulman says his team will meet with their Fellow throughout the year and looks forward to building that relationship. The Temple’s partnership with ISJL is something Senior Rabbi Mark Schiftan has been wanting to do for a long time. He says the Reform movement attempted to create a uniform curriculum several years ago but lacked the resources to be successful. “It is so beautiful in its execution and schools don’t have to reinvent the educational wheel,” he says, “It made sense to connect our committed but not necessarily Judaically knowledgeable teachers to the curriculum they were teaching.” He adds that the congregation has been very supportive of the partnership, “The idea of a coordinated, impactful pedagogic approach makes senses to parents and to Board members.” And The Temple President, Jim Marks, says, “We are excited to be able to introduce the ISJL curriculum as a part of our Religious School and look forward to working with them. We were impressed by the quality of the curriculum and the commitment to support our school with their Education Fellows program.” The ISJL partnership does require annual funding, and The Temple’s participation has been funded for several years thanks to a generous gift from the Maria & Bernard A. Pargh Family Foundation. •

ISJL Orientation breakout session on Mindful Reflection using Hebrew prayer with Nancy Flexer, The Temple Director of Development and Membership, Erin Zagnoev and ISJL Fellow Rena Lubin.

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

Aron Karabel to Chair The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee 2021 Annual Campaign

he calendar may read, “August,” but at The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, it is already time to look toward starting the next Annual Campaign. Leading the 2021 effort is Aron Karabel, current Vice President of the Board of the Jewish Federation. Aron relocated to Nashville eight years ago with his wife, Batia, who grew up in Nashville. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, Aron cites a family legacy of involvement in the Jewish Federation. He followed in those footsteps by immediately becoming involved in the local Jewish community, beginning with the Anti-Defamation League, which caught the eye of then-Jewish Federation Executive Director, Mark Freedman. What followed was Board membership and a Jewish Federation of North America sponsored mission trip to Israel and Tblisi, designed to develop young leaders, and involvement both locally and nationally. Aron is passionate about engaging the next generation in the work of the Jewish Federation and so far, those efforts are paying off. He says, “We’ve really focused on grass roots efforts to develop an involved cohort in Nashville, and we now have seven members on National Young Leadership Cabinet, a leadership development program that inspires and trains the next generation of philanthropists in the United States and Canada. Our Jewish community inspires me every day and I am grateful to all of our community leaders, professional and lay, who have dedicated so much to give a voice to the voiceless and create opportunities for those in need.” Bringing that energy and creativity

to the Annual Campaign, Aron is looking forward to meeting the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to build a diverse team from across the community, focusing on people he believes are changemakers, capable of focusing on donor engagement and meeting donors where they are in their giving and engagement interests. “We want to create an opportunity for people to become more involved in Federation,” he says. He believes the community’s needs have evolved during this unprecedented time and that has led to changes in the way the Federation is providing services. He credits Jewish Federation CEO, Eric Stillman, for meeting those needs, “Eric has done an excellent job of creating opportunities and providing resources to the community.” Aron says it is that ability to pivot during times of crisis, that distinguishes Nashville’s Jewish Federation. “In my experience, what happens here is very different from other communities. Our Jewish Federation is unique; it is a convener of Jews from all walks of life and is integral to the fabric of our community,” he says. And Jewish Federation CEO, Eric Stillman, says, “It is exciting for Aron Karabel to serve as the 2021 Campaign Chair for our Federation, and I look forward to working with him in this role as we develop a strategic vision for fundraising efforts.” Professionally, Aron is a partner in the law firm of Waller, Lansden, Dortch and Davis, LLP, specializing in labor and employment litigation. In addition to his involvement with the Jewish Federation, he is active in local civic groups and nonprofits and in his very limited free time, he is an amateur competitive bowler. •

Fishel Fund

general staff member, but it was soon determined that he had the skills and experience needed to fill the position of Inclusion Coordinator. Parents have been thrilled with the addition. One parent with twins, one of whom has autism, says Camp Davis’ inclusion efforts are unlike any she’s seen elsewhere. “I was so impressed with the level of training the staff had in terms of dealing with him. I have not had that experience with other programs he has attended.” She added that her son’s vocabulary expanded, and his social skills showed great improvement. The Fishel family is happy they were able to pivot and expand their grants process to reach more segments of the community and help to create a more diverse and inclusive culture. Lori Fishel says, “The program is working beautifully. We wanted to help individuals and that is exactly what is happening, by way of these organizations.” She added that the synagogues and other organizations are excited about the opportunities provided and are actively looking for other ways to help people participate in and get more enjoyment out of their services. Royce and James know how very pleased and excited Lori Ann would be to know how these funds are helping those within our community. The Lori Ann Fishel Fund grants continue to be available to individual applicants. For more information, visit www.jewishnashville.org, or contact Adam Bronstone, adam@ jewishnashville.org, 615-354-1687. •

Continued from page 1 viding support for all students, Pressner determined the school was in need of a guidance counselor and a student support specialist. She says, “Sometimes families need help because they can’t do everything themselves. We wanted to be as inclusive as possible because every single child adds so much to our community.” The Lori Ann Fishel Fund grant made it possible to hire the two specialists, and so far as many as 30 students a year are utilizing the services at any given time. “The grant was amazing for Akiva. We were thrilled to receive it,” she says. She reports that parents are happy about the grant and that the services encompass things like tutoring and other academic and social support, and enrichment and gifted programming. Camp Davis has been a local institution for generations. The Gordon JCC camp rests on several values, not the least of which is to create a, “kelliha kedosha,” or, “holy community.” The camp’s professional staff believes the core of that value is to be inclusive, welcoming and supportive of each child who is part of the camp community. And with the mission of providing the best summer experience possible, Gordon JCC Executive Director Leslie Sax, determined it was time to ramp up their inclusion efforts by hiring a specialist to work with campers with atypical neurological developmental needs. Last summer Wesley Barker was hired as a

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The Observer • August 2020

To the Jewish Teen Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wondering Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next

hroughout 2020, you have been faced with more challenges and uncertainty than probably ever before. You are growing up in a world of confused confidence and ever changing social acceptance. Being stuck in your homes during quarantine, you may have memorized more Tik Tok trends than you can count or slept in more hours than you did all year combined, but you persevered through it. While there are so many unknowns about what our Fall will look like, what we do know is that we are here for you. We want to be the â&#x20AC;&#x153;placeâ&#x20AC;?, virtual or physical, that remains your constant. The hybrid world we are moving forward in is the direction you have been preparing for your entire lives. A universe that lives both face to face and over the internet, a reality that moves so quickly that trends today, are gone

Skylar Haas, BBYO Regional Director/ Nashville Teen Director

tomorrow. With BBYO being forced to shut down all in-person events, programs, and meetings back in March, you became innovators of the virtual Jewish space,

and BBYO On Demand took the world by storm. Here teens, BBYO members or not, are able to join live virtual programs, create their own programs to run, and get ideas on what they can do with their own chapter and friends. In partnership with both BBYO and JCC Maccabi Games, Lost Tribe Esports is serving Jewish communities during the coronavirus and beyond, offering online esports and social opportunities for teens and young adults FREE of charge. Lost Tribe Esports is thinking outside the box, hosting not only Xbox or Playstation tournaments, but creating a culture around alternative virtual gaming such as GamePigeon. They are leading the market in global, year-round online gaming for Jewish teens and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to see what they will do next. Come Fall, we will be together again. You will host appropriate in-person pro-

gramming while layering in the virtual space. You will normalize social distancing and figure out new ways to connect without physical touch. You will wear your masks while continuing to speak out about things you believe in. You will continue to grow your brotherhood and sisterhood because it is not about the where and the what, but about the who and the why. And as long as we have each other and never lose sight of our mission, we will be together again. Your Nashville Teen Director, Skylar Haas Here for you always.

Gordon JCC to Host Virtual Author Talks

Tzedakah is the cornerstone of our Jewish community. Sometimes we give, sometimes we need to receive. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s okay to ask for help. We are here with resources to confidentially lend a hand. Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has created a COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to provide the following services to help those suffering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic:

â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘

Emergency financial assistance Kosher food boxes

or the past five years, the Gordon Jewish Community Center has hosted a range of authors through its Jewish Author Series. Some past visiting authors include chefs Joan Nathan and Alon Shaya, Cleveland Clinic chief wellness officer Michael Roizen, television writer Alan Zweibel, and others. In response to COVID-19, the JCC has partnered with other Jewish Community Centers nationally for an â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Your Living Roomâ&#x20AC;? series. This past month, authors Lisa Taddeo, Barry Sonnenberg, and Daniel Silva all spoke to an audience over Zoom. Other events are scheduled: Erin Brockovich (August 30), Steve Madden (date TBD), and Harlan Coben in conversation with Emily Giffin (October 25). Some events may require a book purchase to, â&#x20AC;&#x153;attend.â&#x20AC;? The 2020-2021 Jewish Author Series is still being planned, with talks to occur virtually through the end of the calendar year. For more information about the Gordon JCC author events, contact Alex Heller, Adult Director, 615-354-1623, or visit www.nashvillejcc.org/book. â&#x20AC;˘

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Counseling on a HIPPA compliant telehealth platform Free 20-minute COVID Conversation with a Social Worker to explore ways to manage anxiety, identify resources and expand support systems

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â&#x20AC;˘ Scholarships for early Jewish childhood education, Akiva Jewish Day School and Jewish summer camp To inquire about scholarships that are available through funding from Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, contact your respective synagogue or agency directly. If you are in the position to give to the Jewish Federation & Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund so that we are able to continue to help our Jewish community, please make a gift at www.jewishnashville.org/covid-19.

We are all in this together.

August 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ The Jewish Observer

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Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

Rabbi Carole Balin and the 19th Amendment suffrage. “What will the Negro women do with the vote?” she asked. “We will stand or many of us, 2020 marks the 100th by the white women.” anniversary of the women’s right to Do Jewish women have any undervote. This has special meaning for us standing of what it means to be disenfranin Nashville, as on August 18th, 1920, chised? Indeed. For students of Torah, Tennessee became the 36th it doesn’t take long to realstate to ratify the 19th amendize that there are many more ment, which was the final men named and counted in vote required for the amendthe Israelite community than ment to become law. Going women. Like our national into the final vote, our legcensus today, census-taking islature was tied 48 for, and occurs more than once in the 48 opposed. Seven other journey through the wilderSouthern states had already Rabbi Carole Balin ness in which God issues an rejected the amendment, and to lead an evening of order to count heads. In the Tennessee was not expected study and celebration book of Numbers, the fourth to vote to ratify. But at the of the 100th anniversa- book of the Torah, the first last minute one represen- ry of women’s suffrage. census order comes in the sectative, Harry Burn, was persuaded by ond year after the Exodus when the motley his mother to vote for the amendment crew of freed slaves attempts to consolidespite his personal opposition. date itself into a community as it begins its While this is undoubtedly an achievejourney in the wilderness (Num. 1:1-46). ment for women in America, it did not The second order occurs 38 years later as mean the right to vote for all. Black women the newest generation of Israelites preremained disenfranchised despite the paspares to enter the Promised Land (Num. sage of the 19th amendment. On May 26:1-51). Rabbi/Dr. Carole Balin of the 18, 1920, three months before Tennessee’s Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of ratification of the 19th Amendment, Juno Religion notes, “Each census is thoroughFrankie Pierce spoke at the first meeting going and recorded with accountant-like of the newly formed League of Women precision. Forty-six verses of the opening Voters of Tennessee. As the only African chapter of Parashat B’midbar detail the American female to speak that day, Pierce process and results of the tally. Once the addressed the convention for the women of divine commandment to ‘take a census of her race. In Tennessee, Jim Crow laws firmthe whole Israelite community’ is heard, ly segregated schools, street cars, railways census-takers are appointed, and the numand people in love. But Pierce wouldn’t let bers start rolling in for each of the tribes.” those rules segregate support for women’s Rabbi Balin points out that 603,550 By RABBI LAURIE RICE

Israelites are counted. And yet, while the instruction is to take a census of the whole community — and in certain instances, “Israelites” (B’nei Yisrael) can be construed as an inclusive term for men and women — this is decidedly not how it goes down here. The text makes abundantly clear that the census includes only men of at least 20 years of age who are deemed capable of bearing arms (Num. 1:2-3). Because they will be counted on to defend against danger during the perilous trek, it is they who count. Balin asks: how do we account for the numbers that the census conceals — the roughly 600,000 women, 2 million children, 100,000 elderly men, and 90,000 men with physical challenges who live alongside the “603,550 Israelites”? In its original context, the census is a mere pragmatic tool designed to calculate the potential military might of the community. The numerical results seem to offer mere data points to assess risk. But numbers speak for themselves. When you consider that 603,550 men are counted in a book of 36 chapters that acknowledges fewer than ten women, you begin to understand that who does the recording and who is recorded are not incidental matters. Factor into the equation the cumulative effect of hearing these numbers repeated year in and year out to ever-new generations of Jews during the cyclical reading of the Torah. The impact of hearing stories that feature male protagonists almost exclusively is exponential, incalculable, epic.

What would happen were we to change up the narrative by broadly altering cultural expectations around gender and move women to the center of the story? To honor the uncounted numbers in the fourth book of the Torah and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States, we welcome Rabbi/Dr. Carole Balin to lead us in study on Thursday, August 13th at 7:00pm on Zoom. This program is offered through the partnership of the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation, Congregation Micah and the National Council of Jewish Women. Rabbi Balin will introduce us to the likes of Gloria Steinem’s Jewish grandmother, Pauline Perlmutter Steinem, who was the president of the Ohio Women’s Suffrage Association and of her Reform temple’s sisterhood; Emma Lazarus’ cousin, Maud Nathan, who threw herself into the suffragist movement, while her sister Annie opposed it, even as she helped to found Barnard College; and North Carolina’s Gertrude Weil, whose mentor was the daughter of Elizabeth Cady Stanton. She will draw on the holdings of the Jewish Women’s Archive and other resources to tell the stories of Jewish women who combined civic engagement with Jewish values in a 40-year struggle “in the wilderness” to pass the 19th Amendment. For more information, or to register for the event, contact Deborah Oleshansky, deborah@jewishnashville. org, or visit: https://bit.ly/2WsuE9o •

Tennessee, Jewish Women and the 19th Amendment By FELICIA ANCHOR

ugust in Tennessee calls for slow days and limited activity. But August 1920, changed all that and ultimately changed America. For over 70 years and three generations, the complex, politically charged cry for equality, especially at the voting box, moved toward a crescendo. Nashville became the time and place where it all exploded. The issue at hand was the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution which would allow women of all races the right to vote in all elections. Congress had approved the 19th Amendment in 1919, with bipartisan support. But, in order to admit the Amendment into law, it required three-fourths ratification of the 48 states. As history will relate and legacy will embrace, it came down to the Tennessee Legislature to become the necessary and 36th state to vote in favor of the Amendment. The journey had been difficult and fraught with disagreements about strategy, racial and Anti-Semitic overtones, with anti-lobbying from manufacturers and the liquor industry. With fellow women who felt such liberty would ruin the structure of the family forever. The suffragists were relentless. At first, the Republican party was viewed as more supportive of woman’s suffrage than Democrats. Democrats had power in the South, and they were concerned about Black Women’s access to voting and the repercussions it would bring. In 1917, The National Women’s Party organized silent protests outside the White House six days a week to pressure President Woodrow Wilson to support their efforts. Thirtythree suffragists picketing were arrested

and jailed. They were fed maggot infested food, beaten and tortured. The women protested with a hunger strike and were brutally force fed. They were released after the Washington DC court of Appeals declared the arrest unconstitutional. As momentum grew across the nation, Jewish women in Nashville donned their white dresses and hats and proudly placed their yellow roses on their lapels indicating their support for the Amendment. Among the Jewish Women who were leaders in the Nashville Suffrage movement are names held with esteem and respect even today. In addition to their dedication to working towards women’s equality, their legacies are sustained in the foundations of the Jewish and the Nashville community. Miss Lizzie Lee Bloomstein was raised in a home dedicated to learning. She, in turn, devoted her life to study and the dissemination of knowledge becoming the Assistant Librarian of George Peabody College. She graduated from Ward Seminary and Peabody Normal College in the first graduating class. She received a master’s degree from the University of Nashville in 1895. In 1898, Miss Lizzie Lee was the founder of the Magazine Circle Book club. It became the first Federated Woman’s club in Tennessee. Being intellectually gifted was the first prerequisite for membership. According to Sabina Greif, “The object of the Club was mutual improvement and culture as well as service.” But it wasn’t the only consideration. Elizabeth Jacobs, Nashville icon, recounted, “ Miss Lizzie

Lee intended to invite 25 “ young marrieds” into her club. She, however, was not married and lived with her bachelor brother, Sam. Sam was entrusted with mailing the invitations and noted that no single women were included. So he took it upon himself to add ten more names of single women to the invitation list and on the day of the gathering all 35 arrived. Miss Bloomstein held the position of President for 29 years. In her memory, the Magazine Circle, which continues to meet, established a Scholarship to Peabody College, which is still given. Until today, the Magazine Circle has a limit of 35 members. Two sisters -in -law also had prominent roles in the Nashville women’s rights movement. Lettie Nassauer Lusky was born in Nashville in 1870. She was most likely educated at the Ward Seminary for Young Ladies. About 1894 she married Louis Lusky. In 1901, she was one of the organizers of the Nashville Section of the National Council of Jewish Women. She and her sister in law were important forces in the North Nashville Improvement League and the Warioto canning club, “the first canning club in Davidson county” which preserved produce from 120 acres in garden cultivation intended to serve families in need. In 1917, Letty Lusky was appointed by the state President, to serve as chairman of “ war activities” of the Nashville Equal Suffrage Association a member of the National Suffrage Association. The work was essential and respected. After nearly two years of intensive work focus-

ing on war relief by the Association, the 19th Amendment was ratified in Tennessee. According to writer, Rose Gilmore, “ Tennessee’s vote on the suffrage amendment was a fitting climax to the banner record of women of the grand old Volunteer State meeting every call for service during the greatest war in history.” Betsy Chernau carries the legacy of her great aunt Jennie Lowenheim Lusky. She has had the opportunity to portray her at Suffragist commemorations. The family’s Jewish heritage was the source of a life threatening crisis when in 1866, Jennie’s father, Joseph Lowenheim, was attacked by the Ku Klux Klan, strung up in a tree and left to die. Fortunately, he thought to give the Masonic distress signal which was recognized by one of Klansmen who cut him down and saved his life. Jennie, like Letty, became one of the Founders of the National Council of Jewish Women. Betsy recalls that, after becoming a young widow, her great aunt was a successful businesswoman heading her own company. She understood the challenges of being a working mother and knew that other mothers had no safe place to leave their children. In 1891 she became a co-founder of the Fannie Battle Day home. In 1918, she became involved in the Council’s creation of the Bertha Fensterwald Settlement House where she volunteered as both a nurse and social worker. Jennie was a member of the Equal Suffrage Association and used her organizing skills to move the organization forward. On May 1, 1915 she opened the newspaper to see a front page headline that read, “Mammoth Parade and Great Pageant”. Jennie had taken part in the Continued on page 16

The Observer • August 2020

Nashville-raised Lone Soldier Faces Training During Pandemic By BARBARA DAB

or most young people in the Israeli Army, basic training is an experience that challenges them physically, mentally and emotionally, but it is part of their responsibility as native-born citizens. Not all new recruits are native Israelis, though. Some, like Nashvilleraised Alitzah Gelman, chose to join the army and spend their time as lone soldiers, those who have no immediate family in Israel. Alitzah left Nashville to emigrate to Israel last summer and following a period of adjustment and transition, drafted into the army in March, just as the COVID-19 pandemic descended on the world. She says, “It has definitely been an experience. As soon as we drafted, we had to close the base for 45 days.” Indeed the whole country was shut down at that time, leaving no opportunity for Alitzah’s family to visit or to witness in person her recent beret ceremony which comes at the completion of her training. Although Alitzah is a lone soldier, she is no stranger to Israel. She and her brother were born in the country, but along with their parents, moved to the United States when she was very young. The family settled in the Nashville area and she graduated from Nolensville High School. Returning to Israel was a natural next step as she reports a lifelong connection to the country. “I knew college wasn’t my immediate path,” she says, “I always want to push myself physically and mentally, and I consider Israel my home.” And the base closure coming right at the beginning of her training was a definite challenge. With limited time allowed for using the internet or watching TV, Alitzah says the soldiers were faced with using their own personal resources, “Being on the base makes you tough. But very close friendships were forged during that time.” Although lone soldiers have no family in Israel, they receive support from organizations such as the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and Friends of the IDF. The JAFI Lone Soldier program provides support to immigrants serving alone in the IDF and FIDF is an organization dedicated to providing for the well-being of IDF soldiers. According to Seth Baron, FIDF Southeast Executive Director, “In 2019 we helped over 3400 lone soldiers worldwide.” And during the base closures, the FIDF was there to help. “One

Alitzah Gelman receives her commander’s beret, recognizing her and identifying her for leadership

Alitzah Gelman during basic training

of the first things we did was reach out to our partners on the ground in Israel and were in contact with every single lone soldier to find out from them what their

needs were,” he says. Among some of the things provided to the lone soldiers to help them deal with days of uncertainty were gift bags, gym equipment and Sony Playstations. “We just made sure they knew there were people looking out for them and that they had a source in FIDF if they needed anything,” Baron says. Alitzah’s family has a legacy of IDF service, too. Her brother served as a lone soldier after graduating from Ravenwood High School, and her father served for six years in the Jerusalem Border Patrol. “It’s no surprise she wanted to volunteer,” say her parents Dov and Lyndee Gelman, “We raised our children in a strong

Zionist home with equally strong Jewish values and a connection to Eretz Yisrael.” Alitzah recently received her beret and was chosen by her commanding officer to receive advanced training in her field, which is combat artillery. The training will take another four months and then, Dov says, “She will be trained in the use of artillery canons and will be deployed to Israel’s northern border as well as protecting Jewish villages in Judea and Samaria.” After her service Alitzah does plan to attend college, perhaps studying psychology, but for now she says, “I am very excited for what the next two years and eight months have in store.” •

The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School Opens Registration for the New School Year T his fall will begin the 22nd year of the Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School (CHS). CHS has earned a 22-year reputation of being an innovative program in which students excel in their Hebrew reading, Jewish knowledge, and pride for their heritage, and is directed by Mrs. Esther Tiechtel. Located at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, CHS meets weekly, and caters to students ages 5 through 13. The new academic year will begin in September, with a special program introducing this year’s theme, “Living Jewishly as a Community of One.” “The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School emphasizes exploring the Jewish heritage is a creative and fun way, putting the FUN in FUNdamentals, with special focus on not only accumulating knowledge, but

applying those lessons to our everyday life,” said Mrs. Tiechtel. She adds that through, “art, drama, songs, contests, and interactive activities, Judaism become real and alive to the students.” CHS prides itself on developing a community among its students, staff and parents. The Hebrew School’s most important message is embedded in the culture and relationships it fosters, taking the time to build a community that attends to the needs of individual children, embracing them in an environment where their classmates become their good friends. During classes on Jewish values and holidays, children engage their minds of through peer discussions and handson experiences, and are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and compare texts,

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

ideas, and ethical dilemmas. The cohesive, whole-school curriculum focuses on developing Emunah- Faith as the cornerstone in our lives. Children learn through stories of our heroes and heroines, illustrating how they used faith and connection to keep them grounded and strong. CHS creates confident Jewish learners by giving them the tools to read Hebrew and participate in the davening/prayer services. The Alef Champ Program is famous for instilling a love as well as fluency in Hebrew reading. This year, students will enjoy centers on Hebrew writing and language as well as interactive vocabulary. For more information and to request registration forms, contact Chabad at 615646-5750, or email chabadnashville@ gmail.com •

At Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew school Aleph Champ program, children learn to read Hebrew based on the taekwondo motivational system. Each level they master they receive another metal in a different color until they reach the level of black belt And become the Aleph Champ.

Onward and Masa Israel Programs Respond to Summer of COVID By BARBARA DAB

ummertime is internship season for many college students. It is also the time many turn to temporary jobs to help fund their educations, while others look for travel opportunities. This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic reduced or even eliminated internships, the job market dried up and quarantines made travel all but impossible, students had to scramble to make the most of their time while also planning for their uncertain futures. At Vanderbilt University Hillel, students who had planned Birthright trips saw those cancelled. But some programs have pivoted to adapt to current travel restrictions and the financial limitations resulting from the continuing economic downturn. Ari Dubin, Executive Director at Vanderbilt Hillel, says the Onward internship program, for example, created opportunities for students to work remotely and still gain important work experience. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was a lot of stress for the students, but there was also a lot of excitement around the Onward program. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created some great innovations and have been quite revolutionary.â&#x20AC;? Vanderbilt students are known for their resourcefulness and, according to Hillel Assistant Executive Director, Brian Small, this summer is no exception. He says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have three students who stayed with the Onward program virtually, one from the back seat of her car.â&#x20AC;? That student, Samantha Rosen, managed to not only participate in a high tech internship located in Israel, she also spent several weeks traveling the United States. Her internship involved data analysis for the Tel Aviv School of Medicine in the field of breast cancer research. She and a friend both worked on internships, driving and sightseeing during the day and working

All in a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work. Samantha Rosen working on her internship from the back seat of the car

mornings and evenings. She says this summer, while not the one she initially planned, ended up being a valuable experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although I really missed the experience of being in Israel, working in person, I still had the work/travel balance I wanted, just in the Western United States instead.â&#x20AC;? Samantha says the Onward program staff met regularly with the students to make sure they stayed on track to meet their goals. As for making important social connections, she says there are also online enrichment sessions designed to create community among the students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone has been really helpful and willing to work with me,â&#x20AC;? she says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And the connections Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made online feel real.â&#x20AC;? For those students seeking longer term opportunities for work and travel in Israel, the Masa program is one that has continued despite the restrictions and limitations. As a matter of fact, accord-

JMS Heads to School Opening with New Leadership By LIBBY WERTHAN

n these challenging times, the Jewish Middle School of Nashville will be going forward with its largest student body and exciting new programming. At the JMS Annual meeting, Rabbi Saul Strosberg, Founder, introduced its new academic leadership, Alene Arnold and Jay Riven. Arlene Arnold, who has been with JMS since its inception, will assume the role of Co-Head for Teaching and Learning. In addition to being a seasoned teacher, she has been an advocate for education reform on the Local, State and National levels. Her strength lies in her ability to design individual curriculums for the diverse student body. Jay Riven, a Nashville native, has returned to Nashville after a distinguished career in education, having been Head of School at a number of private middle schools. Jay will serve as Co-Head for Finance and Development. In addition to the new staff appointments, a new slate of officers was elected: President, Didi Biesman; Secretary, Carol Hyatt; Treasurer, Ben Doochin. The new Board members are: Ur Barzel, Batia Karabel, Jeremy Landa, Dr. Connie Smith, Libby Werthan and Moshe Werthan. JMS is opening a new chapter in its young life. The only small independent

Samantha Rosen enjoying the view from Angels Landing, Zion National Park

ing to Meara Razon Ashtivker, North American COO of Masa Israel Journey, applications for the Masa programs have increased. She says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the pandemic, we never stopped moving. Our programs will continue, and we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning Fellows to Israel. Throughout the coronavirus crisis, demand for our programs has increased.â&#x20AC;? She says in the spring, there were 6,000 pre-registrations, up 120 percent over last year. She says the program is adhering to all safety guidelines regarding required quarantine in Israel and provides online enrichment and orientation materials, so people are ready to go once they are finished with quarantine. Ari Dubin, of Vanderbilt Hillel, says the university also has a strong relationship with Masa.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;They have done a great job evolving and tweaking their programs. Masa is a tremendous resource for our students.â&#x20AC;? As the Fall semester approaches, plans for reopening schools and universities are still in flux. And college students thinking about life after graduation remain stressed about all the uncertainty. Vanderbilt Hillelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brian Small says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The college experience will be significantly different from what they were expecting. Some with health issues who may not feel comfortable on campus may be set back a bit.â&#x20AC;? But as students like Samantha Rosen can attest, this summer has been a valuable learning experience. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would never have had the chance to do what I did this summer without [corona]. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive the Onward program and Vanderbilt gave us this opportunity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘

JMS students cleaning out their outdoor classroom

private middle school in Nashville, it welcomes students of all faiths. With strong Jewish Studies and academic curriculums, it fosters both the intellectual and emotional growth of its students during the important early teen years. After the success of learning remotely last spring JMS, while fully intending to return on time and in person for the new 2020-2021 school year, is now poised and well-prepared to deliver a quality education in person, remotely, or blended. And to date, the school is nearly at capacity, but has room for one additional 5th grade student. JMS is dedicated to ensuring the health of its students and faculty and is making all the preparations necessary to follow the CDC guidelines. For further information contact Jay Riven at jriven@jmsnashville.org â&#x20AC;˘

The Observer â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020

Community Relations Committee Continues to Engage Weekly Through Virtual Lunch & Learn By LESLIE KIRBY

lthough Covid-19 has put a damper on many of our plans, CRC has remained active! One of our key programs right now is our weekly (Virtual) Lunch & Learn series. Each Friday from 12-1, we interview a guest on a topic of interest to our community. Our first few weeks focused on responses to the pandemic, but we have now expanded to include other current event topics. On August 7, we will hear from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with an update on the #StopHateforProfit campaign in which they and other non-profit groups, including the NAACP and the National Hispanic Media Coalition, have called upon for profit companies to temporarily pause advertising on Facebook and Instagram. The campaign is aimed at forcing Mark Zuckerberg to address the effect of these platforms in allowing misinformation, hate and extremism to spread faster than ever before, causing real harm to real people. Here are highlights from a few of our previous programs: For our first lunch and learn, on April 24th, nurse practitioner Lauren Smith (FNP-C) and Chief Health Officer Amy Richardson (MPH) from Siloam Health joined us for, “On the Ground Fighting Covid-19 in Nashville.” The Siloam team discussed their mission, to provide health care to Nashville’s uninsured, underserved and culturally marginalized. They gave a big picture overview of the spread and impact of Covid-19 in Nashville, discussed symptoms, best prevention steps, and where and how to get testing. Since 95% of Siloam’s patients are immigrants or refugees, a key aspect of their presentation focused on the disproportionate toll that covid-19 is having

on minorities in Nashville. Our May 1st topic was, “Staying Sane in a Pandemic: Tips for Coping with Isolation, Anxiety and Uncertainty.” Pam Kelner, Executive Director of Jewish Family Services moderated a discussion with Vanderbilt University psychology professor Craig Smith, PhD. Professor Smith discussed the varieties of stress that people are dealing with during the pandemic, different emotional responses to those stresses and ways to cope. Professor Smith emphasized that it’s perfectly natural to feel anxious right now given all the uncertainty, and suggested we cut ourselves some slack, work to maintain social ties, even if only virtually, and employ positive psychology techniques such as gratitude and mindfulness. On May 8th, Congressman Jim Cooper, D – TN 5th Congressional District, joined us to discuss the impact of federal legislation on covid-19 in Tennessee. He focused on the bipartisan nature of the initial relief bills and raised potential issues with upcoming bills. He

reminded us of the scope of the relief bills and budget implications; the spending so far is on the same scale as what was spent in all of World War II and is bigger than the New Deal. He also discussed voter registration, turnout and the importance of safeguarding elections this fall. We then had a great interactive Q&A session with Congressman Cooper where he spent about 5 minutes fielding a variety of questions from our audience. For our May 22nd session, our guest was State Senator Steve Dickerson, R, TN-20, who discussed efforts to expand vote-by-mail for the Fall 2020 Elections. Senator Dickerson emphasized the bi-partisan nature of the need to provide safe voting options for all registered voters. He reminded us that Tennessee is one of only four or five states that have not expanded mail-in voting for the 2020 election cycle and, drawing on his medical background, the senator explained the medically necessary reasons for not requiring in-person voting in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic.

On June 19th, Travis Claybrooks, Raphah Institute Founder and CEO and Ron Galbraith, former CRC Chair and current Raphah Institute board chair, joined us for a program on restorative justice. They presented on the Restorative Justice Diversion Program, in which youth who have committed a felony work in partnership with the people they have harmed to find a way for the youth to make reparation. The program requires the youth to be accountable and take responsibility for their actions and a commitment to not harm again, while also allowing a move toward a version of justice that will make for a safer and more just community. Tequila Johnson, co-Founder and co-Executive Director of Equity Alliance was our guest on June 26th, discussing efforts to increase voter engagement, especially among disenfranchised minorities in Nashville. Tequila calls herself, “solutionary,” and she focused on the need to amplify minority voices. She discussed implications of Tennessee not being a battleground state, and the need to find ways to impact policies. She also offered specific volunteer needs, including assisting with voter registration and driving people without a ride to polls so they can vote. You can find all of our (Virtual) Lunch & Learns online on the Federation YouTube channel: https://www. youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKHRuM HBiISlVmrQ8bZM-nAEDfKSpjgDV . And you can find full written summaries of each session along with resource links here: https://www.jewishnashville.org/ crcprograms. Please join us on Fridays at noon! See your weekly Federation email or the Federation Facebook page for details and Zoom links for upcoming speakers. •

The Temple Presents: A Discussion on the Moral Implications of COVID-19 and the Racial Justice Protests for the Future of American Democracy O

n August 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., Duke History Professor and author of Democracy in Chains, Nancy MacLean will be speaking via Zoom at The Temple in Nashville. A spiritual/religious discussion of Democracy in Chains is topical in the midst of the new COVID-19 reality and the protests for racial justice. COVID-19 has reminded us of our common humanity and the need for working for the common good, and the racial justice protests have reminded us of the inequities of opportunity in our nation. This book reveals how MacLean believes certain libertarian ideas are being advanced to shackle our democracy so that it cannot respond to the will of the majority but instead is concentrating power among those who seek to rig the system to serve their interests. In the book, MacLean writes that this is contrary to the common good, and to just economic opportunity and a collective voice for all Americans, but most particularly for African Americans.

Professor MacLean explains this libProfessor MacLean reminds us of ertarian approach as formulated by James our obligation to place a moral check McGill Buchanan, a on that human drive Nobel Prize winning econtowards greed and power omist from Rutherford when it becomes conCounty, Tennessee, trary to the interest of whose ideas have been democracy, capitalism, implemented by Charles racial justice, and shared Koch and his network of humanity. Her critique wealthy donors and the is in keeping with the many organizations they actual ideals of Adam fund. She shows how the Smith, the original philibertarian argument for, losopher of capitalism, “economic liberty,” can who in 1776 explained be offered in sincerity that the “invisible hand” but fails to recognize natworks best when peoural human tendencies ple morally pursue their towards greed and power. self-interests. She documents how its Through this book, implementation has and the discussion at Nancy MacLean resulted in an unhealthy The Temple, we are concentration of economic and political asked to consider our moral responsipower that challenges our moral compass bility to be, “our brother’s keeper,” in and is rendering government dysfunctional the context of preserving our American for the citizenry. democracy with greater racial justice.

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

The book invites good citizenship, deeper civic engagement, expanded voter participation, greater racial justice, and empowerment of local communities to foster the ideals of American democracy and the benefits of locally owned American capitalism. The panel will be facilitated by former Nashville Mayor, Megan Barry. Please join us for our discussion with the author on August 25th via Zoom and also plan to join us at The Temple for a follow-up conversation in early September to hear from a panel of people who will offer concrete ways for us to become more civically engaged. If you would like to read the book before the event, you can get a copy at one of the links here: Democracy in Chains. The Zoom link and information about the follow-up conversation can be found at The Temple Hub, www. thetemplehub.org For more on the speaker, see https://scholars.duke.edu/ person/nancy.maclean •

Five Scholarships being offered at the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool (JuMP) opens its doors for its 4th year, as Tennessee’s only Jewish Montessori Preschool.

To apply for this special one-time scholarship, or to schedule a private tour of the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool please call 615-646-5750. •

he Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool is committed to providing its students with an outstanding Jewish Montessori education, which will become their foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Beyond small class sizes and a Montessori philosophy, lies the opportunity to give each child a rich, Jewish foundation in a warm and nurturing environment. In celebration of its success, an anonymous donor has stepped up to the plate, and is offering a one-time opportunity of granting a fifty percent scholarship to five children, from any new families applying for the academic year, beginning in August of 2020. These scholarships are for children ages 18 months – 5 years old, and are being granted on a first come first served basis. The fifty percent scholarship will enable a child to pay only $450 per month for a full day program, five days a week, for their first year attending the Jewish Montessori preschool.

Learning at the Revere Jewish Montessori preschool is taught with focusing on each individual child’s strength, with an emphasis on peer learning.

Children learned firsthand about fire safety as the Nashville fire department visited the preschool and shared a hands-on demonstration on the do’s and dont’s with fire safety. Morah Deb Turciano dressed in the gear of a Nashville firefighter for the primary grade children of the RJMP.

Catering for All Your Occasions Brisket Boneless Chicken Breast Salmon Fillets Goldie’s Meatballs Cabbage and Meatballs Matzo Ball Soup and Balls Mushroom Barley Soup Vegetarian Vegetable Soup Sweet and Sour Cabbage Soup Kugel/Dairy Parve Spinach Kugel Parve Potato Kugel Carrot Soufflé Squash Casserole Sweet Potato Casserole Vegetable Medley Rice Medley/ Vegetables Simple Brownies Chess Squares/Blond Brownies Fudge or Pecan Pie Gift Baskets for all occasions Shabbat Dinners for 4

Email or Text for Prices and Quantites to Goldie Shepard 615-305-9438 | Goldieshepard@gmail.com Please support the businesses that advertise in the Observer and help support our community in all ways! Make sure to let them know...you saw their ad here! The Observer • August 2020

August in the GJCC Galleries

n August, the Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the photography of Vince Wallace and the sculptures of Robert Seigenthaler. Photographer Vince Wallace was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and has called Nashville home since 2005. Vince has shot in a wide range of disciplines including concept, architectural, corporate PR and portraiture, musicians and artists, editorial, and weddings. He has worked for such clients as Dreamworks Interactive and International Living Magazine. For his August exhibit, he explores water and its enigmatic nature - elemental to all life. He currently owns a rental facility for visual production and events called Story Forge Nashville, which arose from a desire to build community and foster the arts. Sculptor Robert Seigenthaler also resides in Nashville, TN. He is drawn to carving sculpture from stone and wood, due to its element of divulgence. His sculpture collection inspires the viewer to observe these nuances positively, enjoying the discovery of the unknown and appreciating the process along the way. The JLMG2 Gallery will feature the art of Cindi Slaughter. Cindi is a Nashville-based mixed media and collage artist. She grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, earning a bachelor’s degree in art at the nearby University of Montevallo. Her concentration was in graphic design and she worked as a designer during the early years of her career. Along with creating visual art, she enjoys playing guitar, singing, and songwriting. For over ten years, while living in Arlington, VA, she was a vocalist and guitarist with several local music groups and her band, Cinged Blues, was nominated for the Best New Band award by the Washington Area Music Association. Heavily influenced by 20th century modern art, Cindi’s work has hints of modernism, abstract expressionism, and pop art. She prefers working with an assortment of media as she believes it is analogous of the life experience – pieces of this and that from

Carolyn Bader, Goat

here and there assembled together to make the whole. The Sig Held Gallery will feature the work Carolyn Bader, a native of Bucks County Pennsylvania. She was influenced at an early age by art from the New Hope Artist Community. Her first career was as an RN in Cardiac ICU’s in large teaching hospitals in Philadelphia and Chicago. She has been told that she was always drawing in the margins of her nurses notes while getting report on her patients. Carolyn has called the Nashville area home for the past 27 years. As a stay at home mom she painted murals in her children’s schools and bedrooms, painted floor cloths, dabbled in watercolor and regularly painted the faces of her children and neighbor’s children. After some big life changes she had an artistic explosion and took glass blowing, copper smithing and pottery lessons and found her joy in oil painting. She is a member of the Chestnut Group and can be found painting in and around Nashville and Wellfleet MA. The House gallery will feature submissions from “A Call Out to Artists for Tikkun Olam and a Response to Racism.” These pieces are the result of requests on social media for artist reaction to the death of George Floyd and reflect societal response in calling for justice and reform.

Cindi Slaughter

Robert Siegenthaler

Vince Wallace, Facets

The Exhibition Dates are August 1 - August 30. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. Any attendees will need to wear masks, sign in and have

their temperature scanned at the front desk. For more information, contact the GJCC at 615.354-1699, Curator Carrie Mills at carrie@nashvillejcc.org. •

Hearts of Hope Being Distributed to East Nashville Residents through Martha O’Bryan Center Food Assistance Programs

artha O’Bryan Center, based in East Nashville, serves Nashville’s most vulnerable communities and families. The Center has also been a hub for tornado relief following the March tornado. Among its many services, Martha O’Bryan Center supplies emergency food boxes to persons experiencing need and helps feed seniors, disabled persons, and families through its Meals on Wheels program. West End Synagogue assists in

the Meals on Wheels delivery of bags of canned and packaged food. As a special “extra,” last month participants in both programs received a gift of love and hope. Each received a ceramic heart with a message crafted by volunteers in the Florida based Hearts of Hope program, as part of a partnership with WES to reach out to people experiencing difficult times through tornado recovery and the Covid19 pandemic. •

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

Marth O’Bryan Center staff person Will handing a Heart to a woman picking up a food box. (Due to Covid-19, recipients are required to stay with their cars if they arrive in a car.) Another participant in the food box program shows his Heart, and pictured is the food security wing of MOBC with instructions for recipients.

Hadassah Supports Youth Aliyah in Israel

he Nashville Hadassah 2020 Donor non-event is a One Woman NonShow to benefit Youth Aliyah Villages in Israel. There are three Villages in Israel that provide education, counseling, vocational training, arts and sports programs

for immigrant and at -risk children. Since 1934 when these villages were established to rescue children from Nazi occupied Europe, the Youth Villages have graduated over 300.000 students from 80 countries including Israel. At Had

Neurim Youth Village, students rehabilitate abandoned and abused dogs and prepare them for adoption. At another village, students prepare and bring food to holocaust survivors in their neighborhood. While gaining academic and

vocational skills these children also learn Jewish values. You can support these children by contributing at Hadassah. org/Nashville by August 5. For additional information, contact Deana Goldstein-615-438-5225. •

Youth studying Pirkei Avot

Collecting eggs at Meir Shefeyah Youth Village

Meir Shefeyah harvest

Preparing for Seder

Zach Banner tries challah and (spoiler) he loves it (JTA) – Zach Banner of the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers now knows what challah tastes like — and he can say the word properly. With “a little phleghm,” the offensive lineman said in a tweeted video of himself this week. In a recent interview, Banner said that after he posted tweets and videos embracing the Jewish community amid the anti-Semitism furor involving fellow NFLer DeSean Jackson, he has received an outpouring of love — including the delivery of loaves of challah. That affection has also included

donations to his B3 Foundation, which supports children academically and athletically in Tacoma, Washington; Los Angeles; and Guam. So he was profoundly grateful when he heard that four sisters in New Jersey who call themselves the Challah Back Girls announced that they would donate 50% of their proceeds for a week from July 13, and some challah, to the foundation. Since early June, the sisters have been baking and delivering the bread and donating a portion of the proceeds to social justice groups, The Los Angeles Jewish Journal reported. They bake in

their own kitchen and say they use all kosher ingredients. “These incredible women have used their passion and love to raise money for a lot of organizations, especially the ones who are supporting the Black Lives Matter movement,” Banner tweeted in a video on July 15. “This is gonna be my first time eating challah bread and I’m so excited. God Bless. Thank you, ladies!” On Tuesday, Banner tweeted a video of himself making his challah-tasting debut. He showed a preference for the coffee crumb version. “That is fire, wow!” he exclaimed. He said it had been

a long time since he had eaten any carbs or sugar. Along with learning the correct pronunciation of challah, Banner now knows to omit the word bread afterward — it’s redundant. Responses to his tweet included the suggestion that he try gefilte fish and matzah ball soup. Someone also warned him away from raisin challah, calling it “the reason we all have trust issues.” The Challah Back Girls, by the way, are diehard Steelers fans and have season tickets, according to the Jewish Journal, driving seven hours each way to attend every home game. •

To access the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.” The Observer • August 2020

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

@ Micah Still reading a newspaper? Pandemic or not, it’s time to jump on the digital bandwagon. As agile as ever, Judaism at Micah continues to evolve with courage, compassion and creativity. Stay updated at www.congregationmicah.org, as well as in our social media and e-blasts by liking us on Facebook and Instagram @MicahNashville, learn with us on YouTube, chat with us on zoom, pray with us on livestream – join us in our virtual tent, there is room for everyone! Access Micah’s Livestream for free from the front page of our website and/or like us on Facebook!

Weekly Programs:

Ancient Secrets: Practical Wisdom from the Past for the Present Pandemic Available on YouTube & Facebook

@ Chabad Plug Into Prayer Feeling lonely? Need an Uplift? Plug Into Prayer with Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 PM on Zoom or Facebook for 30 minutes of Prayer and Inspiration. Jewish prayer is G d’s way of saying to us: “speak to Me and I will listen.” We pray to G-d to thank Him, to praise him, and beseech Him for a life filled with meaning and purpose. Plug Into Prayer will surly nourish your soul to fulfillment. www.chabadnashville.com/zoom

An Authentic Shabbat Experience on chabadnashville.com/zoom Welcome the Shabbat from your Living Room Couch or your back patio. Experience the joy of Shabbat and feel connected to your community as Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel takes you on a journey of an authentic Shabbat experience, and your spirits will be uplifted with song, prayer and a pre Shabbat sermon. Join your friends from across the Nashville community on Friday afternoons at 6:30 PM, on Zoom or Facebook for a Pre Shabbat Celebration with Chabad of Nashville. As we are living in unprecedented times, kindly check the Chabad of Nashville website, chabadnashville.com for an up to date listing of all of the upcoming events and programs during the month of August 2020, which will take place via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel Zoom Prayer

Rabbi Flip interviews theological giants of the past, revealing their contributions to spirituality and what wisdom they offer us during the pandemic. Characters played by local heroes who serve our community. Learn who they are and what they do.

Schmooze & Views Thursdays on Zoom Chat

A lay-led lunch discussion about politics conducted in a civil way. Open to all. Led by Dr. Bob Smith.

Shabbat Service Friday nights on Facebook Live & Micah Livestream

Experience how the power of music, song, and the inspiration of sacred words can help you feel more connected and less anxious.

Torah Study Saturday Mornings on YouTube

The sages and commentators - past and present - come alive as the Rabbis Rice share wisdom from the weekly Torah portion.

A Musical Morning Saturdays on Facebook Live

Music Director Lisa Silver shares songs and insights on Shabbat that will educate, warm your heart, and make you want to tap your toes all morning long.

Havdalah Saturday evenings on Facebook Live

Close the Sabbath with a few moments of song, spices, separation and spiritual nourishment.

“How to Be An Anti-Racist” by Ibram X. Kendi Book Read & Zoom Discussion Monday, August 10

Purchase your book now from your preferred bookseller. Also available on Kindle and Audible. Please RSVP to Julie Greenberg at jgreenberg@congregationmicah.org

Book Club’s Discussion of Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson Monday, August 31st RSVP to Julie at jgreenberg@congregationmicah.org

Save the date - JLAB (Religious School) kicks off Sunday, September 13th!

@ Sherith Israel Details of whether the following events will be in person or virtual are still to be determined. Please continue to check with the synagogue for more information.

A welcome party for our new Torah Mitzion Shlichim, Batya & Nechemya Rosenfeld.Monday, August 10, 6 pm. Recently, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee hosted a Zoom call for 500 faith leaders from across the State of Tennessee addressing houses of worship during the Covid-19 crisis. The Governor invited Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, from Chabad of Nashville, to represent the Jewish clergy and share words of blessing and prayer for the Leadership of the State, and for the Mayors and Faith Leaders of the Great State of Tennessee.

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

An Evening of Jewish Music, Sunday, August 16, 6 pm Shabbat Mornings at Elmington Park

Socially Distant but Spiritual Close Tot Shabbat, 10 AM, weather and public health permitting

At Our Congregations… @ The Temple Virtual Learning Experiences August 2020

Jewish learning and community don’t stop when we are stuck at home! Over the next months, we have planned a wide range of virtual learning opportunities for all ages. See what we have to offer and plan to join us to deepen your Jewish knowledge and understanding while strengthening your connections to our congregation and each other. If you have questions about any of these learning experiences or need help connecting to our virtual platforms, please don’t hesitate to contact Rabbi Michael Shulman at rabbishulman@templenashville.org

All programming can be accessed via thetemplehub.org

Jewish Learning on Your Own Schedule Coming soon: Look for podcasts and videos prepared by musicians, scholars and clergy especially for our Temple Community! 13 Attributes of God, Jewish Cooking Demos, Clergy Chats, Inside Israel and Jewish Music Sessions. Sessions will be posted on thetemplehub.org A DISCUSSION ON THE MORAL IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 AND THE RACIAL JUSTICE PROTESTS FOR THE FUTURE OF AMERICAN DEMOCRACY. On August 25, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., Duke History Professor and author of Democracy in Chains Nancy MacLean will be speaking for The Temple in Nashville, Tennessee via Zoom

More Opportunities Coming Soon! Check thetemplehub.org and our weekly email for updates and new classes in the coming weeks...

Ongoing Jewish Learning with the Clergy High Holy Day Prep

August 25th September 1st September 8th September 15th 12:00-1:00 PM Join The Temple clergy for High Holy Day Prep!

Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88589922632 Meeting ID: 885 899 22632 Dial in - Audio Only: 1 312 626 6799 August 1st Shabbat Moring Service with Rabbinic Intern Ross Levy @ 11:00a.m.

For information to join this service, please go to thetemplehub.org. Suffragettes Shabbat- honoring the 100 year anniversary of the ratification of the 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote August 14th @ 6:00pm Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/320094033 Meeting ID: 320 094 033 • Dial in (Audio Only): 1-312-626-6799

Pirkei Avot: Jewish Wisdom for Today’s World

@ West End Shacharit Join us Mondays & Thursdays for Shacharit service at 8:30 a.m. on Zoom. Zoom info: Meeting ID: 847 4426 3911 Password (case sensitive): 5A63j6 Those having issues can message Rabbi or Cantor through Facebook and they will reply back asap.

Daily Mincha Join us for daily Mincha on Zoom at 6:00 p.m. Meeting ID: 831 8625 7601 Password (case sensitive): 9ix4BK

Kabbalat Shabbat The congregation is invited to join. Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat on Zoom at 6:00 p.m. Meeting ID: 831 8625 7601 Password: (case sensitive) 9ix4BK

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. Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81973096738 Meeting ID: 819 730 96738 Dial in - Audio Only: 1 312 626 6799

Talmud Class

Summer Lunch with the Rabbi

TORAH WITH AN ACCENT:

12:00-1:00 PM August 20th Bring your lunch and engage with Rabbi Schiftan and guests in a discussion of currents and important issues from a Jewish perspective. Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/572111637 Meeting ID: 572111637 Dial in - Audio Only: 1 312 626 6799

Women’s Torah Study

Every Thursday from 12:00-1:00 PM Ongoing weekly women’s Torah study led by Patty Marks. Zoom Room: https://zoom.us/j/392595616 Meeting ID: 392 595 616 Dial in- Audio Only: 1 312 626-6799

Talmud on Tuesdays at 8:30 a.m.. Zoom Information: (No password required) Meeting ID: 777 716 003

Join five Latin American rabbis talking with a bit of an accent (!) about the weekly Torah portion. The class will be every Thursday at 4:00 pm. on our Facebook Page.

Learn more about the

Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

Tot Shabbat

Saturday, August 22nd at 10:00am For information to join in the fun, please go to thetemplehub.org.

To access the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

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

The Observer • August 2020

Mitzvahs and Lifecycles

Samuel Halbert

Sam (Shmuel) Halbert, the son of Keiko and Alan Halbert, graduated from Hume-Fogg. He also graduated from the School for Science & Math at Vanderbilt, an intensive program in science and technology for high school students. Sam has received a merit scholarship from the University of California - Berkeley, where he plans to study chemical engineering. A member of Congregation Sherith Israel, Sam has worked as a lifeguard at the JCC and a mashgiach (kosher food inspector) at Avo restaurant. He is planning to spend a gap year at Yeshivat Migdal Ha-Torah in Israel.

To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”

Obituaries Marilyn Stein Cohen

Marilyn Stein Cohen passed away on July 10th, 2020 at the age of 94 in Atlanta, GA. She is survived by four children, Adele (Larry Pett) of Atlanta, Mike (Carolyn) of Jupiter, FL, Rich (Robin) of Atlanta, and Diane (Andy Green) of Columbia, MD; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren in addition to many other close nieces, nephews, and cousins. Marilyn was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Mortimer (Mort); daughter, Mitzi Echt of Modi’in, Israel; and her close sister, Eileen Berry of Nashville. Marilyn and her husband, Mort, were active members of West End Synagogue in Nashville for 60 years. She moved to Atlanta in 2009 to be near her children and continued to be as busy as ever in her retirement community with social activities and enjoyed time with family and friends. She was known for her love and enjoyment of people - interacting with family and friends. Family contacts: Adele (adelebc@ gmail.com); Mike (mcoheneeg@gmail. com); Rich (rcohenga@yahoo.com); Diane (diandyg@gmail.com ) For an extended version of this obituary, please visit our website at www. jewishobservernashville.org

Penina Cohen

Baruch Dayan HaEmet - Blessed is the True Judge We are deeply saddened by the loss of Penina Cohen, mother of Shalom (Judy) Cohen, who passed away recently in Jerusalem. We send our love to the entire family. As is the tradition in Jerusalem, the funeral will take place as soon as possible, and shiva has already taken place. Shalom hase returdn to Nashville. Hamakom Yinachem Etchem... May the Omnipresent comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, Amen Congregation Sherith Israel 3600 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205

Michael Cunningham

Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org

19th Amendment Continued from page 7 parade and the clarion call had been “ Heads High, Feeling Strong, United in Purpose and Confident in our Cause” Perhaps Elizabeth Jacobs and Mary Jane Werthan, her nieces, who marched with her and their Mother, Tessie Lowenheim, that day, found their inspiration for their own lifelong dedication to advocacy in the power of that Women’s March in May. Anita Politzer was a second generation Jewish Suffragette from Charleston. She was chosen to become the Chair of the National Women’s party in 1913. The

Baruch Dayan HaEmet/Blessed is the Judge of All Truth. It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Michael Cunningham, father of WES member Emily (Mark) Baum. Michael passed away July 5, 2020. We send our condolences to Michael’s wife Joyce

NWP was the first political party to support a constitutional amendment for women’s suffrage and later the ERA. In the weeks leading up to the Tennessee vote, she arrived in Nashville to lobby on behalf of the Ratification. By all accounts, the outcome of the vote was quite tenuous, and the tensions were high. It is reported that the evening before the vote, Anita Politzer had dinner with Harry T Burn a young legislator from East Tennessee. We will most likely never know the true story but is has been speculated that whatever transpired that evening may have influenced his final vote. On August 18,1920 the Tennessee Legislature convened. It appeared that the vote would end in a deadlock. But that morning, Harry T Burn, who arrived at the Legislature wearing the red rose of the Anti-group, had received

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

Cunningham, his daughter Emily (Mark Baum), and his grandchildren Beatrice (Bea) and Theodore (Teddy) Baum. Hamakom Yinachem Etchem - May God comfort Michael’s entire family, among all the mourners of Zion, Jerusalem and the entire world, Amen.

Rabbi Davd Davis

The Temple notes with sorrow the passing of Rabbi David Davis on July 7, 2020 and sends condolences to his family.

Ann Wohl Gold

Anne, born June 9, 1928, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2020 in Nashville, TN. Anne is survived by her husband Dr. Jerry Gold; they were married for 70 years. She is survived by her children, Dr. Robert (Gail) of Longwood, FL and Dr. Michael (Cindee) of Nashville, TN. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren Lisa (Jason), Peter (Chelsea), Ilissa (Gus), and Benjamin (Brittanie) and her great grandchildren Scott, Belle, and Lennox. She will be truly missed by all of her family and friends. The family is grateful to our incredible caregivers who took exceptional care of Anne for the past 4 years. Contributions can be made to The Gordon Jewish Community Center Capital Campaign Fund, Vanderbilt Hillel, Jewish Family Services of Middle Tennessee, or a charity of your choice.

Alan Miller

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Alan Miller on July 2, 2020. Condolences go out to his son, Micah member Eric Miller (Rachel), his son Cory, grandson Adam, and his wife of 50 years, Carol. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Alan’s name to The Alzheimer’s Association and Congregation Micah. May his memory live on as a blessing and may his family be comforted amidst all those who mourn in Zion and Jerusalem.

Sax. Marc passed away on July 10, 2020. Marc is predeceased by his twin brother, Alon and his parents Samelia (Isaacson) and Norman Miller. We send our condolences to Marc’s wife of 61 years, Ann (Yates), his daughters Leslie Sax, Carol (Matt) Eberlein and Barbara Levitt, both of Fairhope, AL. Marc had eight grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. There will be a private memorial service. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Hamakom Yinachem Etchem - May God comfort Marc’s entire family, among all the mourners of Zion, Jerusalem and the entire world, Amen.

Freda Roberts

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Freda Roberts (nee Schlessinger) on Wednesday, July 15. Our condolences go to her sister, Micah member Frances (George) Hahn, her children Lawrence Roberts and Susan (David) Emery, sister Shirley Pein, grandchildren Joshua (Shannon) Roberts, Jill (Daniel) Ringold, Amanda (Marc) Swarbrick, and Robert (Lauren) Steinberg and her 8 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Freda’s name to Congregation Micah’s Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund to build a statue in memory of the Children of the Shoah. May her memory live on as a blessing and may her family be comforted amidst all those who mourn in Zion and Jerusalem.

Melvin Schlanger

The Temple notes with sorrow the passing of Melvin Schlanger on June 26, 2020 and sends condolences to his family. A private burial will be held at The Temple Cemetery.

Sidney Thomas Wright

Baruch Dayan HaEmet/Blessed is the Judge of All Truth. It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Marc Miller, father of WES member and GJCC Executive Director, Leslie

Sidney Thomas Wright, 91, passed away on May 5, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Sid lived in Denver for 12 years and prior to that lived in Nashville for nearly 50 years. He was born in West Frankfort, Illinois. He is survived by his sister, Beverly Wright, his children Mark (the late Nancy) Wright, Amy (Steven Goldstein) Wright, and Nancy Wright, four grandchildren, and one great grandchild. He is buried at Fort Logan Cemetery, Denver, CO.

a note from his Mother. In her note she endorsed the great suffragist leader Carrie Catt. She ended her note, “be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the “rat” in ratification”. Harry listened to his Mother. With his vote of “aye” he extended the vote to women and the world changed. In his remarks the next day he explained “ I know that a mother’s advice is always safest for her boy to follow and my mother wanted me to vote for ratification.” But, even after ratification, the anti-suffragists did not rest. They declared that the 19th Amendment was unconstitutional. Ultimately, in 1922, it was Justice Louis Brandeis, who wrote the Supreme Court decision that ended the opposition. Jennie Lusky was a woman of conviction. During that 1915 gathering she recalled the words that were spoken and

would continue to resound “ A woman’s home will be the whole world; her children {will be } All those whose feet are bare; her sisters- All who need a helping hand: {and there will be a time } when men will not Only fight For Women--but fight for the RIGHTS OF WOMEN. The decades long fight for and ultimate victory of the 19th Amendment creates a century old link to our activist foremothers. In every election since 1980, more women have voted than men. Women have changed the landscape of the American conversation advocating for civil rights, living wages, reproductive choice, quality childcare and judicial reform. As we approach the Centennial commemoration the challenges and work for equality will not cease but, we will take a few moments to smell the yellow roses and recall the Jewish women whose shoulders we stand upon. •

Marc Miller

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All Things Seniors AUGUST 2020

ISSUE

The Observer â&#x20AC;¢ August 2020

ADVERTORIALS

Florence & Rudy Blend Their Lives Together with the Help of the APS Team The team at Aging in Place Transition Services (APS) enjoyed working with Florence & Rudy as they began their lives together. A late in life romance led them to move to a new home and blend their households. The enormity of this task seemed overwhelming, so they enlisted the assistance of the APS Team. The two lovebirds met while rehearsing a play at the Jewish Community Center, in the production of Dayenu. After dating for about 2 years, they decided they were ready to spend the rest of their lives together. Finding a new place to live was the easy part. Rudy knew it was going to be a challenge to get Florence to move because she had been in her apartment for 32 years. But he had worked with the APS Team before and knew they could make it happen, and more importantly, make Florence happy with the results. APS owner, Sara Beth Warne, was able to help them choose which furniture pieces to keep for their new home. And for the pieces that werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going, she assisted in dispersing them to family members, consignment shops and charities. Shopping for new items was an exciting adventure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The best part of the whole process was spending the first night in our beautiful new home,â&#x20AC;? said Rudy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am thankful for the APS Team for making it happen for us.â&#x20AC;? Learn more about their story, see photos and videos, at aginginplaceservices.net.

Finding Meaning in the Great Pause TRANSITION

SERVICES

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August 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ The Jewish Observer

The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but those over 65 have been especially impacted. At Argent Trust we have encouraged clients to think about what our world looks like during this, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Pause,â&#x20AC;? and use that to make smart decisions about what they want it to look like in the future by asking the following questions: 1. What brings you joy? What percentage of your time, money, and energy are you putting into people, experiences, work, etc. that bring you joy? 2. What have you truly missed during these past months? How can you make changes that might enable you to spend more time in these activities? 3. Are there any things you have found you really do not need in your life? We often fill our lives up with so many activities and so much â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuffâ&#x20AC;? that we feel overwhelmed. Maybe some of that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;stuff,â&#x20AC;? is not important in the long run. 4. How can you make a real difference in the lives of others that you are close to? Maybe your perspective has changed during the pandemic. There will always be choices and tradeoffs in our lives. While our role at Argent is often financially focused, the real reason for addressing financial issues is to help clients live the life they desire. Argent is here to help as we all look ahead to life after the pandemic. If we can help you, please contact Mindy Hirt or Howard Safer at (615) 385-2718.

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Barton House If you have a loved one with an Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or dementia diagnosis, you need experienced, trusted care for them and support for you. At Barton House Memory Care Assisted Living, we have been serving families with specialized care in Nashville for 20 years. Our programming and facility design are based on memory care best practices that lessen confusion and isolation, promote activity and engagement, and create the structure and comfort of routine. And because memory care is all we do our staff is equipped to manage the full spectrum of dementia symptoms: the ups and downs, the good moments and the trying ones, with genuine compassion and understanding. Our philosophy of care is really quite simple: Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses; Maintain Communication; Be Kind, Always.

Blakeford: A Safety Net for Living Independently Historically, the choice for healthy older adults who want a plan in place has been either to relocate to a life care community, or to stay at home and depend on the provisions of a long-term care insurance plan. But today, there is a third way. LiveWell by Blakeford. A progressive and personalized plan designed for healthy, independent seniors, LiveWell enables its members to safely sustain the independence they have earned. LiveWell members remain in their own homes and many of them continue to beneďŹ t from their own long-term care and Medicare policies. But they enjoy a range of services, a degree of control and a level of attention no conventional insurance can cover, while maintaining the autonomy they cherish. LiveWell members receive a personalized wellness plan and access to fitness programs as well as a lifelong guarantee of care. Each member is assigned a personal care coordinator to help with everything from home safety, transportation and housekeeping support to managing medications and medical appointments. Members also enjoy access to the resources of the Blakeford at Green Hills community among many other life-enriching benefits. For seniors in Greater Nashville, LiveWell represents a chance to participate in, and benefit from, a healthy future. By containing the costs of care and emphasizing wellness and social activity, LiveWell members are making an active choice do to exactly that. To learn more about LiveWell and the communities and services of Blakeford Senior LIfe, visit livewellbyblakeford.com or call 615-665-0694. ,I RQO\ %DFN WR 6FKRRO VKRSSLQJ ZHUH DV HDV\ DV +LJK +ROLGD\ VKRSSLQJ

Appreciation for Safe, Customized Home Care Nursing home infection rates have increased the need for custom home care services provided by Cura for Care. As a result, Cura and family caregivers have dedicated themselves beyond the call of duty, and they deserve more praise than we can give in this column. Thank you for your flexibility. Quarantine phases have required constant protocol adjustments, and caregivers have adjusted, continuing to deliver gracious assistance even as their own convenience and schedules have disintegrated. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve implemented rigorous disinfection and sanitation regimens, activity tracking logs, and in some cases have entered nursing homes to provide an enhanced level of care, even assisting tranContinued on page 20

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE HERE FOR YOU.

Caring for an individual with Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or Dementia can be challengeing, to say the least. Life changes day to day, even hour to hour. At Barton House, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hereâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;with full time residency, respite, an active support group and many shoulders to lean on.

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

6961 US-70S, Nashville, TN 37221 | 615.673.6922 www.bartonhousetn.com a6SHFLDOL]LQJ LQ $O]KHLPHUÂśV 'HPHQWLD &DUHa The Observer â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020

ADVERTORIALS sitions home. This has provided a valuable alternative to quarantined care in facilities. Thank you for your compassion. Care partners have put their own needs aside to alleviate loneliness and fear, ensured folks were eating properly when appetites disappeared, and facilitated family visits that may not have happened without diligent sanitation measures. Finally, we thank each Cura caregiver and friend for your volunteer spirit. From making masks like our friend Joan did to standing in for family who desperately needed someone to be there for their loved one, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been inspired. Thank you truly isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t enough. It really does take a community to care for one another in these challenging times. Check out Cura for Careâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 minute video tips and stories at www.curaforcare.com or call (615)522-5265 to discuss see how we can meet your needs. Cura for Care, Moises Paz

Nurturing Our Garden Landscapes In this time of heightened concern with oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, people of all ages are benefitting by being outdoors as much as possible. 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 sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heat and lower the air temperature, producing an oasis around your home. At Druid Tree Service, Inc., weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;pollinator safeâ&#x20AC;? 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.

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August 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ The Jewish Observer

Quality and Craftsmanship Since 1928 Our philosophy for 3 generations has been to make each memorial the best way we know how. We find that it still takes the hands of a skilled craftsman to produce a monument that will be everlasting.

Nashville's Only Certified Memorialist and Member of AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF COMMEMORATIVE ART Hunt Memorials, Inc. 4807 Gallatin Rd. Nashville, TN 37216 262-1313 www.huntmemorials.com

262-1313

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Family Staffing Solutions Is Here For Clients And Caregivers

Helping Homebound Seniors Obtain Affordable Kosher Food!

These are uncertain times. We assure you that at Family Staffing Solutions all of us are working to do whatever it takes to maintain our quality of care for clients with as few interruptions as possible. The ladies who provide these services are some of the best. There are not enough good things to say about them and the work they do each day. We are monitoring Covid-19 developments to conduct business with confidence and attention to protocols for staying safe and healthy. As the virus challenge and loss from the tornado continues, we will share information in a timely manner. We continue to shop for essential items to share with clients and caregivers. Delivery is in progress. While this is just a small thing, it is important to protect both our clients and caregivers as much as possible.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year again. Time to start thinking about stocking your pantry for the Chagim. The KC Kosher Co-op offers seniors, and all members of the community, an easy and affordable way to order your kosher food from the comfort of your home. With a wide variety of products, including meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, nosh, bakery items, ready-made meals and sides, Shabbat candles, challah, grape juice, and so much more! The upcoming Nashville Co-op order deadline is August 5th (for a delivery on Sunday, August 30th). Please visit kckoshercoop.com where you can browse for thousands of products and place your order online. On delivery day, the order will be loaded into your car for you, no need to even get out! Reach out to us at admin@ kckoshercoop.com with any questions.

Green Hills Gold and Diamond Buyers Often, later in life, when one starts to think about downsizing, simplifying a lifetime of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jewelry collection can feel daunting. Let us help make that simple and easy. We are one of the largest estate buyers in Tennessee. We purchase certified and non-certified diamonds in ANY condition. The extensive volume of our business and knowledge of our industry gives us a tremendous advantage to provide unmatched service and allows us to always deliver an honest and fair assessment for your items and offer more than what other diamond and gold buyers can offer. With over 50 years in the diamond and gold buying business, we are Nashvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trusted source for buying diamond engagement rings, designer jewelry, gold, coins, and luxury watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet etc. We have an unrivaled reputation for excellence in service and pay top dollar for your valuables. We understand that choosing the best place in Nashville to sell your gold, diamonds, fine jewelry and luxury watches can be daunting. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why our team of experts will never rush you through the selling process. We take our time to explain to you how we determine the best price for your valuables and answer all of your questions. We value our customers and always strive for exemplary service in a discreet and confidential manner. Customers often return with their trusted valuables because they are treated with the utmost respect! If you have questions or would like to schedule a confidential appraisal, please contact us for an appointment. Our free appraisals involve no risk or obligations. 615386-3456. greenhillsgoldanddiamondbuyers.com

Thinking about your parents...We can be there when you cannot.

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

The Observer â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020

ADVERTORIALS

AUGUST 2020

l o o h c S o T k c a B f O ore

M t u O k c e Ch

August 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ The Jewish Observer

ADVERTORIALS

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 studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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. 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.

BGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elevated Educational Experience Transcends COVID Uncertainty Battle Ground Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s K-12 students are eagerly anticipating a return to fulltime, in-person learning in August. Over the summer, our Healthy Opening Task Force, comprised of administrators, faculty members, and human resource and health care professionals, created a multipronged plan with various scenarios for the 2020-21 academic year based on: our mission to ignite and nurture student curiosity, intellect, and character; lessons learned during our emergency response to COVID-19 in the spring; extensive analysis of research and reports in the education, industry, health, science, and government sectors; and government guidelines and best practices. The plan includes four levels, from a â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? return to school to a full, remote learning scenario. BGAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priority continues to be the health and safety of our community, and as public health conditions change, our plan allows us to transition from in-person classes to blended learning to full remote learning as needed, and to provide the best educational experience possible regardless of the challenge and context. Learn more at battlegroundacademy.org. Continued on page 24

Beit Miriam: 2020-2021 Back To School If you want to know how big the smallest sukkah is or how long it takes to make matzah, visit Beit Miriam at West End Synagogue. Depending on the season, you might see our K â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7 students constructing their own life size sukkot or the entire school making oil in our olive press just like the Maccabeesâ&#x20AC;?. In addition, you will find bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nai mitzvah students 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 they are taught at their level. This wide and diverse programming is an example of the innovative and interactive educational initiatives 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 each 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, art, and technology. â&#x20AC;˘ All students attend on Sundays from 9AM until noon; â&#x20AC;˘ Second through seventh graders attend midweek-Hebrew, Wednesday afternoons from 4:15 -6:30pm and once a month â&#x20AC;&#x153;camp basedâ&#x20AC;? Shabbat services led by our students. Our school also offers opportunities for teen involvement in Synagogue life and parent parallel learning sessions. Contact Sharon Paz, Director at 615.269.4592 x17 or spaz@westendsyn. org for more information.

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

The Observer â&#x20AC;˘ August 2020

ADVERTORIALS

Congregation Micah

Harpeth Hall

Congregation Micah’s vibrant religious school continues to celebrate and educate at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Especially during this season of both challenge and opportunity, our creative and interactive approach to Jewish studies has a new name – J-LAB. In the spirit of Judaism’s time-honored resiliency, our students of all ages – parents included – will continue to discover Torah and tefilah, Hebrew and history, ethics and the environment, social action and song, culture and cuisine, tzedakah and tikkun olam – all through virtual, in-person, and pop-up programming. Our community will gather once again with the Rabbis Rice, Lisa Silver, and Julie Greenberg on Sunday, September 13th for the 5781 kick-off. All are welcome to come explore the joy of Judaism lived out loud by doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly with God and one another.

HARPETH HALL SCHOOL 3801 Hobbs Road, Nashville, TN 37215 615-2979543; Grades: 5 - 12 (girls only) Enrollment: 717; Established: 1865 harpethhall.org At Harpeth Hall, girls find a place where they become independent thinkers and confident leaders. We are dedicated to all-girls education and to the development of each girl’s limitless intellectual and personal potential. Harpeth Hall students become leaders as they engage in critical thinking, intellectual risk-taking, and innovative problem-solving while being supported academically, socially, and emotionally by faculty and staff. Each girl is known and valued every day for the unique individual she is. Harpeth Hall educates girls and young women in grades 5 - 12 to think critically, to lead confidently, and to live honorably. Learn more at HarpethHall.org.

BEIT MIRIAM HEBREW SCHOOL @WEST END SYNAGOGUE

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! 3-YEAR OLDS THROUGH 11TH GRADE SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 30, 2020. 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/

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

August 2020 • The Jewish Observer

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EDUCATING GIRLS TO THINK CRITICALLY, TO LEAD CONFIDENTLY, AND TO LIVE HONORABLY.

ROSH HASHANAH IS COMING! A NEW YEAR! Your Ad/Greeting will reach the entire Jewish Community! Be sure to be a part of this special annual issue. Publication date is September 2020 Deadline for ads is August 15, 2020 Contact: Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager 615-354-1699 e-mail: carrie@nashvillejcc.org fax 615-352-0056

HarpethHall.org 3801 Hobbs Road â&#x20AC;¢ Nashville, TN â&#x20AC;¢ 615-297-9543 A college preparatory school for girls in grades 5-12 â&#x20AC;¢ Financial aid available

The Observer â&#x20AC;¢ August 2020

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Business Card D i r e c t o r y YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, THEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE THE BEST!

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August 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ The Jewish Observer

ASSISTANT/HOUSE & PET SITTER Responsible Indv available to run errands, wait for vendor, etc. Experienced house and pet sitter. **Exemplary References** Surpassing CDC COVID Guidelines. Retired VP; current Pres of HOA, Knowledgeable to assist in many areas. Scheduling fora remainder of 2020 & 2021. Jaima Bernstein jaimab18@ yahoo.com 515-336-9353

RENTAL AVAILABLE Rent wing of spacious, well- furnished Sylvan Park home on Nebraska Avenue. Private entrance, parking, living/dining room, library with skylights, laundry with sink, lBR up, 1 BR down, 1 BA. No pets. $1400 per month includes utilities. Non-smoker. Call Sarah at (615) 255-9999 or (615) 866-4506.

CEMETARY PLOTS FOR SALE Two Harpeth Hills Funeral Garden Spaces purchased in 1994 by Don and Adrienne Goodman who have been and now reside in Sarasota Florida and so no longer need these plots. Purchased in 1994 for about $6k and now the same package is valued at $12k per Harpeth Hills. The package includes include the following; 2 garden spaces, 2 lawncrypts, 1 bronze memorial, 1 granite headstone, 2 internments. The change in ownership would be handled at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home with a Notary Public. Asking 1/2 price of the current value or $6k for a $12k funeral package. Please call Greg Goodman at 615-293-6690 if there is further interest. Great savings at one of the nicest funeral homes in the city.Â

Tim Gregory

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Phone and Fax 615.646.7765 Tgregorydesign@comcast.net

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS

OPTOMETRIST

CATHY WERTHAN, CPA

DR. JEFFREY SONSINO 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

Custom senior care for active, healthy lifestyles. Affordable/no minimums. Meals, meds, transportation & outings. Memory loss and Hospital recovery. Professional & screened care partners. Locally owned. Call Moises for Free assessment: 615-678-9223 www.curaforcare.com

DENTIST

ELECTRONIC EXPRESS is a leader in top quality, brand-name electronics and appliances at exceptionally low prices. Stocking the latest items, Electronic Ex-press 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

STEVEN R. HECKLIN DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500

EDUCATION SERVICES

Francine Schwartz M.A. LPC NCC Independent Educational Consultant Helping students and families find, apply to and pay for the right fit college 860-460-8829 fschwartz@pathfindercounselingllc.com www.pathfindercounselingllc.com

INSURANCE Lighting • Appliances • Hardware Kitchen • Plumbing • Accessories Smart Home Products Low Price Guarantee 615•843•3300 www.gohermitage.com

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

CARE GIVER FAMILY STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC Stay Independent*At Home*In Charge® ‘Personal Care Assistance At Its Best” 2000 Richard Jones Road Nashville, TN 37215 615-383-5656 208 Uptown Square Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 505 N Main Street Shelbyville, TN 37160 931-680-2771 www.familystaffing.com

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

JAMES A. ROTHBERG ADAM ROTHBERG James A. Rothberg & Associates Office: 615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 1 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite 220 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com ROBINS INSURANCE Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Marsha Jaffa, CIC; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 30 Burton Hills, Suite 300 Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com 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

DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL 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

www.zeitlin.com Residential & Relocation Specialists

JESSICA AVERBUCH, CEO 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

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

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

Local Expertise...Global Exposure! Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR® www.JackieKarr.com JackieKarr@gmail.com Mobile: 615.330.9779 Office: 615.463.3333

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

SPORTING GOODS

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

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

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

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

MOVING & STORAGE Let us exceed your expectations! Pre/Post Move Organizing • Move Mgrs. Packing • Unpacking • Sr. Downsizing FREE CONSULTATION – 615.415.8920 www.HomeAndOfficeTransitions.com

OPHTHALMOLOGIST HOWARD ROSENBLUM, M.D. Eye Physician & Surgeon Nashville Eye Center St. Thomas Hospital • Ph. 615-386-9200

FRANKLIN PARGH 615-351-7333 Franklin.pargh@compass.com LANA PARGH 615-504-2685 Lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com

Preserving the Natural Beauty of Trees and Shrubs. Specializing in the care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubs for residential and commercial properties. Serving Nashville since 1978. 615-373-4342 www.druidtree.com

The Observer • August 2020

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August 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ The Jewish Observer