®
July/August 2011
Family Ties Generation to Generation A Slice of Delta Life The Mississippi Delta Through Word, Song and Art Frozen Treats Beat the Heat Travel the City to Choose Your Favorite Jack & Food. A Legendary Mix.
Lynchburg Legends Bar & Grill is centered on the legendary distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee, the legendary individuals who made its products famous worldwide – and legends who helped make Tennessee famous.
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Everything on our menu is prepared with the pride practiced by the master distillers at America’s oldest distillery.
Lynchburg Legends Bar & Grill is proud to host Coach Josh Pastner’s weekly radio show on Monday evenings during baskeetball season.
Join us for lunch or dinner daily or Sunday Brunch.
Inside the DoubleTree by Hilton 5069 Sanderlin • 969-7777 lynchburglegends.com
Become a fan on Facebook! Join us for the 19th on the 19th! Memphis Jewish Home and Rehabilitation Center 19th Annual Golf Tournament Monday, September 19, 2011 ! fun Ridgeway Country Club the t of par e a Sponsorships available. B Please call 901-756-3273 for more information or go to www.memphisjewishhome.org for online player registration.
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Every great party starts in the kitchen. Contents Publisher/Editor 4 HOME AND GARDEN 22 ARTS & CULTURE Susan C. Nieman Family Ties Q & A with Barney’s Version Screenwriter Michel Konyves Art Director 6 FEATURE Dustin Green Frozen Kosher Koncontions Beat the Heat 24 FEATURE Art Assistant Food Truck Race with a Jewish/Tennessee Laura Ehrhardt 11 FEATURE Connection David Miller Don’t Let Uninvited Pests Ruin Your Event Rebecca Miller 29 ADVERTISER LISTING Arts & Entertainment Editor 12 TRAVEL Jennifer Lefkowitz Experience Regent’s All-Inclusive Luxury Cruising BE SCENE Editorial Contributors 13 TRAVEL 25 Live at the Garden, Memphis Friends of Israel Lawson Arney Gary Burhop The Mississippi Delta Through Word, Song and Art 26 B’nai B’rith International, Young Israel, BSSS, Christine Arpe Gang Memphis Jewish Home, Plough Towers Phillip Gordon 17 L’CHAYIM Mark Hayden New Spirits Abound 27 Temple Israel; Temple B’nai Israel, Molly Laster Hattiesburg; Hillel Yiddishe Cup; Beth Jennifer Lefkowitz 18 DOLLARS AND SENSE Sholom Synagogue, Chattanooga Philippa Newfield Inflation or Deflation: Watching for Warning Signs Debbie Rosenthal 28 Brooks Museum: Memphis Wine and Food Harry Samuels 19 AGENCY HIGHLIGHT Series, Little Rock Jewish Food Festival Account Executives Dance, Discipline and Community Bob Drake On The Cover Larry Nieman 20 ON THE SIDELINES Outdoor retreat for the Less family and friends. Photo: Susan C. Nieman Chief Financial Officer For the Love of Jackie Don Heitner
21 BESHERT: True Stories of Connection Office Manager Cruising 2 Susan Strickland Editorial Assistants Jewish Scene Thanks Our July/August Sponsors For Their Support Bettye Berlin Emily Bernhardt SHORNICK FAMILY FOUNDATION Alice Drake Sponsors help offset the growing cost of mailing Jewish Scene Magazine Rae Jean Lichterman not covered by advertising dollars. Rachael Strickland Volume 4 Number 7 Jewish Scene is dedicated to creating awareness among the Jewish community; and promoting and supporting the religious, Tammuz/Av 5771 educational, social and fundraising efforts of Jewish agencies and organizations. July/August 2011 Jewish Scene magazine must give permission for any material contained herein to be copied or reproduced in any manner. Manuscripts and photographs submitted for publication are welcome by Jewish Scene, but no responsibility can be taken for them while in transit or in the office of the publication. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion, nor can the publisher be held responsible for errors. The publication of any advertisement in this issue does not constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product or services by this publication. Jewish Scene is published by Jewish Living of the 4 25 South, Inc. Subscription rates for the U.S.: single issues $5, annual $18. Canada and foreign: single issues $10, annual $36. Send name and address with check to: Jewish Scene 1703 Tamhaven Court Cordova, TN, 38016 Phone: 901.624.4896 Fax: 901.624.3389 Email: [email protected] www.jewishscenemagazine.com 6 From the FROM THE EDITOR Publisher/Editor
Dear JS Readers,
There is nothing quite like a cold afternoon treat on a hot summer’s day. I have fond memories of waiting for the Good Humor man to come around our New York neighborhood. I always chose the chocolate éclair bar. After moving to Memphis, I missed those frozen bars almost as much as the fabulous soft-serve custards from Carvel. Since then I have been a mint chocolate chip in a cup kind-of-girl. When my son worked at Baskin Robbins during high school there was always a Be Scene. Be Involved. Be Informed. Stay Connected carton in the freezer. These days, there is no shortage of frozen J!xpvme!mjlf!up!tvctdsjcf!up!Kfxjti!Tdfof!Nbhb{jof!fbdi!npoui; dessert options. Like coffee cafes, these ice cream, yogurt and soft-serve establishments have been Obnf!!!!!!!! ! popping up all over cities across the country. This Beesftt!!!!!!!!! month I had the pleasure of visiting many of the Djuz!!!! !!!!!!!!!!Tu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![jq!!!! Memphis stores while taking photos for the article on page 6. Of course I had to taste test to find my F.nbjm!!!!!!!!! favorite flavors. Now I can’t wait to hear what your J!ibwf!fodmptfe!b!difdl!gps; favorites are as you visit them this summer. We’ll 7!Jttvft!%29!)VT*!!!!!!!!!!!Npouimz!Tqpotps!%361!Qfs!Jttvf post the locations on our Facebook page and wait to hear back from you. Bt!b!Kfxjti!Tdfof!Tqpotps-!zpvs!Gbnjmz!obnf!ps!Dpnqboz!obnf!boe!mphp Summer vacation means anything from the xjmm!cf!jodmvefe!jo!fbdi!jttvf/! beach to amusement parks, sleep-away or day Qmfbtf!dbmm!:12/735/59:7!gps!efubjmt/ camp and community pools. I still find that spending time in my backyard is my favorite place Nbjm!up;!2814!Ubnibwfo!Dpvsu!¦!Dpsepwb!UO-!49127!ps!Tvctdsjcf!Pomjof!bu!xxx/kfxjtitdfofnbhb{jof/dpn for relaxation, contemplation or hanging out with friends and family. On page 4, you’ll see how the Less brothers and their families enjoy spending time with family and friends. I cannot believe it, but this July/August 2011 issue brings us through our forth year of publication. As we enter our fifth year at Jewish Scene Magazine, we will continue to bring you stories of interest from around our tri-state area and from around the country. Look for a few changes coming your way, such as our updated Website www. jewishscenemagazine.com. The September issue is our Annual Guide to Jewish Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee. If you were listed incorrectly, were not listed at all or have made changes to your Web or email address, we would appreciate receiving those updates as soon as possible. As a reminder, please support our Jewish Scene Magazine advertisers who make this publication possible. Your donations also help offset the cost of mailing free to the Jewish community. Subscriptions are available. See the form to the right of this editorial. Thank you for your continued encouragement and support.
Shalom,
Susan C. Nieman - Publisher/Editor
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 HOME & GARDEN
Bert, Barry and Pam Less enjoy family gatherings.
Family Ties By Susan Nieman Barry and Bert Less are not just brothers; since childhood they have been more like friends. Since they both had children at about the same time, the teenage cousins are now friends too.
Barry and Pam and their sons, Logan and Peyton are just about the Multiple sitting areas are perfect for large gatherings. same age as Bert’s two children, Baylee and Josh. So no matter at whose home they are congregating, there are plenty of things to keep them entertained during family get-togethers. Hanging out at the pool and playing ping-pong, foosball and pool are among their favorites.
Our house is always full of BBYO and school friends,” said Bert. “It is nice to know that all of “our kids, Baylee, Josh, Parker and Hudson know that their friends are welcome and that they feel comfortable at our house.”
The Less brothers, including Mike, Stan and David, are only following in the tradition of their parents. In fact, Dot and Leon, of blessed memory, always kept the fridge stocked with bagels and other munchies for uninvited guests at any hour of the day. Whether it was watching Star Trek after school or hanging out upstairs on the weekends, our parents always knew where to find us.ggg Logan, Peyton, Josh and Baylee Less enjoy an afternoon at the pool. July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com ggg Throughout the years, the five families have managed to vacation together whenever possible. “Now that the kids have gotten older and made new high school friends, it has been more difficult to coordinate schedules,” said Barry. But even if all five families can’t make it together, there is always a plan for the next trip to the beach or an adults-only get away trip to New Orleans to sample the city’s best foods.
And at least once a month, you can find all five brothers in the same room for the Friday night Poker game.
Monica, Bert, Barry, Pam, Vicki and Stan Less with cousins in St. Louis.
Barry, Pam, Vicki and Stan with cousins Karen and Jeff Schlossberg taste The cozy porch with outdoor fireplace inspires year-round relaxation. testing the best New Orlean’s cuisine.
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Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 FEATURE
Frozen Kosher Koncoctions Beat the Heat By Chris Arpe Gang
hile many of us enjoy frozen confections year ‘round, a serving of ice cream, frozen yogurt or sorbet on a W summer day is exceptionally satisfying. When a cold, smooth, sweet treat hits the mouth and slides down the throat, interior engines drop a few degrees, psychologically if not physically. For a short while, steamy outdoor conditions seem more bearable. Opportunities to indulge in these treats are many. Frozen yogurt and ice cream dipping stores seem to be popping up in shopping strips all over town. Many of these outlets offer kosher selections, and a few are locally certified as kosher by the Va’ad Hakehilot of Memphis. Taylor Berger sought local kosher certification for YoLo Frozen Yogurt and Gelato on Erin Drive because it is near the East Memphis neighborhoods where many Jews live and shop. “The first week we opened, several customers asked me if we were kosher,” said Berger, who knew that all of his yogurts and many of the toppings were certified kosher at the manufacturers. One of his customers gave him the telephone number of Rabbi Nathan Greenblatt. As kashrus administrator for the Va’ad, Greenblatt makes sure local establishments adhere to kosher rules. At YoLo, kosher self-service toppings, including the chocolate fudge from Dinstuhl’s, are labeled. The gelatos are labeled as non- kosher. “Many of our Jewish customers have told us how much they appreciate our taking the extra steps,” said Berger, who co- owns the business with Mike McCaskill. It’s paid off in Jewish business, especially on Saturday nights after Shabbat. When Berger decided to go into the frozen yogurt business last summer, he was determined to make his outlets different from others. “We spend a lot of time and effort creating spaces that are comfortable and enjoyable,” he said. “We want people to come and stay and laugh and have a good time. I think that’s why the orthodox Jewish community likes us so much.” Ample seating, art covered walls, music and a public bulletin board add to the sense of community. Many frozen yogurt shops offer products that may be low fat, nonfat or sugar-free. They range from about 70 to 140 calories for a half-cup (4 ounce) serving. But the paper cups offered at the new self-serve outlets will easily hold four times that much. Add an array of toppings and you will find yourself with a diet- busting, wallet-straining treat. But it is entirely possible to have a moderate amount, even several flavors, for a reasonable calorie Jake Baum with Dovid, Rena and Akiva Wogan stop at TCBY at the end of a count and $1.50 or less. ggg JCC Camp afternoon.
July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com FEATURE
Please visit one of our five Memphis-area locations, including 559 Erin Drive (one block west of Mendenhall at Poplar)
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Tani (12) and Akiva (10) Finkelstein enjoy mixing flavors and choosing their own toppings. “I like mine plain,” said 14-year-old Asher.
Seven-year-old Rakhel Finkelstein prefers mixing yogurts and topping with M&Ms and sprinkles.
Super Fro-Yo is a new classification of frozen yogurt that sets a high standard for nutrition in the industry. Super Fro-Yo includes a special combination of nutrients that work together to improve your overall sense of well-being. TCBY®’s soft-serve frozen yogurt is one of the select few that can truly be called Super Fro-Yo.
13 convenient locations in Memphis, Little Rock, Kelly Trim and Donnie & Jonesboro Heitner enjoy a find a store nearby at TCBY.com frozen custard after a morning bike ride on facebook.com/superfroyo the Greenline.
©2011 TCBY Systems, LLC July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com FEATURE
Sweet CeCe’s at Poplar and Perkins is perfect LAWN MOWING for a party or CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE afternoon treat and is certified Competitive Pricing Professional Service kosher at the Next Day Service Family Owned manufacturer. Same Mow Day Member BBB Licensed and Insured Mow, Edge, Trim and Blow Weed Control Starting at $35 Gershon, Yonah, Ezra, Margalit and Yael Yarmush meet friends, Yoni, Benny and Dahlia Freiden at YoLo’s for an after-dinner treat.
ggg Dr. David Mirvis and his wife, Lynnie, are mindful of what they eat. As a physician keenly interested in preventive medicine, David is all too familiar with the detrimental effects of obesity on health. But they make sure they factor Ben & Jerry’s ice cream into their meal plans. 901-Lawnjox “At the supermarket, I feel a magnetic pull when I get near the freezer case with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream,” David said. “It doesn’t stop until I open 901 (529-6569) the door and grab a carton. Now my car does the same thing when I’m near www.lawnjox.com the Ben & Jerry’s on Mendenhall near Poplar.” Lynnie remembers all ice cream being kosher when she was growing up in Memphis. “Then some manufacturers started using a stabilizer made from a non-kosher fish,” she said. “It was such a blow. But Howard Johnson’s ice cream was still kosher.” Toppings at frozen yogurt and ice cream shops may or may not be kosher. Those with marshmallows or “gummy” candies are typically not kosher.
Here are some of the other places to enjoy kosher frozen treats: • Baskin & Robbins’ ice creams, with the exception of Rocky Road and Pink Bubblegum, are certified kosher at the manufacturing plant. All of its ice cream cakes and pies are also kosher. Numerous outlets. • Ben & Jerry’s dipping store is at 5007 Black Rd., 901.767.3178 behind Houston’s. All ice creams labeled “fair trade” are kosher. Another store is expected to open soon near Poplar and Germantown Road. • Dream Berry Frozen Yogurt and Treats, 94 S. Main 901.343.0685. North Mississippi / Memphis All yogurts are certified kosher at the manufacturing plant. 901.969.0121 • Sheridan’s Lattes & Frozen Custard, 8075 Macon Rd. 901.752.0603 and 6745 Stage in Bartlett 901.372.8545, serves vanilla and chocolate Jackson ice creams certified as kosher at the manufacturing plant. 601.899.9206 • Sweet Cece’s, 4615 Poplar 901.767.1422, sells yogurt that is certified kosher at the manufacturing plant. • TCBY’s products are certified kosher at the manufacturer. The outlet at Poplar across from the Memphis Jewish Community Center is also certified by the Memphis Va’ad. • Yogurt Mountain, 5859 Poplar 901.684.6282, and at 465 N. Germantown Pkwy. 901.754.9622 sells yogurts certified kosher at the manufacturing plant. • YoLo Frozen Yogurt and Gelato’s locations are 559 Erin, 6 S. Cooper 901.343.0438; 1022 Mulberry on Collierville’s historic www.firstclasslinen.com Square 901.861.0037, 1243 Ridgeway and 5985 Stage. Owned and Operated by the Rubinsky Family
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 10 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com FEATURE Don’t Let… Uninvited Pests Ruin Your
EventBy Molly Laster
It’s time for backyard cookouts and playing outdoors, but nothing ruins great evenings on the patio like a swarm of annoying mosquitoes. Of course they “bug” you, but even more importantly, mosquitoes can be dangerous disease-carrying insects.
Protect Children and Pets from Mosquito and Tick-Borne Disease Children and pets are at an increased risk from insect-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus. One reason is that they tend to spend more time outdoors where exposure is greatest. In fact, two-thirds of all Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases occur in children under 15 years old. Plus, mosquito-borne diseases are more likely to be life threatening to these vulnerable groups. Encephalitis, especially, is more likely to be fatal or permanently debilitating to the very young and the very old. And NO MOSQUITOES. heartworm can be deadly to dogs. While not all mosquitoes and ticks carry dangerous diseases, the incidence NO KIDDING. is becoming more prevalent each year as infected insect populations enjoy increasingly longer breeding seasons and wider breeding grounds. In 2007, the U.S. reported over 3,500 cases of Encephalitis and/or West Nile Virus with 124 deaths.
Make Sure the Buzz Surrounding your Event isn’t Caused by Mosquitoes Chances are if you have attended outdoor events without being annoyed by pesky skeeters, it’s most likely because smart caterers and professional party planners rely on the latest and safest pest control solutions all the time. You should too.
There are a number of treatment options available for all yard sizes. Professional insect companies can fog the area the day before the event, creating an invisible, odorless barrier that kills mosquitoes, fleas, ticks – virtually any annoying blood-sucking pest. And regular treatments, some lasting up to 21 days, help protect your family and pets from the dangers of disease in your own backyard throughout the season. The spray kills adult mosquitoes (as well as ticks) on contact. Then, as incoming mosquitoes attempt to feed off your greenery, the residue on the leaves knocks these Call today for your newcomers dead, too. protective barrier spray! No mosquitoes. No fleas. No ticks. No kidding. 901.682.0999 Molly Laster is the owner of Mosquito Squad in Memphis. Mosquito Squad adheres to all local, state and federal licensing guidelines and utilizes pest-control solutions that have MSF_3240 been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. The solution will take down any adult mosquitoes that encounter the spray. Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 11 TRAVEL
Experience REGENT’S All-Inclusive Luxury Cruising By Debbie Rosenthal
Unsurpassed levels of luxury define The Regent Experience: and ancient city walls. Yacht-lovers may opt to experience REGENT’S ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE gracious and attentive service with a smile, your every the Dubrovnik Riviera, which features a three-course lunch Regent Seven Seas Cruises fares include*: desire and wildest dreams fulfilled, your spirit relaxed with wine. On the French Riviera, Provencal countryside amidst tranquil seas and absolutely magnificent scenery. beckons from trendy Saint-Tropez, where wine enthusiasts • 2-for-1 Fares plus additional bonus There are those for whom the sea is an adventure, not can tour a traditional vineyard and taste local Cotes savings of up to $10,000 per suite a retreat. For travelers who yearn for true exploration de Provence wines accompanied by delicious snacks. • FREE Roundtrip Air with FREE Upgrade and discovery, there is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Here, Overnight in fabled Venice, allowing time for a gondola ride to Business Class Air in Penthouse guests are treated to award-winning service, ships and on the Grand Canal, shopping for hand-blown glassware, Suites and higher on Europe Voyages itineraries. Hallmarks include generous amenities and a and discovering the city’s hidden treasures: Doge’s Palace welcome spaciousness. Regent’s staff-to-guest ratio is one or the medieval Jewish Ghetto. From Ashdod in the Holy • FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions of the highest in the cruise industry, exemplifying personal, Land, experience the modern marvel that is Tel Aviv before • FREE Luxury Hotel Package intuitive service. Regent’s all-suite ultra luxury vessels walking the cool cobbled streets of the artist’s colony in have the highest percentage of private balconies of any Jaffa. Sail the Greek Isles to spend an afternoon in Mykonos • FREE Beverages including fine wines, cruise line on smaller, more intimate ships, with itineraries and view the island’s trademark windmills, beautiful bays premium spirits & specialty coffees to more than 300 ports on all seven continents, and the and pristine beaches. Then, it’s on to the breathtaking • FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities ability to visit more intimate ports that cannot be accessed scenery of Santorini’s whitewashed homes and browse for • FREE Ground Transfers by larger vessels. unique works of art and jewelry created by local artisans. • FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished MORE THAN A SPA, A LIFESTYLE Spend winter 2011 in the turquoise waters of the daily, including bottled water Aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Caribbean where you will experience an unhurried • FREE 24-hour room service and no ® Seven Seas Navigator, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub , from atmosphere and an ambience that exudes serenity. It’s additional charge for specialty restaurants the Canyon Ranch at Sea division, features a state-of-the- the perfect opportunity to revel in the luxuries, relax in art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full- complete comfort, see islands where gentle trade winds • Elegant casual dress code. Formal and service beauty salon. SpaClub® offers the most desirable keep the tropical climate comfortable, and where frothy semi-formal attire optional on sailings spa amenities available: massage, body and skin-care whitecaps frolic in turquoise bays. Close your eyes and of 16 nights or longer treatment rooms, a gym and weight room with cardio and imagine: lounging on the soft, white sands in a secluded • Welcome bottle of champagne weight training equipment, a juice bar, men’s and women’s palm-fringed cove or sailing over the clear turquoise • Up to four gourmet restaurants locker rooms, thalassotherapy, sauna and steam rooms. An waters on a catamaran off St. Barts, where Riviera chic including the iconic new steakhouse array of rejuvenating treatments, some created especially meets Caribbean cool. Climb down to the famous Baths, Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring for Regent guests, include massages and therapeutic a natural phenomenon in Tortola. Hike the tropical rain Le Cordon Bleu®-inspired cuisine, bodywork, mud, aromatherapy, ayuvedic and seaweed forest of Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago, to see the Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al treatments, facials and masks featuring Canyon Ranch’s breathtaking cascading Gold and Silver Falls. fresco Pool Grill award winning Your Transformation skincare products, conditioning body scrubs and therapeutic body cocoons. Regent’s luxury ships cruise the Mediterranean through • In-suite dining, served course-by- Canyon Ranch certified fitness instructors conduct daily November and the Tropics all winter long, so there’s course during restaurant hours group and private fitness, yoga and tai chi classes. On bound to be a cruise that matches just what you had in • Butler service in Penthouse Suites select voyages, healthy living experts present on-board mind. Now make fantasy a reality, simply pick a date and and higher, including complimentary workshops addressing lifestyle change, healthy living, stress call Debbie with CruiseOne at 901.682.5600 or visit our in-suite mini-bar setup and iPod® management and more. Health-conscious gourmands website at www.cruiseone.com/drosenthal. docking station will delight in Compass Rose’s wholesome and delicious Canyon Ranch SpaClub® cuisine prepared with organic, Book now to receive onboard credit on specific sailings! • Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Seven Seas Voyager 9/19 - 10 nights, Athens to Venice - $700 OBC • Onboard activities including world- FALL AND WINTER SAILINGS renowned guest lecturers, theatre 9/29 - 10 nights, Venice to Monte Carlo - $500 OBC Sail on Regent Seven Seas Cruises this fall to the performance, dance lessons and day Mediterranean, the gateway to Europe’s archeological 10/29 - 14 nights, Istanbul to Luxor - $600 OBC time entertainment ancient walled civilizations, enchanting cobble-stoned 11/12 - 16 nights, Luxor to Barcelona - $700 OBC medieval villages, cultural heritage centers and baroque • Enrichment classes such as self improvement, motivational and churches with frescoed walls. Cruise the Italian Riviera Seven Seas Mariner wellness lectures to the picturesque port of Portofino where culinary 8/12 - 12 nights, Istanbul to Athens - $500 OBC enthusiasts will dine on local specialties and delicious • Interactive flat-screen television 11/20 - 14 nights, Rome to Ft. Lauderdale - $700 OBC locally produced wine. Or sail to Dubrovnik, the “Pearl in each suite with extensive media of the Adriatic,” known worldwide for its unique marble- 12/27 - 10 nights, Ft. Lauderdale r/t - $400 OBC library and complimentary movies- paved squares, tall houses, steep-cobbled streets, fountains on-demand
Debbie Rosenthal, Independent CruiseOne Specialist, is your “one-stop shop” in Memphis for the best in leisure, corporate and incentive cruises and specialized land vacations. CRUISEONE® 1.800.278.3005 • 901.682.5600 • www.CruiseOne.com/drosenthal 12 #1 July/August In Cruising 2011 I, www.jewishscenemagazine.comNationwide Blog: [email protected] TRAVEL The Mississippi Delta Through
Word, Song & Art
By Philippa Newfield and Phillip Gordon
“The Mississippi Delta begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg,” as David L. Cohn, a native of Greenville, Miss., wrote in his memoir, “Where I Was Born and Raised,” published in 1948 by Houghton Mifflin. In celebration of all the writers who came – and are still coming – out of the half moon of poverty and opulence bordered by the Mississippi and Yazoo Rivers and its tributaries, the Center for the Study of Southern Culture (CSSC) at the University of Mississippi sponsors a Literary Tour of the Mississippi Delta, a four-day experiential investigation of the place, people, music, art and food that inspired Mississippi’s writers. Based at the beautifully renovated Alluvian Hotel (www. alluvianhotel.com) in Greenwood, Miss., the Literary Tour included talks by and about the writers of the Delta, bus trips to Delta towns of historic and cultural interest and dining at local restaurants. Delta residents have also hosted the entire group in their homes for ggg
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 13 TRAVEL
ggg meals, receptions and porch readings from the works of Tennessee Williams. As important as the Delta’s literary tradition is, the music of the Delta as the birthplace of the Blues, born of the black experience in the cotton fields and plantation houses, is equally renowned. For much of the tour, the group followed the Mississippi Blues Trail (www.msbluestrail.org) and its markers developed by Luther Brown, Associate Dean for Delta Regional Development at Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. Bell Fine Art Jewelers and the members of the Blues Commission. Our first stop was the B.B. 4726 poplar ave. suite 1 poplar village King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center (www.bbkingmuseum. memphis tn 38117 901.763.4049 org) in Indianola, an interactive, state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2009 at a cost of $13 million. Jim Abbott, former editor of the Indianola Professional Silversmiths for 25 years Enterprise-Tocsin, who had been intimately involved in the development repairs and complete restorations of the museum, was our docent. All aspects of B.B.’s life and music are chronicled through photographs, texts and documentaries. There are even opportunities to “play” the instruments and “mix” the sounds. We now offer The experience continued with a buffet lunch of chicken, fried wings, greens and peach cobbler at Club Ebony (www.clubebony.com) where B.B. plays during his yearly return to Indianola in addition to a Wedding Packages! free concert in the park. For every taste and every budget! The tradition of folk art is also strong in the Delta. We visited “Mama’s Up to 150 guests! Dream World” (www.mamasdreamworld.com) in Belzoni (pronounced Bel zon’ a), Catfish Capital of the World (www.belzonims.com), to see the stitchery tableaux created by Ethel Wright Mohammed who only began working on her original embroidery and the memory paintings on which they were based after the age of 60. Her artwork is in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution and graces the covers of several federal government publications. Similarly, the Tutwiler Quilters (www. tutwilersquilters.org) at the Tutwiler Community Education Center in the town of Tutwiler have been making quilts, an art form passed down through generations of African American women, since 1988. Improvisation is the hallmark of their bright, bold and unique quilts, wall hangings, table runners and place mats. The quilt program not only preserves their rich quilt-making tradition but also affords the women of the area a way to Memphis support themselves and their families. Wolfchase Galleria The group met many of the featured writers at the Turnrow Book Company in Greenwood. Gene Dattel (www.genedattel.com), who grew up in the Delta town of Ruleville, discussed his book “Cotton and Race in the Making of America: The Human Costs of Economic Power” published in 2009 by Ivan R Dee. Cotton was the most important determinant of history in the 19th century, spawning as it did both the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War, and was America’s leading export from 1803 until 1937. To round out the picture of what it took to produce that crop, Marian Barnwell, author along with Patti Carr Black of “Touring Literary Mississippi” published in 2002 by the University Press of Mississippi, talked about the life of Endesha Ida Mae Holland PhD, who went from 2751 New Brunswick Road, Memphis, TN 38133 • 901-266-1952 childhood prostitution and teen pregnancy to become a noted black 1-800-HOLIDAY (1-800-465-4329) • holidayinn.com/wolfchasetn playwright and scholar at the University of Southern California. Theresa 14 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com TRAVEL
Nicholas read from her Yazoo City memoir, “Buryin’ Daddy: Putting My Lebanese, Catholic, Southern Baptist Childhood to Rest,” published in 2011 by University Press of Mississippi. Gerry Helferich, who accompanied a Delta cotton farmer on his rounds for a year, talked about his book “High Cotton: Four Seasons in the Mississippi Delta,” based on that experience and published in 2008 by Counterpoint Press. The intricacies of Mississippi politics were dissected by Curtis Wilkie, who holds the Kelly Gene Cook Chair of Journalism at the University of Mississippi, in discussing his new book “The Fall of the House of Zeus: The Rise and Ruin of America’s Most Powerful Trial Lawyer” about the bribery scandal surrounding Dickie Scruggs published in 2010 by Crown Publishers. Book signings and the opportunity to talk with the writers followed the talks. Greenville, on the banks of the Mississippi River, has long had a strong literary tradition as the home of William Alexander Percy, his cousin Walker Percy whom he raised, Shelby Foote, Ellen Douglas and David L. Cohn, among many others – so many others, in fact, that Shelby Foote is said to have remarked that there were more people in Greenville writing books than reading them. The group visited the Hebrew Union Temple where David L. Cohn belonged and learned of the history of the Delta Jews from Richard Dattel, the brother of Gene Dattel, and Benjy Nelken who organized the Goldstein, Nelken, & Solomon Hebrew Union Temple’s “Century of History” Museum. Mary Dayle McCormick, co-owner with her husband, Hugh, of the McCormick Book Inn (www.mccormickbookinn.com), the largest independent bookstore in the tri-state area and the Delta’s oldest, narrated a bus tour of Greenville including a view of the Mississippi from atop the levee, the same levee that gave out so disastrously during the Great Flood of 1927. The tour continued on foot, as the grave of writer William A. Percy is, fittingly enough, a short walk from the bookstore. The late afternoon light filtered through the oak trees, illuminating the statue of a Knight of the Crusades by Malvina Hoffman, which the younger Percy had commissioned upon the death of his father, Senator Leroy Pratt Percy, who is buried nearby. The group dined that night, family style, at Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville, nationally famous for its all-you-can-eat T-bone steaks, paper- wrapped tamales, salad and fries. The wine was BYOB – no corkage fee ALL TICKETS ON SALE NOW! – brought by Jimmy Thomas and Ann Abadie of the CSSC who organized INDIVIDUAL SHOW TICKETS ARE $44 (PLUS HANDLING FEES). the tour. The conversation with Hugh McCormick ranged from the future TO PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT TICKETMASTER.COM. FOR of bookstores and book publishing in general to local politics. The as-yet unplanted fields stretched to the horizon on both sides MORE INFORMATION, CALL OUR BOX OFFICE AT 901.576.4107. of the road – did we tell you that the Delta, an alluvial plain, is flat? – as we headed north through the Delta, picking up the Blues Trail along the way. Our tour guides, Luther Brown and Henry Outlaw, LIVEAT TH EGARDEN.COM chairman emeritus of the Physical Sciences Department at Delta State University, both extremely knowledgeable about the history of the Blues, provided a running commentary. We stopped at the Little Zion Church on Old Money Road outside of Greenwood ggg Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 15 TRAVEL ggg to visit the grave of Robert Johnson. Although he died at the age of 27 and only recorded 29 songs, he is credited with being the Father of the Blues. We also passed the ruins of the grocery store in Money where the young Emmet Till allegedly spoke out of turn to a white woman who was tending the store while he was on a visit to his mother’s family from his home in Chicago. His subsequent murder in August of 1955 and the acquittal of his accused murderers the following October is said to have sparked the civil rights movement as coverage of his funeral and the trial made headlines, alerting people around the world to the condition of black people in Mississippi. Clarksdale, on the Sunflower River, was our day’s destination. The town is important as the birthplace of the bluesman Muddy Waters and the venue of many blues clubs including Morgan Freeman and Bill Luckett’s Ground Zero Blues Club (www.groundzerobluesclub.com). The historic Riverside Hotel, originally a hospital for African Americans, became a hostelry where many of the bluesmen stayed. Frank “Rat” Ratliffe ([email protected]), the manager/owner, took over from his mother who ran the hotel for many years. His motto is “Experience the Blues, Stay for the Hospitality.” The Mississippi Literary Tour Story continues with A Day in Clarksdale, in the Sept./Oct. Issue of Jewish Scene Magazine.
Philippa Newfield and Phillip Gordon have traveled extensively the United States from their home in San Francisco because of their interest in American history. They first traveled to Mississippi in 2004 to visit the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience and have returned on multiple occasions since then, including three literary tours of the Mississippi Delta.
16 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com Fueled by the relaxation of Prohibition-era laws and rules severely restricting the distillation of alcohol, the production of craft spirits and the resulting new choices available to us is astounding. Here are a few for While the above spirits are not certified kosher, a new-to-the-market you to consider as the hot summer months call for refreshing cocktails. tequila, Casa Noble, is. Made from 100% blue agave, grown in a manner Many are rediscovering cocktail recipes of the pre-prohibition era that has earned U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘organic’ certification, and with that we have seen the rejuvenation of many old-time formulas. Casa Noble has earned accolades from The Beverage Tasting Institute Among them is Hayman’s Old Tom Gin ($25). This is a botanically in Chicago as ‘the best tequila,’ and double gold awards at the San intense and delicately sweetened style of gin. At the end of the 19th Francisco World Spirits Competition. Reposado ($43) and Blanco ($33) Century, this was considered the quintessential ‘English’ gin. are currently available. From Little Rock, Ark., we now have Brandon’s Vodka and Gin (both DonQ rum is a recent addition to the rum section. With a long history $30). Both are distilled from soft red ‘winter’ wheat grown in Arkansas. in Puerto Rico, it is now available in the mainland United States. Its history The gin won a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits began as sugar cane plantations alone. Some 145 years ago, a distillery was Competition early this year, while the vodka was awarded 93 points and started and for most of its history was only distributed on the island. Available ‘highly recommended’ at the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. in both white, labeled as ‘Cristal,’ and amber, labeled as ‘Gold,’ both are about From Rockport, Maine, we now have a potato vodka, Cold River $18 for a 1.75 liter bottle and are certified kosher. ($40). This is glutten-free and made from potatoes grown on a family owned, sustainably managed Maine farm. It too gained a double gold Gary Burhop owns Great Wines & Spirits located at 6150 Poplar medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, but in 2008. Avenue in Regalia, Memphis, Tenn., 38119 and invites your questions Spirits taster and writer F. Paul Pacult dubbed it ‘the best American and patronage. Contact him at 901.682.1333 or garyburhop@ vodka’ in his book Kindred Spirits 2. greatwinesmemphis.com.
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 17 DOLLARS AND SENSE
Inflation or Deflation: Watching for Warning Signs Provided by Lawson Arney, Financial Advisor, Morgan Keegan
There’s been much debate in investing circles over the last year about whether inflation or deflation represents a more likely threat to the future of the U.S. economy. With a recovery that’s still tentative compared to previous recessions, measures designed to stimulate the economy or cut spending to rein in the budget deficit provoke warnings about their potential to create one or the other.
The Case For Inflation As the economy has begun to recover, worries about the potential for on consumers’ willingness and ability to spend, the threat of deflation future inflation have become widespread. The Fed has undertaken could return. Those concerned about the possibility of a new round of extraordinary measures to make sure there is plenty of money in deflation at some point keep an eye on consumer spending, the state circulation, but some experts worry that the increased money supply of the credit and housing markets, and the stability of banks and other will eventually cut the dollar’s purchasing power, especially if interest financial institutions. rates are kept at historically low levels for too long. They cite the easy availability of money as contributing to the late-1990s tech bubble Seeing Shades Of Gray and the mid-2000s housing bubble, and fear that another could be Inflation and deflation aren’t necessarily an either-or proposition. It’s on the way. possible to have inflation in some areas and deflation in others; anyone who has watched food prices or health-care costs increase while their The Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policy committee maintains that paycheck stayed the same and the value of their house declined can inflation currently is too weak to support normal economic growth, let vouch for that. alone launch an inflationary spiral. However, those who see inflation in our future watch for warning signs such as increased Treasury yields, From an investing standpoint, inflation isn’t black-and-white, either. particularly on longer-term bonds. Higher yields when bonds are Some industries and asset classes benefit from inflationary forces, while auctioned suggest that investors are increasingly wary of tying up their companies that are highly dependent on both commodity prices and money for long periods at a fixed interest rate if they feel that inflation cheap labor can be more challenged by rising prices. is going to erode the buying power of those fixed payments over time. Wholesale prices also are watched closely; higher prices at the wholesale Disclosure Information – Important – Please Review level can be a precursor of higher prices at retail (that is, if retailers are This information is for illustrative and discussion purposes only. Morgan Keegan does not able to pass those costs along to buyers, which is not always the case). provide legal or tax advice. You need to contact your legal and tax advisors for additional information and advice before making any investment decisions. Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Securities and insurance products are not FDIC The Case For Deflation insured, not a deposit, not an obligation of or guaranteed by Regions Bank, its affiliates, or At first blush, the falling prices that characterize deflation don’t sound any government agency and may lose value. This advertisement was prepared for Lawson like such a bad thing. Who wouldn’t like to be able to buy things for Arney using material prepared by Forefield, Inc. Copyright 2011. less than they cost now, especially when times are tough? The problem Lawson Arney is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and works as a financial is that those falling prices can harm the economy in several ways, as advisor at Morgan Keegan. Lawson and his team work with their clients to provide Americans were reminded during the recent recession. When prices comprehensive custom solutions for their financial and investment needs. are dropping, people tend to postpone purchases, hoping to pay less in the future (consider what’s happened with real estate since 2007). Delayed spending puts pressure on corporate profit margins and companies tend to cut spending themselves, creating financial difficulties for companies that rely on business spending. Cutbacks begin to ripple through the economy. For all your financial needs. Deflation typically affects not only prices but wages; scarce jobs Morgan Keegan can lead to pay cuts even for those who stay employed. And lower incomes can start a new round of cost-cutting by both consumers Lawson S. Arney and business. If this process sounds familiar, it’s because for much of Morgan Financial Advisor • Associate Vice President 2009, the U.S. experienced negative annual inflation rates for the first time since 1955. Keegan 1100 Ridgeway Loop, Suite 600 A Regions Company Memphis, Tennessee 38120 Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc. 901.818.7638 • 800.873.6871 Though consumers have loosened their purse strings in recent months, Member FINRA, SIPC Fax: 901.766.7709 deflationistas argue that if another financial crisis were to reduce credit Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee Not a Deposit | Not Insured by Any Government Agency availability, or if high ongoing unemployment once again begins to weigh 18 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com AGENCY HIGHLIGHT
Dance, Discipline and Community By Susan C. Nieman
Ask any Memphis Jewish Community Center Markell School of Dance student about how the classes have shaped their lives, and more than likely they will agree with Sienna Nelson. “Dancing at the JCC has been one of the most important facets of my The MJCC Markell School of Dance offers ballet, pointe, jazz, life,” said the Ridgeway High School senior. “As a ballet program, I believe tap and other dance classes for children and adults. Children’s it is unmatched in the city of Memphis. But what really defines our school programs are for ages 3 thru 18. Classes are open for members is the sense of community within the studio.” and non-members. For more information: 901.761.0810, “Every child who enters the school will learn so much more than just www.jccmemphis.org, e-mail [email protected]. ballet,” said Alexei Moskalenko, who joined the MJCC School of Dance faculty in 1999. “As the students progress, they learn discipline, work MJCC Markell School of Dance, ethics, time management, world music and art awareness.” 6560 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38138 Sienna has been dancing at the JCC since she was four. She also plays violin and has performed in several plays at her school. Sienna travels to Haiti twice a year and hopes to set up a clinic there after completing medical school. She will attend Tulane University in New Orleans. “Our JCC attracts many types of people with different interests,” explained Alexei. “It isn’t just about ‘dance parents’ sitting in the lobby. It is all about building life-long friendships. Here, you can take ballet while your parents work out in the gym, or your sister, brother or friend is taking basketball, tennis, soccer, swimming, art, or acting in play.” “My daughter, Alissa, just performed her dance recital with three other seniors, all of whom I have watched grow up dancing,” said Julie Heeren. “It was quite emotional to say the least! What a fabulous environment for any dancer. The girls and boys have such camaraderie and the instructors are beyond measure. And our beloved Alexei, what a treasure to have a director from the Bolshoi at the JCC.” Alexei became assistant director and then director, teaching, choreographing and bringing a wealth of expertise to the program. Born in Moscow, Russia, he began dancing at age10 at the prestigious Academic School of the world famous Bolshoi Ballet. He studied classical ballet, modern, jazz, character dance, acting for dance, pas de deux and choreography. After several years of touring Europe, Japan and North America as a soloist with the Bolshoi, Alexei moved to Miami to teach at the well-known New World School of the Arts and danced leading roles for the Miami Ballet, Ballet Etudes and Fort Lauderdale Ballet. He also appeared across the United States as a guest dancer and teacher. He danced with Ballet Memphis as a Principal Dancer from 1992-2001. In 1994, he founded the American School of Russian Ballet, where he was the Artistic Director until 2000. In 2001, Alexei became involved in the prestigious YAGP International Ballet Competition as a Master Teacher and judge. Since 2003, he has been the YAGP Director of Rehearsals. Since 1994, he continues to appear as a guest teacher and choreographer internationally and throughout the U.S. This spring Alexei taught master classes for advanced level at the prestigious Beijing Dance Academy in China. More information about Alexei can be found at www.russiandancer.com. Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 19 ON THE SIDELINES For the Love
of Jackie Ronnie Rabinovitz
den Character is a hard trait to define. Some may say that it is best wanted to be with him. He was just a tremendous human being identified by what someone does when no one is watching. One who and a great role model.” filled that bill was Jackie Robinson. Robinson wasn’t just a great player. He had to endure all During his 10 years in baseball he was no stranger to the word as he the unimaginable racial slurs during those years – without the nobly but quietly fired the first volley for civil rights. chance to fight back, but still with the grace and integrity to Robinson, the starting second baseman for the Brooklyn Dodgers, befriend Rabinovitz. by Mark Hay
: shattered the color barrier in baseball in 1947, and at the same time Growing up in lily-white Sheboygan, Wisconsin, as the now 65- struck up a lifelong friendship with 7-year-old Ronnie Rabinovitz year-old describes it, Rabinowitz knows a bit about prejudice, too. from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. “I grew up in a German town of about 48,000,” he said. “There Rabinovitz is still awestruck by the scope of the relationship, why it were about 350 Jewish families. There was always an undercurrent endured during those years, continued after Robinson left the game [of prejudice], but I really did not hear or see too much. When I was and survived his death in 1972. young there were kids that sometimes used to call us kikes or sheenies. “We were so different,” he said. “I was white; he was black. I was I had a lot of non-Jewish friends, and sometimes they would say, ‘For Jewish; he was a Christian. I was from a small Midwest town; he lived a Jew you’re a good guy.’ out East. I was a child; he was an adult. But we developed this bond “They actually believed they were complimenting me.” that I can’t explain.” It’s a bond that But his pain was negligible compared continues on through Jackie’s wife to that of his Dodger hero. “I couldn’t and daughter. “We were so different,” imagine the pressure he was under,” Rabinovitz’s father initially wrote he said. “When I look back at it, he a fan letter to Jackie asking for an had the pressure of having to prove autograph for his young son. One he said. “I was white; himself as a rookie. Pitchers were day, the two were among a throng always throwing at his head, people ON THE SIDELINES of fans who mobbed Robinson when he was black.” were calling him names on a daily Brooklyn visited the Milwaukee basis; how he could do this with all the Braves. They were amazed when Jackie recalled Rabinovitz’s letter. bigotry and still concentrate on the game was just amazing.” From then on Robinson encouraged their relationship. Each day It’s the story of his integrity that Rabinovitz wants to keep alive. “I Ronnie ran home hoping he would find a reply from his new friend just want everyone to know about him,” he said. and hero. One day he found a letter resting face down on his bed, the He started telling Jackie’s story in 1987 – the 40th anniversary of first of 20 letters that he received over the years, he estimates. his debut in the major leagues. “I wanted to get involved and share “‘I got a letter from Jackie,’ I yelled out,” said Rabinovitz. “As I was the experiences I had with Jackie,” said Rabinovitz. “I go wherever I reading, I saw my mother standing at my door, smiling.” can to tell those stories.” Robinson was a lonely man. While it took time to convince some Rabinovitz travels an average of twice a month to various high of his teammates that he was there to help win pennants, he still schools. He has even spoken at the Baseball Hall of Fame. wasn’t allowed to sleep in the same hotel with them. All for his love of Jackie. “Maybe Jackie was just looking for friendship wherever he could find it, and perhaps that’s why we were so close,” said Rabinovitz. Ronnie Rabinovitz can be reached Rabinovitz recalls a story when Jackie accompanied him into the at www.minnesotaspeakers.com. Dodger clubhouse to collect autographs from Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Sandy Koufax and Gil Hodges. He was so swept up in the excitement for his friend that he forgot to sign the ball himself. There were also times after the games when the two were Mark Hayden has written about Memphis sports for a together and Jackie signed baseballs for his young fans. “I never variety of magazines. For story ideas please contact Mark at asked for an autograph, a ball or anything,” said Rabinovitz. “I just [email protected]. 20 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com BESHERT : True Stories of Connection A Monthly Selection from the book written by Harry Samuels BESHERT
“Rose Shainberg,” Deanna replied. “I don’t believe it! That was the lady!” The foursome created quite a scene on the boat as they broke into tears and proceeded to hug each other. CRUSING By Dr. Albert and Deanna Burson 2 Almost everyone in our family had met these people, except Deanna. Years earlier my wife and I accompanied Aunt Rose Shainberg in her attempt to locate the parents of this couple. We found them in an apartment in St. Petersburg, Florida, and despite our language barrier, there was an immediate connection. They had just arrived from Grodno, Russia. “Prior to the Second World War,” they told us, “there had been over 30,000 Jews living in that community. The Nazis had murdered most of them, and recently there were only 13 remaining.”
Dr. Al and Deanna Burson, while on a cruise, stopped at Paradise Island in Rose Shainberg was a lifeline to this family as they struggled to adjust to their the Bahamas. They opted to take a water taxi with a large group of others new home. She took them “ under her wing” and saw to their needs. This act to view the island. Initially they sat behind a couple but subsequently of kindness was typical of her. She spent her life looking for ways to help others. moved to different seats. Again they moved in order to avoid sitting near a One day I asked her, “What inspired and motivated you to extend yourself so busy gangway. Following the last move, Deanna felt compelled to explain much?” She told me of the hardships her mother and siblings had endured as they to the people in front of them that their moving was not meant to be anti- traveled from Russia to America. There were five children with barely enough social. The couple understood, and they struck up a conversation. food. “At a train stop,” her mother told her, “a group of women provided us with “Is that an accent you have? Where are you from?” Deanna asked. rolls and milk.” That story had a great impact on Rose. She subsequently spent “We have been living in St. Petersburg, Florida, for five years, but before much of her life tangibly expressing her gratitude to those women by improving that we lived in Russia,” the woman responded. the lives of others. In 1984, she was honored as a recipient of the prestigious “That is interesting,” Deanna remarked. “My former mother-in-law Eleanor Roosevelt Award for a lifetime of humanitarian service. also lived in St. Petersburg. Years ago she became very close to a family that had recently moved from Russia. They had lived in the same city as Harry Samuels is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and has devoted many years to volunteerism in Memphis, Tennessee. He and his wife, her family, prior to emigrating to the United States.” Flora, have been married for 50 years and are the parents of Martin, William “How strange. We knew a woman whose family lived in the same city and the late David Samuels. Proceeds from the sale of his books go to charity. as us before we came to the United States. She was extremely kind to us, Beshert and Mr. Samuels newest book, Crossroads: Chance or and we felt as though she were a member of our family. What was your Destiny? are available in Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Amazon.com and mother-in-law’s name?” Iuniverse.com and the Memphis Jewish Community Center.
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Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 21 Arts CULTURE by Jennifer Lefkowitz & BOOKS Q&A Q&A with ”Barney’s Version” Falling in Love with Sophia screenwriter Michel Konyves Robert Krantz : : Ellinas Multimedia
Jewish Scene: Hi, Michel. Welcome to Jewish Scene. Falling in Love with Sophia is a love story of soul mates and is the first novel by actor and screenwriter Robert Krantz, who owns his own film Michel Konyves: Thank you. production and distribution company, Ellinas Multimedia. Krantz wrote, produced and acted in the movie, “Do You Wanna Dance?” Genuine Jewish Scene: Tell us about the film “Barney’s Version.” and heartfelt, Falling in Love with Sophia is what I want to see on the big screen. Michel Konyves: “Barney’s Version” is adapted from my personal favorite Mordecai Richler novel, “Barney’s Version.” The Double Life of Alfred Buber Jewish Scene: Explain how Judaism surrounds the film? David Schmahmann : : The Permanent Press Michel Konyves: Many of the characters are Jewish. These are the people Mordecai knew and wrote The Double Life of Alfred Buber is a fictional narrative and third novel by about; much in the same way Zuckerman novels and author and lawyer David Schmahmann. The well-respected Alfred leads a Philip Roth or Woody Allen films are Jewish. secret life until his double lives cross, and he can’t distinguish fantasy from reality. The premise of the book is a man struggling to come to terms Jewish Scene: What is the central theme of the film? with what it means to be real. The Double Life of Alfred Buber is a non- Michel Konyves: It’s the story of a man’s life. It’s a politically correct story in the realm of the politically correct that is full of journey and primarily a love story at its core, even abnormalities and comic relief. though so many other things happen in the film.
Jewish Scene: What are your Jewish influences on the film?
MUSIC Michel Konyves: Well, I’m Jewish. I grew up in a Jewish section of Montreal, went to Jewish school, so I think that qualifies me as ‘Jewish enough.’ I think the main influence was in knowing what a lot of these people were like. So Far How they talk helped in the writing process. Nadav Remez : : BJU Records Jewish Scene: Explain the inner-workings of the protagonist Barney. (Played by Paul Giamatti) Melodic, harmonic and rhythmic is Israeli guitarist and composer Nadav Remez’s album, So Far. In a culmination of modern jazz, Michel Konyves: Barney is somewhat of a child alternative rock and Jewish folk music, the debut album includes to me in the way that he leads with his primary eight illuminating tracks featuring Remez and his band of Shai emotional needs and reactions and is only brought Maestro, James Wylie, Steve Brickman, Avri Borochov, Ziv Ravitz to contemplate those actions after the fact. However, and special guest Itamar Borochov. A highlight of the album is a musing original version of the even though he may do a fair amount of questionable traditional Jewish song “Lecha Dodi.” things, his primary focus, that being his love for Miriam, is true and unmovable. Therefore, he fits into what I think about most protagonists, which is you can feature someone that is anything we perceive as questionable in character, and if you give them something they love FILM more than themselves, you will like them. We all like characters who are clear on the object of the quest that will define their lives and will always place that Barney’s Version object/person above themselves. Richard J. Lewis : : Universal/Uk Zoom Jewish Scene: This film began its humble beginnings as a book. (By Mordecai Richler) How did it evolve Barney’s Version is directed by Richard Lewis and based on the into a screenplay? novel by Mordecai Richler about a man’s life from a Jewish, upper- middle class community in Montreal, Canada. The protagonist, free- Michel Konyves: The book was one of my favorites spirited Barney, is played by Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti, of all time. I found out that Robert Lantos held whose character’s warm, wise and witty sense of self ultimately wins the rights and managed to get a meeting with him over his selfishness with a side of narcissism by the climax of the film. through a mutual contact. I then wrote Robert a 25- page proposal on how I envisioned the film working. Barney’s Version is a journey of the life of Richler’s most intriguing Unbeknownst to me at the time, Robert had gone character, Barney Panofsky. through four writers and numerous drafts spanning 22 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com Arts CULTURE &
SScreened,d BBonded d d & IInsuredd Light Housekeeping & Laundry Transportation/Errands Respite & 24-Hour Care Homemaker Services Meal Preparation Personal Care State Licensed
Barney Panofsky (Played by Paul Giamatti) Courtesy Carl Samrock Public Relations Inc.
12 years, trying to get a workable That part of it is beyond any hopes or screenplay. He hired me to write a expectations any writer might have. It draft, not expecting too much out of it would be the equivalent of writing a since I was a little-known writer without song and The Beatles saying they’d like many credits to my name. But we kept to record it. Cary & working at it from the time I handed in Wendy my first draft, and a year and a half later Jewish Scene: Do you see yourself Rotter he said, “It’s ready.” in Barney Panofsky? (Played by EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY Paul Giamatti) OWNED & OPERATED Jewish Scene: The film opens as Barney chats with pals in a European café. We Michel Konyves: I do not, but that get a sense of his unconventional and doesn’t mean I don’t understand him, or adventurous style. Explain production/ I can’t put myself in his shoes. He’s a man scene aesthetics and significance of who is led by his heart, who is loyal to FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION! location in the opening scene and a fault, who is blunt and inappropriate at throughout the film. times, but would be the first person you 901-752-1515 • 662-393-1110 call if you needed anything. Michel Konyves: Location – meaning space and time, is always very important. Jewish Scene: What is the major It often tells you so much without having response you wish to see from viewers T h e to address it directly. The beginning of the of the film? Have you been pleased film in Rome in the 70s tells us a lot about with the audience response? Barney. Him being there in Rome means BUILDING he wasn’t the kind of young man who Michel Konyves: I hope that it would was going to go to medical school and evoke an emotional response that I follow a more traditional route of life. give to films I love. I have gone to see it numerous times in the theater, and I Jewish Scene: Tell us the experience of have always been extremely happy and working with an all-star Hollywood cast relieved to hear the audiences laugh and crew. (Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, where they should and cry when they’re Minnie Driver, Scott Speedman…) supposed to.
Michel Konyves: As a writer you first Jewish Scene: Tell us about the DVD dream of being paid to write. If you’re release and special features. lucky enough to be paid to write, you dream of being paid to write stories you Michel Konyves: The DVD has a truly love. If that happens you dream of commentary track by producer Robert having one of your scripts actually made Lantos, director Richard Lewis and into a film. And then, once in a while, myself. There are also behind-the-scenes or maybe once in a lifetime, you have features and a conversation with Paul something happen to you like “Barney’s Giamatti before a live audience. Version.” I was given the opportunity to adapt one of my favorite novels. I had Jewish Scene: Thanks for taking the time Classic, Unrivaled a producer who is a legend in the film to chat with us. We wish you much industry, and he guided me throughout success on the DVD release of the film. Elegance. the whole process and would stop at nothing to make a film of substance. I Michel Konyves: Thank you. Now please had a director who was a dream for go buy the DVD so us artists can make any writer or person to work with, a more movies. Book your DATE now. kind and generous soul. And then the Call or e-mail 901.544.9103 [email protected] film gets cast with the best of the best. 1 4 9 M o N roe Ave. | Me M p h I s , T N Jennifer Lefkowitz is a native of Memphis, TN and a graduate of Academy of Art University, w w w . C A D r e BUILDING. C o M Motion Pictures and Television in San Francisco, CA. Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 23 FEATURE Food Truck Race with a Jewish/Tennessee
By Susan C. Connection Nieman Filming for season two of the Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race wrapped up this summer, but you’ll have to wait until the show airs on August 14, 2011 to find out which of the eight contestants finishes first in Miami winning $50,000.
In on the fun was the “Jewish truck,” i.e., The Lime Truck, owned by entrepreneur Daniel Shemtob and chef Jason Quinn, both Jewish in spite of the Irish in Jason’s heritage. Jason’s parents, Bob and Lisa Quinn, were excited for their son to visit their alma mater state of Tennessee – they are Vanderbilt law school alum ‘85 and ‘86 respectively.
The Food Network’s second most popular reality show pits food trucks from around the country against each other. Each week the trucks are given a fixed amount of money to buy locally sourced ingredients. They hit the streets on Saturday and Sunday trying to outsell each other. The truck with the lowest net profit at the end of the weekend goes home. Trucks beginning in Santa Monica from Orange County were The Lime and Seabirds, from Los Angeles, SkyTaco and Cafe con Leche; from San Diego, Devilicious; from Cleveland, Ohio, Hodge Podge; from Boston, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese; and from New York, KorillaBBQ.
The Lime Truck doesn’t have a particular theme or hook. Jason’s approach is to find the very best, locally available, fresh ingredients and “Iron-chef” a new menu every day. Daniel Shemtob and Jason Quinn Last August The Lime Truck won “Best of the Fest” at the OC Foodie Fest (50 trucks and 8,500 patrons) and was soon ranked second on Yelp’s list of restaurants “near Irvine” (out of more than 2200 restaurants). The Lime Truck earned the title “Best (new) Restaurant in Orange County” in 2010 and made the Orange County Register’s list of Top 25 Restaurants in the County. Dinner often includes a nice selection of gourmet dishes in the $3 to $10 range. They offer a plated special – that most restaurants can only dream of serving – that can range from $15 to $31. Jason sells out of these very quickly. Customers have been known to eat at the truck three times a day, because they love Jason’s cooking and know that menu items may be one-of-a-kind, never to be repeated. If you miss it, it’s gone forever.
Tune in to the Food Network Channel in August to see if The Lime Truck makes it through Memphis and on to Miami. 24 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com SCENE ZZ Top at Live At The Garden MEMPHIS FRIENDS of ISRAEL Educating the local community on the value of America's support for Israel Memphis Israel Festival Despite a rainy start to the day, thousands attended the 4th Annual Memphis Israel Festival. Next year’s event is scheduled for Sunday, May 20, 2012.
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 25 SCENE
B’nai B’rith International “The Peanut Butter Bee,” written and Illustrated by Joel Cox, a junior at Christian Brothers High School in Memphis took top prize in the B’nai New Night Kollel 3 nights a week of learning BSSS Students Make Wish Come True B’rith International Diverse Minds Youth Writing Students in grades 1-8 through hosted a Tea Party Challenge. Cox earned a $5,000 college scholarship, for 5-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient. Chloe. and his book was professionally published. This story Chloe’s wish was to have tea with a princess of a bee that prefers peanut butter to honey will and her puppy, Sophie, that she got following her be distributed to libraries and elementary schools brain surgery in March. Everyone was decked out in in and around Shelby County. Disney costumes including Chloe as a princess. The contest challenges teens to write and Chloe was presented with a scroll that announced illustrate children’s books that explain diversity and “her wish was our command” and that she and her tolerance to elementary school-aged children. This family will be spending a week at Disneyworld! Chloe education and awareness initiative was created said she hoped to meet Cinderella and promised to in conjunction with B’nai B’rith programs that take lots of pictures to share. promote tolerance and communicate a message of BSSS Teacher and Wish Coordinator, Rena Knopf equality. The contest aims to enlighten, inspire and said, “It is because of our students’ hard work and educate America’s young people and their families dedication to this cause that we, the little school that in an effort to destroy prejudices and strengthen could, was able to grant Chloe’s wish.” the future of our youth. “Oh, she will talk and talk and talk about this day The winners were announced May 31 at the for a long time,” said Chloe’s mom. National Civil Rights Museum.
Royal Wedding Celebration Mother’s Day Party
Catherine Lowrance and Ruby (Scottie) Scott
Yelena Gindina, Valentina Moshkina and Sarra Patskin
RSVP Awards Luncheon, Rena Rosenberg, Executive Director, Joe Ashendorf, RSVP Volunteer of the Year WINNER and Audrey Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator
26 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com SCENE
Temple B’nai Israel Vireo String Quartet played a beautiful concert of Austro-Hungarian music by Franz Shubert and Leo Weiner at Temple B’nai Israel in Hattiesburg, Miss., as part of Festival South. The quartet is based in Michigan and records for Albany Records. They also are music teachers and orchestral performers.
Hillel Yiddishe Cup
Rabbi Micah Greenstein reacts to a video in his honor at the Congregation Celebration.
The Harrises
Josh Pastner with Hillel students
Golfers at the 8th Annual MRJ-Brotherhood Charity Golf Tournament River City BBG
Beth Sholom Synagogue, Chattanooga 52nd Anniversary Dinner A crowd of 80 were mesmerized by principal and educator, Linda Hooper, who spoke about the “Paper Clips” project at her middle school. Her students gained an understanding of the number of people killed during the Holocaust by collecting paper clips. That effort resulted in the making of the documentary “Paper Clips.” An earlier synagogue – a house where orthodox Jews prayed – was bombed in 1976. Fortunately, no one was harmed because that Friday there were Family and friends had a great time at MOMapalooza not enough men to form a minyan (the number of men needed for prayer) so they had left early. Sid and Charlene Wugalter
Children flock to Rabbi Katie Bauman at inaugural Tot Seder Elaine and Stan Nusbaum John Lewis, Federation Director Michael Dzik, Joel Susman
Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 27 SCENE Memphis Wine + Food Series The Jewish Federation of Arkansas’ 2011 Jewish Food Festival Benefiting the Memphis Brooks Dozens of volunteers worked tirelessly for months to ensure the overwhelming success of the Museum of Art 2011 Jewish Food Festival held at the River Market Pavilion in downtown Little Rock, Ark., this May. A group of lucky Memphians spent the More than 16,000 visitors (mostly non-Jewish) came to sample Jewish food and culture evening of Thursday, May 5 enjoying 12plus beginning the morning with lox, bagels and cream cheese. Other traditional Jewish foods vintages of Silver Oak library wines such as old-fashioned corned beef sandwiches, kosher hot dogs, cabbage rolls, blintzes, latkes, accompanied by a multi-course menu of kugel and many more fantastic Jewish delicacies were available throughout the day. The Bakery exquisitely paired food by Silver Oak Winery offered homemade rugelach, honey cakes, challah and mandel bread. Israeli foods included Chef Dominic Orsini. This extraordinary kabobs, falafel and Israeli salad. evening took place at the magnificent Cultural and religious booths showcased various aspects of Jewish life from Arkansas to Beverly Hall with gracious hosts Ben and ancient Israel. Patrons learned about Jewish holidays, lifecycle customs and Israel. Kids enjoyed Denise Wheeler. At the Winemaker Dinner an exciting area with plenty of activities from face painting to an entire area for jumping and the Patrons Dinner, held at the Memphis activities. A replica of the Western Wall gave patrons the opportunity to leave a note of prayer. Brooks Museum of Art the following night, Booths included Judaica and items by local Jewish artists. Silver Oak winemaker Daniel Baron spoke Some of Arkansas’ most treasured Jewish musicians and visiting musicians from Memphis to his craft while featured artist Thomas entertained the crowd throughout the day. There was an inspiring performance of Israeli folk Arvid began an original piece for the dancing, featuring some younger community members and our Israeli emissary. Brooks’ Grand Auction, which was held at The Festival used mobile and QR code technology to engage festival goers. The Jewish the Brooks on Saturday, May 7. Federation of Arkansas partnered with RiverCity Print and Imaging to create a festival mobile Website and QR codes for all of the food and cultural booths and event sponsors. The QR codes are small barcodes that when scanned by a mobile device, directs the person to relevant content such as the You Tube videos with recipes and engaging dish preparations. Festival organizers are already looking forward to 2012!
Annalise Serving, Joanna Lipman, Mary Trotz
Silver Oak winemaker Daniel Baron and Thomas Arvid
Daniel Weickenand, Jon Scharff, Ken Fields, Larry Shutzberg
Beni and Mike Dragutsky
28 July/August 2011 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com ADVERTISER LISTING
Rick Baer - Crye-Leike ...... Page 29 Bell Fine Art Jewelers ...... Page 14 Advertising starting as low as $150 per issue. The Cadre Building ...... Page 23 Carriage Court ...... Page 16 Comfort Keepers ...... Page 23 Dr. Jeff Goldstein CruiseOne ...... Page 12 Dr. Mitchell Alvarez Eyes For You ...... Page 29 Dr. Janet Walsh First Class Linen ...... Page 9 Dr. Aaron Kerr Dr. Carrie Suchman Fitness Inspiration ...... Page 10 Dr. Melissa Brown Germantown Plantation ...... Page 21 Great Wines ...... Page 3 EyEs for you Hard Rock Café Memphis ...... Back Cover .PO'SJt4BU 1PQMBS"WFt.FNQIJT 5/t Hobson Realtors: Ellie Bennett ...... Page 17 ToTAl FAMily EyE CArE Holiday Inn & Suites ...... Page 14 Interim ...... Page 1 Lawnjox ...... Page 9 Live at the Garden ...... Page 15 Lynchburg Legends ...... Inside Front Cover Memphis Jewish Home Golf Tournament ...... Page 1 Memphis JCC School of Dance ...... Page 19 Morgan Keegan: Lawson Arney ...... Page 18 Mosquito Squad of Memphis ...... Page 11 Norman Gilbert Photography ...... Page 13 R. Mercer Wicker N’ More ...... Page 5 Rhitt’s on Rex ...... Page 29 Sheridan’s Frozen Custard ...... Page 7 Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt & Treats ...... Page 8 Rhitt’s on Rex TCBY Super FROYO ...... Page 8 Fun • Entertainment • Happiness Located off Poplar Ave. at I-240 YoLo Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt ...... Page 7 5683 Rex Rd. • Memphis, TN 38119 901.274.2309 [email protected] • www.Rhittsonrex.com BE SCENE in the ANNUAL SEPTEMBER/ OCTOBER GUIDE TO JEWISH TENNESSEE, ARKANSAS, MISSISSIPPI.
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Jewish Scene I July/August 2011 29 MAZELßTOVß ROCK LOOKINGßFORßAßTRULYßUNIQUEßVENUEß FORßYOURßBARBATßMITZVAHßEVENT #ALLßOURßEVENTßPROFESSIONALSßFORßMOREßINFORMATION
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