the Jewish bserver Federation stands with Israel nside: By ANDY MAY and i MARK S. FREEDMAN Rabbi Posner remembered n this month of May are two as inspirational leader 3 very important dates that are at the core of our community’s Meeting campaign goal love and support for the State of Israel. First, on May 4, is strate our solidarity with the people We live under the aura of a miracle of $2.5 million crucial Yom Hazikaron, when we pay and the nation of Israel. that carries with it distant voices of for next phase of Best Ihomage to Israel’s fallen soldiers. We will continue to work dili- past generations that could only Jewish Nashville 5 Soon after the conclusion of that gently to defend the State of Israel to dream of the extraordinary reality we somber ceremony comes Yom the best of our ability, not as its foot are experiencing. Picnic planned to honor Ha’atzmaut on May 6, when we cele- soldiers but rather as its caring part- At the Jewish Federation of brate with great joy and pride the ners. We will respond forcefully to Nashville and Middle Tennessee, we Lynda Gutcheon for 30 66th anniversary of the declaration those who attempt to delegitimize view our ongoing involvement and years as Temple educator 6 and founding of the modern inde- the State of Israel. We will combat engagement with Israel as a precious pendent State of Israel. misguided efforts to boycott Israeli inheritance that we must handle with Gilead Shalit’s father will These events underscore the goods and services. We will oppose utmost care and responsibility. Our very essence of what our Jewish any movement to impose economic, commitment to the community is that be in Nashville to recount Federation stands for. In our minds, political or diplomatic sanctions the actions we take and the policies we family’s ordeal 7 in our hearts, and through our upon Israel. And we will actively follow will be guided by our deep love actions, we are united in our support respond to those who attempt to con- for Israel, by our fervent wish that Israel of Israel as the eternal homeland for vince corporate or institutional will remain forever a safe haven for all Regular features the Jewish people. We are apprecia- investors to divest from Israel. Jewish people and that future genera- tive and humbled by the sacrifices As Israel celebrates its 66th tions will be able to share in the mira- The Rabbis’ Corner 17 the Israeli people have made to build anniversary as a modern state, at the cle of Jewish peoplehood which has at Lifecycles 21 a safe and secure Jewish homeland, a Jewish Federation we think of Israel’s its sacred center the land of Israel. Around the town 22 struggle that continues to this day. existence in a much broader context Am Yisrael Chai! c This Jewish Federation will do every- — as a nation that has endured for thing it can, through our annual cam- more than three millennia. We are Andy May is president and Mark HEALTH & BEAUTY PAGE 11 paign, through our local Israel advo- among the fortunate few who have S. Freedman is executive director of the cacy and education, and through our witnessed the rebirth of the modern Jewish Federation of Nashville and Israel missions program to demon- State of Israel during our lifetimes. Middle Tennessee. Vandy MBA class helping Israeli businesses break into U.S. market

By CHARLES BERNSEN

f you or a loved one is someday saved by the respiratory moni- toring device developed by the Israeli start-up, BreatheVision Ltd., it might be due to the work this spring of Vanderbilt IMBA student Jameson K. Norton. He and 27 other students are tak- ing a seminar called “Doing Business in Israel” in which they conduct research for Israeli companies hoping to introduce a product in the United States or other large foreign markets. www.jewishobservernashville.org The group recently returned from a spring-break trip to Israel, where they A Publication of met with their clients and learned more about the country’s entrepre- Taking a little time off from their busy work schedule in Israel, these Vanderbilt stu- neurial business climate. dents relax at bar in Tel Aviv. From left are Ella Teferici, Kenny Takahashi, Emily Hassel, “I have been amazed at the inno- Arturo Garza-Alanis, Anjelica Amable, Sam Lockard, Becky Murphy, Casey Smyth, and Jameson Norton. They are among 28 students who traveled to Israel over spring vation and initiative within the break to meet with business clients as part of their course “Doing Business in Israel” Israeli business environment,” said at the Owen Graduate School of Management. Norton, leader of the four-student consulting team for BreatheVision, doing more with less is a necessity in provide a promising foundation for www.jewishnashville.org which hopes to market its respiratory Israel,” Norton said. “The combina- any [Israeli] start-up business.” monitoring device for post-operative tion of the valuable resources and Accompanying the students to VOL.79 NO. 5 hospital patients in the United States. market in the United States together Israel was their instructor, Mark May 2014 “Given constrained resources, with Israeli innovation and initiative Continued on page 4 1 Iyar - 2 Sivan 5774 Join us for this free event An Israeli Soldier in a War Against The Delegitimization of Israel Hen Mazzig Israeli Representative Monday and Campus Coordinator May 5, Stand With Us 2014 Northwest at 7:00 PM Gordon JCC 801 Percy Warner Blvd Seating Is Limited. Please register at: henmazzig.event brite.com

We would like to thank The Gordon Jewish Community Center for providing us the use of its facilities on a rental basis for this program. The views and opinions expressed by the program’s sponsors and the program’s content do not necessarily represent the views of the Gordon Jewish Community Center nor is it responsible for the content of this program. 2 May 2014 The Observer Communitywide observances of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut to begin on May 4

n the space of two days this The 2 ½-hour event, hosted by the 2. Evelyn and Marvin Koch, in honor families, in honor of their participa- month, the Jewish community Jewish Federation, begins at 6:30 p.m. on of their Israel advocacy work. tion in The Same Moon project at will undertake the somber com- May 6 and will include a dinner and 3. Carol Hyatt, as a representative of Akiva creating links with Israeli memoration of Israel’s war dead torch-lighting ceremony honoring mem- the 22 participants on this year’s families. and the joyful celebration of its bers of the Nashville community who Community Mission to Israel. 11. Lorna Graff, representing partici- creation. have devoted their time and services to 4. Mark and Robin Cohen, in honor of pants in the “Sounds of Many IThe communitywide observance of creating a stronger connection to Israel. their trip to Israel with students Waters” project. Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, Advance tickets are $18 for adults from Vanderbilt’s Owen School of 12. Mark S. Freedman, in honor of his will begin at 4:30 p.m. on May 4 at The and $5 for children under 12 and can be Management. work as the executive director of the Temple. In Israel, Yom Hazikaron reserved at http://bit.ly/1meseBd or by 5. Leslie Klein, in honor of her work Nashville Federation and recogni- includes two moments of silence when emailing Hadar Moskovitz at with Hadassah. tion of his 75th trip to Israel last the entire national comes to a standstill [email protected]. Tickets at 6. Rabbi Laurie Rice, in honor of her November. to remember the soldiers and civilians the door will be $25 for adults and $8 for work as head of the board of rabbis Also in connection with Yom who gave their lives in defense of the children under 12. and representing the contributions Ha’atzmaut, Sifriyat Pijama B’America nation. The service is sponsored by the The torch-lighting ceremony began of Nashville’s rabbis. and PJ Library will hold a storywalk for Jewish Federation of Nashville and last year and is modeled after the one 7. Uzi Yemin, in honor of his leader- children on May 18. Participants will Middle Tennessee along with the city’s that takes place in Israel every Yom ship as board president of Akiva gather at 3 p.m. at the main entrance of five Jewish congregations. Ha’atzmaut when citizens who have con- School. the GJCC. They will “walk” to Israel, On May 6 comes Yom Ha’atzmaut, tributed to Israeli society are given the 8. Rabbi Joshua Barton and Lawrence where they will get their passports Israel’s Independence Day, when Jews in honor of lighting 12 torches on Mount Tobin, in honor of their work with stamped, visit the wall, go on an archeo- Israel and around the world celebrate the Hertzl symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel. Vanderbilt Hillel’s Taglit-Birthright logical dig, and enjoy delicious Israeli nation’s birth in 1948. In Nashville, the This year the torches in the trips to Israel. treats. The Storywalk exhibit will 66th anniversary of Israel founding will Nashville ceremony will be lit by: 9. Fred Zimmerman, in honor of his remain up throughout the summer, but celebrated at the Gordon Jewish 1. Sam Perlen, in honor of his work leadership on the Jewish Agency for we’d love to see you at its opening. For Community Center in an event featur- with BBYO and his election to serve Israel and Jewish Federations of more information, contact Sara Hanai at ing the popular and energetic Israeli as the 90th AZA International North America boards. [email protected] or Hadar band Capa’im. Grand Aleph Gadol. 10. The Hanai, Satinsky and Moravsky Moskovitz at [email protected]. c Former CSI Rabbi Zalman Posner, founder of Akiva, inspired Jews of all persuasions By CHARLES BERNSEN “If the secretary wasn’t in, he would sur- what he instilled in us and made possible prise callers by answering the shul phone in our lives.” abbi Zalman I. Posner, who himself. As if he were answering the Naomi Sedek, campaign director for led Congregation Sherith phone at home, he would just say, ‘Hello,’ the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Israel for more than half a in his booming voice – and you knew Middle Tennessee, called Rabbi Posner “an century and founded immediately who you were talking to.” inspiring teacher, a force that has left a lega- Akiva School, died on In 1954, Rabbi Posner and his wife cy of students from Akiva School and April 23 in California sur- founded Akiva School, which at the time beyond, and a true inspiration for how I Rrounded by his family. He was 87. had only five first- and second-grade stu- choose to lead my life and one of the rea- Rabbi Posner was remembered dents. Since then the school has graduat- sons I work for the Jewish people every day.” across Nashville as a warm, approachable ed hundreds of proud alumni who live all Though his impact on Nashville was Rabbi Zalman I. Posner and inspirational educator and spiritual over the United States and serve Jewish profound, Rabbi Posner’s legacy extends leader with a remarkable ability to at Shomrei Hadas Chapel in Brooklyn communities around the world. far beyond Music City. A noted scholar, engage Jews regardless of their religious with burial at Old Montifiore Cemetery In the hours after his passing, many author and orator, his works and talks affiliation or level of learning – an abili- in Queens. of those students were posting heartfelt have inspired Jewish men and women ty reflected in the fact that he was a Rabbi Posner was born in Palestine remembrances on social media sites of around the world. He was a regular speak- Chabad rabbi who led the city’s modern in 1927, the eldest of six children. His the man who had a profound impact on er at the annual “Encounter with Chabad” Orthodox congregation and established parents, Sholom and Chaya Posner, had their lives and Jewish identities. weekends in Brooklyn, and he translated a Jewish day school that today is recently fled the oppression of the Soviet “He brought and gave joy, pride, many Hasidic classics into English, includ- embraced by all segments of the city’s Union and made their home in Rishon happiness, comfort, understanding and ing two sections of the Tanya. One of his Jewish community. Letzion, where Sholom was a shochet (rit- acceptance,” said former Akiva student most popular works, Think Jewish, pub- “Rabbi Posner’s name evokes so many ual slaughterer). The family immigrated Kayla Goldin Salomon, who now lives in lished in 1979 and reprinted in 2002, is a memories for us at Sherith Israel because to America in the 1930s and eventually Memphis. “He was a true mensch. I just collection of essays that offers a contem- he was our rabbi for over 50 years,” said settled in Pittsburg. figured he would be around forever. Of porary view of Judaism and a Jewish view the congregation’s president, Evelyn The young Posner became one of the all the things I will remember about him, of the contemporary world. Koch, who spent 32 years as a teacher and first students at Tomchei Tmimim, the my favorite is him celebrating Simchas “Wherever they traveled – whether administrator at Akiva, much of it with central yeshiva of the Chabad-Lubavitch Torah by being flipped seven times by to London or San Francisco, Montreal or Rabbi Posner. “During that time, he made movement in New York, where he stud- the congregation!!!” Chicago — his congregants were always a name for our shul as the warm, accepting ied under Rabbi Yosef Yizchak New Yorker Sasha Shor enrolled at amazed that people had heard Rabbi congregation it remains today. Although a Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Akiva at the age of 7 after immigrating Posner speak and admired his great intel- Chabad rabbi — and far more observant Rebbe. It was Rabbi Schneersohn who to Nashville from the former Soviet lect,” said Koch. than most of his congregation — he made asked Rabbi Posner to apply for the posi- Union. “A very wise mind, learned Rabbi Posner is survived by his chil- everyone feel at home.” tion of rabbi at Sherith Israel. Before scholar, enormous heart, pure soul and dren, Mrs. Shifra Deren of Stamford, CT; Nashville businessman David Steine moving to Nashville, he married Rita gracious being has left this earth,” she Rabbi Menachem Mendel Posner of Jr. spent many hours studying with Rabbi (Didi) Posner, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo said of Rabbi Posner, “but not without Atlanta; Mrs. Sussi Denebeim of Palm Posner. “He certainly enriched my life,” Aron Kazarnovsky, a leading figure of the having left much of all that he stood for Springs, CA; Mrs. Mimi Liberov of Porto said Steine. “He had an ability to speak U.S. Chabad movement. in the lives of so many that he touched, Alegre, Brazil, and Rabbi Shimon Posner to us where we were in our own individ- Although just 22 when he came to taught and helped nurture. of Rancho Mirage, CA, and many grand- ual spiritual searches and encouraged us Sherith Israel in 1949, Rabbi Posner was “Rabbi Posner and Akiva School children and great-grandchildren. to proceed at our own pace, always mov- able to connect with songwriters, singers, that he founded was the very first brush I He is also survived by his siblings, ing forward, not to a perfect faith, but to doctors and Vanderbilt University stu- had with Judaism. He inspired a huge Rabbi Yehuda Leib Posner of Crown a more complete one. He always wel- dents and professors hungry for a Judaism pride in being Jewish through family, tra- Heights, Brooklyn; Mrs. Rivka Sasonkin comed questions and had a warm wit that nourished them. He served as the dition and learning without pressure or of Avital, Israel; Mrs. Bassie Garelik of with which he engaged debaters. He also congregation’s rabbi until his retirement fanaticism. He drew so many to him Milan, Italy, and Rabbi Zushe Posner of had a sense of community and helped in 2002 – 53 years – and then as rabbi through his warmth and acceptance. His Lod, Israel. c build the vibrant Jewish community we emeritus until his death. influence reaches far and wide across the now have in Nashville.” “You could talk to him about what- globe and generations of us wouldn't be The news service COLive contributed Services for Rabbi Posner were held ever was on your mind,” Koch recalled. where we are today without much of to this story. The Observer May 2014 3 Vandy MBA class helping Israeli businesses break into U.S. market

Continued from page 1 Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Cohen, the Justin Potter professor of Economic Miracle by Dan Senor and Paul American enterprise at Vanderbilt’s Singer. Cohen also invited several Israelis Owen Graduate School of Management. living in Nashville to speak to the stu- His course is the latest version of a semi- dents before their trip about Israeli cul- nar that also has been taught as “Doing ture, geography, history and businesses. Business in China” and “Doing Business The students also have been in contact in Brazil.” Its purpose is to give students with their clients and other Israelis via experience in an actual international Skype and other social media, learning business development project. about everything from the business cli- In previous versions, the students mate to where to eat while in Israel. consulted for U.S. businesses looking to Although their trip schedule was expand into large emerging markets tight, the students did manage to do overseas. But because Israel is a small some non-business-related sightseeing. market, Cohen decided to “turn the They visited Masada, toured Jerusalem’s course on its head” and find Israeli Old City and saw a play performed by clients seeking to break into the U.S. or the deaf-blind acting ensemble at Tel other larger foreign markets. Aviv’s Nalaga’at Center, which Smythe The change presented some logisti- said made the biggest impression on him. cal problems. In previous years, the over- For Norton, a former U.S. Marine seas trip was partially subsidized by the Mark Cohen and the students in his course discuss the Israeli business climate with Shachar infantry officer who still serves in the American business clients. Cohen didn’t Pressis, co-founder of Wibki, a start-up that has developed a system for managing bookmarks reserves, a highlight of the trip was vis- across different digital platforms and devices. feel he could ask the small Israeli compa- iting the Israeli Defense Forces air base nies to foot that bill, so he had to scram- Casey Smyth is leading the team how many start-ups it produces but with a in Ramat David, where the students saw ble to find other ways to underwrite the doing research for Parko, a start-up firm fraction of the population,” Smyth said. pilots scramble repeatedly in response students’ travel. In the end, the travel whose mobile app uses GPS technology “We were very impressed to see how inno- to alerts. was partly subsidized by Israel & Co., a and crowd sourcing to help motorists vation and resourcefulness pervade every “I was impressed with the IDF’s abil- nonprofit that promotes Israel’s entre- determine when and where parking spots aspect of the Israeli start-up culture.” ity to maintain a more continuous alert preneurial culture by bringing executives are likely to become available in crowd- Cohen’s class is quite diverse, with status in order to protect their immediate and MBA students to the country for ed urban centers. The company is hop- students from China, South Korea, borders,” he said. seven to 10 days. Several local commu- ing to repeat the success of the Israeli Mexico and Albania. It also includes Both he and Smyth said seeing the nity members also chipped in. entrepreneurs who developed Waze, the four undergraduates from Vanderbilt’s base in operation helped them better The course has exposed Cohen’s stu- traffic and navigation app purchased by School of Engineering. Only three of the appreicate how Israel’s near universal dents to one of the most highly entrepre- Google last year for $1.15 billion. students are Jewish, and only one had military service fosters teamwork, initia- neurial business climates in the world. “My team and I are researching ever been to Israel. tive and other values vital to its entre- Israel is a place where “thousands of potential Asian and Australian markets To prepare for the trip, they read preneurial culture. c ideas are bubbling up all the time,” for Parko’s expansion,” Smyth said. “We Cohen said, “and people are willing to are assessing a variety of different metrics risk failure in order to find the ideas that pertaining to the parking climate in can be highly successful.” these cities, combined with survey data Working in teams of four, the 28 stu- to determine the most attractive markets dents are completing consulting projects for Parko’s expansion. We are also for seven Israeli companies whose prod- responsible for reaching out to potential ucts range from BreatheVision’s moni- partners in these markets to erode barri- toring device to a foldable scooter. ers to entry, to ensure fast adoption of the Parko product, and to build relation- c c c c ships which will drive Parko's future STAFF growth in these selected markets.” Like Norton, Smyth said he was Publisher Mark S. Freedman “shocked” by the success of Israeli entre- Editor Charles Bernsen preneurship. Advertising Manager Carrie Mills “Israel competes with many of the Layout and Production Tim Gregory world’s other start-up nations in terms of Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Barbara Dab, Greg Goldberg, The Vanderbilt contingent posed for a group photo at a spot overlooking Ben Gurion’s tomb Scott Rosenberg, Liz Foster Editorial Submissions Policy in the Negev. and Deadlines Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 The Jewish Observer welcomes the sub- mission of information, news items, fea- CRIMINAL LAW E-mail [email protected] ture stories and photos about events rel- evant to the Jewish community of AND DUI DEFENSE! ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed 8750-5290) is published monthly for $25 submissions, which should be sent as per year by the Jewish Federation of Word documents to Editor Charles Nashville and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Bernsen at [email protected]. Gary Tamkin Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009. Photos must be high resolution (at least Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs POSTMASTER: Send address changes to to the e-mail with the related news item 615.481.9922 THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy or story. For material that cannot be e- On the web at Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 mailed, submissions should be sent to Charles Bernsen, The Jewish Observer, garytamkinlaw.com This newspaper is made possible by funds 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy Campaign. sent by regular mail will not be returned Longtime GJCC member and member of the Temple. unless prior arrangement is made. The Jewish Observer is a member Publication is at the discretion of The of the American Jewish Press Association Observer, which reserves the right to and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. edit submissions. GARY TAMKIN LAW While The Jewish Observer To ensure publication, submissions must makes every possibly effort to accept only arrive by the 15th of the month prior to reputable advertisers of the highest quality, the intended month of publication. we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their The Observer is online! products. For advertising deadlines, contact Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at You can find the latest issue, past issues, plus streaming The Jewish Observer 615-354-1699, or by email at news updates and links to Jewish organizations at Founded in 1934 by [email protected]. JACQUES BACK www.jewishobservernashville.org 4 May 2014 The Observer Meeting $2.5 million campaign goal crucial for next phase of Best Jewish Nashville

he Jewish Federation of ership in Nashville, increasing services us to better measure and track the changes and also set new targets and Nashville and Middle for seniors and improving Israel educa- impact of our granted dollars,” said goals for what’s next. Best Jewish Tennessee has reached a tion and advocacy programs. The Galbraith. “We are serving more people Nashville needs to be a constantly crucial point as the 2014 Nashville Federation currently funds 77 than ever before, there is no question. evolving and forward thinking project. fundraising campaign different programs, services, organiza- Best Jewish Nashville continues to be a We have strengthened our relationships winds down and decisions tions and agencies. dynamic planning platform for our with our service providers and are Tabout grants loom. As promised at the outset of Best Jewish community.” engaging more donors along the way. The campaign has raised $1.73 mil- Jewish Nashville, the project is being Added Perlen, “The Best Jewish We are excited for the next steps; to lion so far. With $713,000 in pledges evaluated after its third year to determine Nashville review allowed us to evaluate update our demographic data and estab- still outstanding, the goal of $2.5 mil- if its initial goals have been met, whether and make permanent the initial lish priories for overseas needs.” c lion is agonizingly close. And every dol- the changes in strategic funding should lar counts. become permanent, and what additional “Through the resources raised in planning and prioritizing steps are neces- the annual campaign effort, our federa- sary. A 10-member committee that Sobel appointed to the tion has a long track record of supporting included co-chairs Faith Haber Galbraith innovative, groundbreaking programs and Lisa Perlen as well as Best Jewish that care for the neediest among us and Nashville project chair Steve Riven and national board of Friends help to build Jewish community,” said past President Cynthia Morin has made a Steve Hirsch, the 2014 campaign chair. number of recommendations:  of Israel Defense Forces “Every dollar added helps us to extraor- Continue to identify and fund new programs to better serve changing dinary things every day. If you have yet tlanta businessman and Carolina, and Kentucky. to participate in the annual campaign needs.  philanthropist Garry Founded in 1981, the FIDF pro- there is still time. You can contact me or Offer funding for cutting-edge pro- grams which address identified Sobel has been vides and supports educational, social, any one of our 100 volunteers.” appointed to the cultural, and recreational programs Meeting the fundraising goal is cru- needs.  Update the 2002 Nashville Jewish national board of and facilities for the men and women cial as the Nashville Federation moves Friends of Israel of the IDF. The southeast region will into the next phase of the Best Jewish Demographic Survey.  Establish an Israel and Overseas ADefense Forces. Sobel has been a leader hold its annual gala on May 15 at the Nashville project, a systematic effort to in FIDF’s southeast region, which Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Guests get feedback from the community about Committee to create a priority- based funding rationale to align includes Tennessee. will have the opportunity to hear from strategic goals and novel approaches for Sobel, senior vice president of the keynote speaker, Israel’s defense achieving them. Since the inception of with our local priorities.  Kaufman Realty Group, has been attaché to the United States and Best Jewish Nashville in 2010, the fed- Continue the successful model of priority-based program funding. involved with FIDF since 2007. As Canada, Maj. Gen. Yaacov Ayish. For eration has funded 30 new initiatives chairman, he has helped expand its more information, please e-mail aimed at achieving three broad goals “We continue to get positive feed- back from donors that the changes we focus beyond Atlanta to Alabama, [email protected] or call 678-250- identified by the community: develop- Tennessee, South Carolina, North 9030. c ing the next generation of Jewish lead- have made in our funding model allow

HOLD THE DATE 78th Annual Meeting of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

Wednesday, June 18, 2014 7:00 p.m. at the Gordon Jewish Community Center 801 Percy Warner Boulevard

The Jewish Federation Annual Meeting of the Membership will feature: • Honoring of outgoing offi cers, standing committee chairs and board members Celebrating the Golden Age • Election of new offi cers and board members Distinctive Residential Settings | Premier Programs for Health and Wellness • Presentation of the President’s Award Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro | Award-Winning Memory Care • Presentation of the Young Leadership Award Therapy and Rehabilitation by Paxxon Healthcare Services • Recognition of departing Federation staff members • Celebrating 2013-14 program, campaign 615.279.9100 and Foundation achievements 4206 Stammer Place Nashville, TN 37215 For more information please contact: Mark Freedman 615-354-1660 greenhills.belmontvillage.com [email protected]

ACLF License 59 © 2014 Belmont Village, L.P.

The Observer May 2014 5 Lynda Gutcheon’s long tenure as Temple education director ends this month

By CHARLES BERNSEN were living. “We wanted to know how special ed indy and Kenny Hirt children learn Hebrew because it has rel- get a kick out of atively few exceptions and irregulari- showing their young ties,” Gutcheon said, “and Temple Solael sons, Jonah and had a population of 200 kids.” Asher, old photos of The synagogue agreed but only if their consecrations, one of them would assume responsibility Mb’nai mitzvah and confirmation cere- of running its religious school. “I had monies at The Temple, where the boys some administrative experience and a are now attending religious school. strong Jewish background, so I agreed to A lot has changed in the interven- do it,” Gutcheon said. She later studied ing decades, but among the constants is Jewish education at the University of Lynda Gutcheon. She started teaching Judaism as well as Hebrew Union Hebrew and developing family programs College. She eventually moved to at The Temple’s religious school 30 years Nashville when her soon-to-be husband, ago and has been its education director Bernard Gutcheon, became The for the past 25. Temple’s cantor. “Asher is in first grade so he just “I’ve had the good fortune of work- completed his consecration at the begin- ing with an amazing professional staff ning of this year,” said Mindy Hirt. through the years,” she said. In addition “Lynda was so thoughtful to ask his 91- to Rabbis Mark Schiftan and Shana year-old great-grandfather, Leon May, to Mackler and Cantor Tracy Fishbein, the walk the Torah around the congregation Lynda Gutcheon’s long tenure as director of The Temple’s religious school ends this month. current staff includes one of her former leading the first graders during the serv- Here she stands in front of a section of the mosaic wall in which students and families place tiles commemorating their association with the religious school. students, Erin Hirsch Zagnoev, the syna- ice . . . Watching him hug Lynda at the gogue’s development director. end literally moved me to tears.” Among the speakers will be Rabbi “She was gentle, she was kind, she Among those who are particularly When the religious school year ends Andie Cosnowsky, a self-described polished this diamond in the rough to grateful for Gutcheon’s presence in on May 18, Gutcheon’s long tenure at “rough-around-the-edges New Yorker become a stronger teacher,” said Rabbi Nashville is Katharine Donato, who The Temple will also come to a close. In who was not ready for the Southern Cosnowsky, who serves a congregation moved here from Houston in 2006. addition to the usual end-of-the-year classroom” when she moved to Nashville in suburban Chicago. “Flash forward When her autistic daughter, Stella, awards and acknowledgements, there 24 years ago as an aspiring songwriter eight years, I was now a master teacher . expressed a desire to attend religious will be a special ceremony followed by a and volunteered to teach Hebrew at The . . and ready to become a Jewish educator school and become a bat mitzvah like picnic lunch (inside, of course) honoring Temple. Gutcheon gave her work as a myself. However, Lynda gently guided her older sister, Donato approached Gutcheon. The event begins at 10 a.m. private tutor and eventually made her a me on that one too. She said, ‘Andie, Gutcheon. and the entire community is invited. 5th grade teacher in the religious school. you are really more of a rabbi than an “I remember she said, ‘Whatever it educator. Why not become both?’ So off takes, we’ll make it happen.’ No institu- to rabbinical school I went and sure tion had ever told me that,” said Donato. enough, because of Lynda Gutcheon's “It’s not that other places were insensi- guidance, today, I am both a rabbi and a tive. They wanted to be inclusive. But Jewish educator.” Lynda had the knowledge and determi- Gutcheon has helped build a nation to make it happen.” nationally accredited religious school The Temple paid for a special educa- that retains 98 percent of its post-b’nai tion assistant for Stella in religious mitzvah students through confirmation school. In the month before Stella and 85 percent through post-confirma- became a bat mitzvah, Gutcheon tion. But she is most proud of her arranged for three rehearsals a week with school’s commitment to providing a all the participants, including both rab- Jewish education for all students, includ- bis, the cantor, the special education ing those with special needs. assistant and Stella’s big sister. After When the parents of severely dis- becoming bat mitzvah, Stella continued abled children ask if they can attend reli- to attend religious school and was con- gious school, Gutcheon’s standard reply firmed with her classmates. is, “Are they Jewish?” “She loves going to The Temple “The parents are often surprised by and religious school. It’s part of who that question, but the bottom line for me she is,” Donato said. “And I really is that our religious school is for Jewish believe that none of that would have children,” said Gutcheon. “That is the happened without Lynda. I will be for- only criteria.” ever indebted to her.” Indeed it was her interest in special Gutcheon can’t keep up with every education that led Gutcheon to become Nashville student she has helped educate a Jewish educator. Having been one of over the past 30 years, of course. But one “those children” with learning issues, she of her favorite spots is the mosaic wall in went on to get advanced degrees in read- the religious school where students, fam- ing and learning disabilities. In Los ilies and now each consecration class are Angeles, she and a colleague were look- commemorated with special tiles. ing for a place to test a new curriculum “It gives me a feeling of continuity,” for teaching Hebrew to special needs she said. “It’s a place where I can be children, so they approached Temple grateful for all that these children and Solael in the West Valley, where they adults have given me.” c

The Observer is online! You can find the latest issue, past issues, plus streaming news updates and links to Jewish organizations at www.jewishobservernashville.org

6 May 2014 The Observer Noam Shalit will relate personal account of his son Gilad’s capture and the campaign that won his release hen he appears in paign to free his son to the joyful moment state and UN ambassadors. With his wife, and outside the government both to Nashville this when he was able to hug Gilad. Aviva, he oversaw an international pub- negotiating with a terrorist organization month as part of a Shalit’s presentation, “Our Long lic relations campaign – mass marches, bent on Israel’s destruction and the con- four-week speaking Journey Home,” will begin at 7 p.m. on wrist bands, bumper stickers and banners cessions, which included the release of tour of North Tuesday, May 13 at the Gordon Jewish – that made Gilad’s name and face famil- 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, many of America, Noam Community Center. It will be followed iar to Jews around the world and main- whom had Israel blood on their hands. WShalit will go behind the headlines of an by a question-and-answer session and a tained public pressure on the reluctant “Of course, this conflict is one of the international event that many in the dessert reception. The event, which is Israeli government to negotiate the deal main issues,” said Shalit, who indicated Jewish community are familiar with: the free and open to the public, is funded that freed him. that he is well aware of the sacrifice kidnapping of his son, an Israeli soldier, through a New Initiatives grant of the Though his primary aim is to tell made to win his son’s release, particular- by Hamas militants in 2006 and his Jewish Federation of Nashville and this personal story, Shalit said in a con- ly by those Israelis whose family mem- eventually release in exchange for more Middle Tennessee. For more informa- ference call with the North American bers were killed or injured by the those than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. tion, email Abbie Wolf at abbie@jewish Jewish press that he also intends to released in the exchange. Shalit will relate the personal story nashville.org. address the controversy surrounding the There is one other reason that of a father – from the fearful moment he Shalit’s story is one of remarkable negotiations that led to his son’s free- Shalit is making this tour of North learned that his son, Gilad, had been perseverance. He met with leading dom. Though polls indicated that 70 to America. abducted through the hope and heart- Jewish organizations in the United States 80 percent of the Israeli public supported “To thank all those in the Jewish break of his five-year international cam- and around the world and with heads of the deal, there was opposition within community for supporting us,” he said. c Nashville Jewish Federation statement on Ukraine flyers s you are likely aware the State Department and the U.S. trying to stir up historic fears or create a poorest Jewish populations in the world. from media reports, last Embassy in Kiev. JFNA’s beneficiary provocation to justify further violence… Second, the Jewish Agency for Israel con- month official-looking agency, the National Conference Especially in Ukraine, a country that suf- tinues to provide information, support and documents were distrib- Supporting Jews in Russia Ukraine, the fered so terribly under the Nazis, that was transportation to the increasing numbers uted in the eastern Baltic States and Eurasia, has ascertained one of the sites of the worst violence of who are choosing to make aliyah to Israel. Ukrainian city of that the flyers originated neither from the Holocaust. To drag up this kind of All of this is possible because of the ADonetsk instructing Jews ages 16 and the Ukrainian government nor from rhetoric is almost beyond belief.” significant infrastructure of services in older to “register with the Nationalities Donetsk’s pro-Russian separatists led by Through our overseas partners, the place every day, funded by our Annual Commissioner and pay $50 or lose their Denis Pushilin, whose name appeared on Nashville Federation will continue to assist Federation Campaign. JFNA has citizenship and face deportation.” The the documents. The origin of the flyers, our fellow Jews in Ukraine as they weather launched the Ukraine Assistance Fund, flyers also ordered Jews to register their which were distributed by three individ- the devastating effects of the ongoing chaired by our own Fred Zimmerman, to property and possessions with local uals wearing ski masks and the flag of the political crisis. We are taking a two- address the increasingly-acute needs of authorities. Those who failed to comply Russian Federation near the Donetsk pronged approach with our oversees part- the Ukrainian Jewish community. As the would face deportation. synagogue, remains unknown. ners to ensure the safety and security of the unrest continues, your contribution will The Jewish Federation of Nashville According to NCSJ, authorities Jews of Ukraine. First, the American ensure that assistance is on the ground and Middle Tennessee’s national agency, have denounced and denied any connec- Jewish Joint Distribution Committee con- where and when it is needed for our the Jewish Federations of North America tion to the flyers. Geoffrey Pyatt, the tinues to provide essential humanitarian Jewish family and institutions. (JFNA), has been in close contact with U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, also has assistance to the more than 200,000 For more information visit the area’s Jewish community, along with told CNN that “radical groups may be impoverished Jews in Ukraine, one of the www.jewishnashville.org . c

THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE PRESENTS NOAM SHALIT Tuesday, May 13 • 7:00 p.m. Gordon Jewish Community Center • 801 Percy Warner Boulevard

Former Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, Prime Minister Binyamin Featuring: “A Father’s Hope: The Return of Gilad Shalit” Netanyahu, Gilad Shalit, and Noam Shalit How can a father absorb the terrifying shock when his son Gilad, an IDF soldier, is abducted by Hamas? Go behind the headlines that mesmerized and galvanized a worldwide movement that would eventually free his son after fi ve years in captivity. Mr. Shalit will discuss all aspects of his experience, including the controversial prisoner exchange that saved Gilad but freed 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom had been convicted of acts of terrorism. Q & A from audience encouraged. Dessert reception following the program. Please RSVP to Abbie Wolf at [email protected].

Noam Shalit

This program is free of charge, and is funded from a New Initiatives Fund grant from the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. The Observer May 2014 7 Akiva students learn the gift of giving

By LAURA CODRON with gusto and enthusiasm. Here I thought we were giving to others, but t seemed like a good idea to pres- the truth is, with an audience who ent our play about the commanded the students very best, the Underground Railroad at the reg- students were the ones that got the ular lunch for seniors at the most out of it. Gordon Jewish Community The play ended. The audience Center. Sure it meant rearranging applauded. The students beamed. I Iour regular lessons, lunch, and recess, almost cried. It was the proudest I’ve postponing a field trip, carting all our been of my students all year. Our props and costumes up the hill to the descent down the hill was filled with GJCC (and then back). But I had decid- their excited chatter of the whole ed it was worth it so the class could give experience, sprinkled with my praise back to the community, albeit in a small for their ability to think on their feet, and humble way. to think of each other, and to keep the The class had already presented play going in the face of last minute the play to the school and to their par- changes and challenges. ents, but this final performance seemed It seemed like a good idea, but it like the perfect way to end Black wasn’t. It was a great idea. It was an History Month. We were to present amazing, splendid, wondrous, incredi- the play on Feb. 27, and we had a long ble, phenomenal, marvelous, fabulous, talk that morning about the responsi- invigorating idea. As the parade of stu- bility of citizens to give back, about dents and props rounded the corner at how plays and learning are always Akiva second-graders performed their play about the Underground Railroad for seniors at the the bottom of the hill and was about to Gordon Jewish Community Center. meant to be shared and about how it is re-enter the building, I took a moment always good to do things for others. to be thankful that I teach at a school So there I was, patting myself on er space. asked. One of the main characters had like Akiva that allows me to do the back for thinking of this gesture As I dealt with the last of the tech- to drop to his knees and raises his impromptu experiences like this, and and the opportunity for the students to nical issues, I overheard one student hands up to praise God for his free- that I have the privilege of partner- connect to another generation, of how say, “We have to be really good. These dom. Two other students took turns ships with people like Meryl Kraft at thankful the seniors would be. people are old and have probably seen holding the microphone over his head the GJCC, who go out of their way to Then amazing things started a LOT of great plays.” A silent chorus so his hands and arms could remain help make these things happen every happening. of wide-eyed nods followed. Many gave outstretched. day. I was apprehensive about the long nervous smiles to the seniors in the Everyone’s lines were delivered Perhaps the old adage doesn’t climb from Akiva to the GJCC. But audience, others unabashedly waved with incredible expression and convic- always hold true. Sometimes, you get the sun shone down as the students and shouted “hello” to people they’d tion, much more than their other per- what you give; other times, you get way warned each other of dips and obsta- never met. formances. Their ability to solve prob- more. c cles, coordinated lifts and pushes and After my quick introduction, the lems, to think ahead, to help someone pulls. They even traded jobs to make play began. But it was fraught with as without being asked was never more Laura Codron teaches the second sure everyone got a chance to do the many obstacles as our ascension up the tested, but they rose to the occasion grade at the Akiva School. “cooler” tasks – and all this with mini- hill. With only one microphone and mal guidance or direction from me. characters all over the stage, the stu- As we entered the senior lounge dents had not only to remember their Brainstorming a future for Latin pushing and dragging our props, the lines and the changes resulting from students’ energy and focus turned the new venue but also to anticipate electric. One started handing out the who was speaking next and find a way America’s small Jewish communities scripts. Others laid out the props. A to get the microphone to them. One By NATALIE SCHCHAR Concepcion in Chile. “Information, pro- line of students formed in front of me student has physical limitations using grams, subsidies don’t get to Concepcion, to be helped with their costumes. We her hands, so another helped hold the PUERTO IGUAZU, Argentina and a major reason is our isolation.” had a quick discussion about the script while still another helped with (JTA) — The youthful group of 60 drew The trend toward centralization is changes in each scene due to a small- the microphone, both without being their chairs around tables strewn with pronounced in Argentina, where about jars of markers and the occasional 90 percent of the country’s Jewish popu- Rubik’s Cube, nearby chalkboards at the lation lives in the capital of Buenos Get Connected fundraiser ready for jotting down big ideas. Aires. In the Argentine city of General The conference hall was suffused Roca, located in Patagonia, the Jewish packs the house with a can-do vibe that wouldn’t have community once numbered about 400 seemed out of place in Silicon Valley. families. These days, an egalitarian min- But high-tech was not on the agenda. yan that convenes for Friday night serv- Instead, the crowd of social entrepre- ices at a synagogue draws about 25. neurs and activists had come to a resort “Our principal income is from the near the famous Iguazu Falls on the cemetery,” said Pablo Indelman, the syn- Argentina-Brazil border to brainstorm a agogue president, community director future for Jewish life in small communi- and Hebrew teacher. ties across Latin America. Jewish population movements paral- “The decline of communities in lel larger trends in Latin America, where smaller cities is our biggest problem,” people are flocking to the main urban said the event’s co-chair, Ariela areas of their countries. Young Jews often Lijavetzky, director of informal educa- do not return to their hometowns after tion at Maccabi, a Jewish sports club in studying or working in the big city. Others Buenos Aires. leave for Israel or destinations abroad. The recent four-day Lazos gathering “There’s almost no youth, they’re all — Spanish for “ties” — was sponsored by grandparents,” said Moshe Sefchovich, a the U.S.-based Schusterman resident of Guadalajara, a city of more Philanthropic Network as part of its than 1 million in the Mexican state of Connection Points initiative. One of Jalisco. He describes a mass movement of many thematic gatherings of young Jews community members to Mexico City. convened around the world by the ini- While aware of the difficulty of For the finale of last month’s fundraiser for Get Connected, singer/songwriter John Bettis (right) and his close friend, Jerry Kimbrough, were joined by a group of youngsters rang- tiative, Lazos focused on the challenges reversing migration trends, Lazos partici- ing in age from 5-18 in performing “Top of the World” and “One Moment in Time,” hits faced by shrinking Jewish communities pants were determined to find ways to he penned for the Carpenters and Whitney Houston respectively. Bettis treated the in Latin America. reinvigorate Jewish life. Participants pro- packed house at Congregation Micah to many of the other songs he has written for some Across the region, Jewish population posed ventures such as the establishment of the best-loved artists of all time, including “Human Nature” (Michael Jackson), “Crazy For You” (Madonna) and “Heartland” (George Strait). Over the past seven years the Get is becoming increasingly centralized, leav- of a new synagogue in the Argentine city Connected, The Israel Teen Tour has sent more than 150 Nashville teens on two-week cul- ing once-flourishing communities in of Corrientes and a network for Jewish tural and educational exchange trips to Israel. smaller towns and cities struggling. travelers journeying to Brazil during the “It’s at a critical point,” said Carlos World Cup. Technology was offered up Vilches Haquin, a lawyer from the city of as a means of changing the status quo. c 8 May 2014 The Observer Rabbi Taub, expert in spiritualism and addiction recovery, will be Chabad scholar-in-residence for Shavuot

abbi Shais Taub, acclaimed possible by a grant from the Jewish 95 Bellevue Road, and are free and open author, speaker and Federation of Nashville and Middle to all members of the community. For teacher, will be the scholar- Tennessee. All of the events take place more information go to www.chabad- in-residence at Chabad of at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, nashville.com, or call 615-646-5750. c Nashville next month for the 48 hours of Shavuot. Class of 2014 graduates at RShavuot commemorates the day G- d gave the Ten Commandments to the West End Synagogue Israelites at Mount Sinai. In keeping with the tradition of celebrating Shavuot by studying Jewish texts and tradition, there will be several lectures, opportuni- ties for learning and informal one-on- one study sessions with Rabbi Taub, an Rabbi Shais Taub expert in Jewish spirituality who also is Passover to Shavuot.” His talk will widely recognized for his work in the look at how the dairy foods tradi- field of addiction recovery. tionally eaten during Shavuot might Tuesday, June 3 offer a solution to our emotional and  7:15 p.m.: Rabbi Taub will usher in psychological attraction to drama Shavuot with the lecture “God is instead of enlightenment. Love,” a romantic view on the pur- Thursday, June 5 pose of the universe and why some-  6:30 p.m.: Rabbi Taub will present a times the most rational approach to lecture titled “Emotional Sobriety: life is the one that makes no sense. The Highly Spiritual Art of Letting  8:30 p.m.: A festive holiday dinner Go,” which will focus on the spiritu- will be followed by an open ques- al art of ridding oneself of attach- tion-and-answer session with Rabbi ments to negative thoughts and Taub. (For dinner reservations visit unhealthy relationships. www.chabadnashville.com or call National Public Radio has called 615-646-5750.) Taub “an expert in Jewish mysticism and Wednesday, June 4 the 12 Steps,” and his book, G-d of Our  5:30 p.m.: Chabad will host a“Ten Understanding: Jewish Spirituality and West End Synagogue’s class of 2014 held its graduating ceremony Saturday evening, April Commandments Ice Cream Party & Recovery from Addiction, was a No. 1 19. The students led Ma’ariv and Havdalah, and each recalled meaningful Jewish experi- Delightful Dairy Buffet,” which will Jewish bestseller on Amazon.com. In ences at the synagogue. Members of the class (from left) are Noah Isaac Isenstein, Lisette be followed by a presentation by addition he has written books on the Rebecca Liss, Rebekah Celia Boggs Greenberg, Briley Jane (BJ) Newell, Julia Tamar Rabbi Taub titled “Life, Death...and Cohen, Jonah Daniel Neuman, Taylor Paddock Andrew Moran Asher, Iris Burns Engel, classic Chasidic text, the Tanya. Jeremy Eli Samson Seloff and Noah Benjamin Crowley. Cheesecake: The Journey from His appearance in Nashville is made

The Observer May 2014 9 75 area teens turn out for J-Serve, International Day of Jewish Youth Service

eventy-five Nashville area Dr. Latonya White, principal of teenagers joined about 10,000 Rosebank, said, “Rosebank students were others across North America, very excited to see the mural and other art Europe, and Israel on March works on the walls in the kindergarten 30 in community improve- hallway. We also appreciate the hard work ment and service projects. done on the front yard. Thanks to you our SThe event, dubbed J-Serve, marked school got some much needed attention.” the International Day of Jewish Youth J Serve 2014 is the Jewish service Service. The Nashville participants component of Youth Service America’s bused to Rosebank Elementary School in annual Global Youth Service Day and is a east Nashville, where they designed collaboration of BBYO and Repair the murals for the hallways, painted offices, World. J-Serve is generously underwritten cleaned the grounds, gardened and by the Charles and Lynn Schusterman worked on the basketball courts. Family Foundation. The Nashville local “I love participating in J-Serve project was sponsored by BBYO in collab- because it gives me the unique opportu- oration with the Gordon Jewish nity to give back to my local community Community Center, the Jewish while spending time with my fellow Federation of Nashville and Middle Jewish peers.” said Brittan Gilmore, a Tennessee, NFTY, USY, The Temple, high school sophomore at Martin Luther Congregation Micah, West End Nashville Jewish teens cleaned the grounds and did other projects at Rosebank Elementary King Magnet High School. Synagogue, and Sherith Israel. c School in East Nashville as part of J-Serve, an international day of Jewish youths service.

Hadassah Woman of the Year Golden Lunch Bunch celebrates pending birth, then 99th birthday

n the space of just a few months, The Temple’s Golden Lunch Bunch Program celebrated two very different lifecycle events: They had a baby shower for Lunch Bunch volunteer Tara Goldberg, Iwho is expecting her first child. Then they celebrated the 99th birthday of Lunch Bunch regular Janice Krohn with a giant birthday cake and a special pres- entation from Rabbis Mark Schiftan and Shana Mackler and Cantor Fishbein. Along with these celebrations, the group also had a Hanukkah party with latkes and a sing-along in which some Marisa Mayhan (center) received the Woman of the Year award last month from the Nashville Chapter of Hadassah. The award was presented during the annual two-day participants belted out solos. Southern Region Conference of Hadassah at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center in These events demonstrate not only Cool Springs. Flanking Mayhan are Southern Region President Lee Kansas and national the fun that this program provides but board member Bettye Berlin. The conference, Action Alert: Women Make the Difference, also its importance in creating communi- celebrated the role of Jewish women in leadership and advocacy around the world. ty. Newcomers frequently attend the programs and are delighted to be wel- comed into such a warm and festive Janice Krohn got a cake at the Golden Lunch atmosphere. Bunch celebration of her 99th birthday. The Golden Lunch Bunch Program is a partnership between The Temple “It’s a passion I have for providing and Jewish Family Service. Anna Sir of additional social activities for senior JFS facilitates the program along with adults,”Jimmy Small said. Marjorie Zager of the Temple and the The Golden Lunch Bunch is open dedicated volunteer group of Kathy to any Jewish senior in the area. It meets Caplan, Tara Goldberg, Laura at The Temple on the 1st and 3rd “If you have a leaning tree, you need to call me!” Rosenbauer, and Sue Salberg. The pro- Tuesdays of each month (excluding hol- gram is funded by Jimmy and Beverly idays) and includes musical entertain- Small, in part because they witnessed the ment and lunch from various restaurants Complete Tree Care pleasure that Jimmy’s mother, Babe and caterers. The fee is $3 per person. Stump Grinding Small, derived from attending the lunch- For more information call Anna Sir at es and sing-alongs. 354-1686. c Licensed & Insured Over 25 Years Experience Advertise in the Observer 615-444-4676 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! The Observer is online! Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager www.jewishobservernashville.org Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail [email protected]

10 May 2014 The Observer Health &Beauty Issue May 2014

The Observer May 2014 11 Barton House Memory Care Assisted Optique Eyecare and Eyewear: Living: Focus on strength, not weakness Don’t accept declining eyesight

Barton House Memory Care Assisted Living is designed to promote independence, Preservation of eyesight as one ages is critical to leading an active, independent safety and comfort to those challenged with dementia related diseases. People with lifestyle. Declining eyesight is never normal. Alzheimer’s and dementia have a specific set of needs such as space to move freely, “If you notice declining vision over time, the cause must be evaluated,” states Dr. activity to keep their minds alert and an intimate setting in which to live. Michele Sonsino, owner of Optique Eyecare and Eyewear. Declining vision often is “I’m a granddaughter whose family once needed experienced care, guidance and from a simple change of prescription. However, other more dangerous conditions may compassion, “ said Executive Director Elizabeth Masic. “Being able to give those be responsible. The four main causes of blindness in Americans are macular degenera- things to other families is a privilege for me.” tion, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy. Luckily many of these blinding dis- Elizabeth and the staff at Barton House have a very simple philosophy of care: eases are treatable in their early stages. Focus on strengths, rather than weaknesses. Never stop trying to communicate. Be One form of macular degeneration can be treated and stabilized with injec- kind, always. tions into the eye. “Although this may not sound pleasant, with the threat of cata- Barton House is a large single-story community with private resident rooms, an strophic vision loss, most patients choose this highly effective therapy,” states Dr. open floor plan and a bright and inviting color scheme. It is located on 3.5 wooded Jeffrey Sonsino of Optique. acres in Bellevue and offers a wide array of services and amenities. The group opened When glaucoma is discovered early, it is a manageable condition. “The key is a brand new expansion, called Ridgeview in January and is currently renovating their early detection,” adds Dr. Jeffrey Sonsino. “Although there are no symptoms in early Creekside neighborhood, which is set to re-open in May. Barton House features: stages, glaucoma can be detected early with complete eye examinations and if caught • 40 private suites in 2 distinct neighborhoods early, can often be stabilized with simple eyedrops.” • 24-hour personal care Cataracts decrease vision and contrast but can be surgically removed at any • Daily nursing supervision stage. Diabetic retinopathy is a devastating result of high blood sugar. The best treat- • Medication management ment approach is to reduce blood sugar and prevent the eye problems from occurring • Housekeeping and laundry services in the first place. • Dining services including four meals per day plus snacks Dr. Michele Sonsino points out, “The eye is the only place in the human body • A full range of social activities, featuring comprehensive dementia programming. where blood vessels can be observed in their natural environment. Regular eye exam- • Beauty/barber salon inations can often find these problems before they occur.” • 24-hour emergency call system Optique Eyecare and Eyewear is located at 2817 West End Ave, Suite 107 in the • 24-hour secured building with backyard and walking path. Park Place Shopping Center and is open on Saturdays for your convenience. For an Come visit us at 6961 Highway 70 South or contact us at www.barton- appointment call 615.321.4EYE. nashville.com or (615) 673-6922. Simplified Interior Design: Make redoing your home a fun experience

As we go through the routines of our everyday lives, we make a conscious effort to present ourselves in a positive light. How we are perceived directly affects our suc- cess, social life and how we feel about ourselves. Just as our physical appearances have a great effect on us, so do our interior surroundings. It's spring time. The flowers are beginning to bloom, transforming outdoor spaces from neutral brown tones to a beautiful rainbow of vibrant colors. Now more than ever we feel the need to freshen up our homes, move things around and bring in new elements. From the moment we open our eyes in the morning, our environments set the tone for the day. It’s important to organize our living spaces to reflect a positive outlook. An interior design recipe of thoughtful space planning, appropriate color selections, layered lighting and accessories can make a world of difference to a space. Madeleine Wyatt, of Simplified Interior Design, recognizes that redoing your home is overwhelming and can easily make what should be a fun experience into a frus- trating one. Working with Madeleine will allow your dreams to be brought into reali- ty while making your updating experience an enjoyable one. For a free initial design consultation call Madeleine at (615) 243-2699 or email her at [email protected]. Visit our website at www.simplifiedinteriordesign.com.

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Are you stuck?  Overly career driven? Is the 24/7 accessibility and the never–ending need to achieve stealing your precious moments and future memories at home?  Mom without a brood? Are you wandering around aimlessly now that your kids have started school or left the nest?  In the middle of a sudden lift shift? Has a recent life transition (break-up, death) left you without a clue on how to forge ahead? Jackie Karr  A teen in today’s world? Struggling with the pressure to build the perfect resume for Jackie Roth Karr college and have a million friends becoming too much?  Are you just flailing along? Are upcoming milestone birthdays causing you to inspect your career? Are your relationships, surroundings and lifestyle all you hoped they would be by now? When you open a puzzle box of with hundreds of pieces and spread them all out on the table, the first things you do is look at the picture you are trying to construct as Real Results: Simple Solutions you put them together. Life is like one of those puzzles, and your life goals are like the to Complex Problems picture on the puzzle box. Sometimes you just need a little help figuring it all out. 615.330.9779 Call life coach Loretta Saff at 615-500-2643 or visit accomplish-coaching.com. Continued on page 14 www.JackieKarr.net

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The Observer May 2014 13 Continued from page 13 Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair: Know how to protect your fine jewelry and heirlooms

Fire, theft, trash cans, garbage disposals and general misplacement are just some of the enemies of jewelry in the home. Knowing the proper way to care for your fine jewelry and family heirlooms will help you maintain their value and enjoy them for many years. Belle Meade Jewelry & Repair offers these tips on how to properly care for your jewelry at home:  Store your jewelry in a dry compartmentalized jewelry box or cabinet with a remov- able tray for easy transfer to a safe.  When workers are in your house jewelry should be transferred to a safe. My favorite is the biometric safe, which reads your fingerprint.  Do not sleep with your jewelry on. Bed sheets and pillows can wreak havoc on prongs and shiny finishes.  Cleaning is important for retaining and restoring the luster and beauty of jewelry and to remove dirt, soil and soap film. Quick dip jewelry cleaners can be purchased at most jewelry and hardware stores. Ultrasonic cleaners, which use high frequency tur- bulence to clean jewelry in a concentrated detergent, should be monitored by your jeweler to make sure they are being used appropriately.  Purchase a few glass ring holders and place them on bathroom and kitchen counters, and on in your nightstand drawer.  Insure your valuables on your homeowner’s insurance policy. A separate addendum called a rider is required to individually list your appraised items.  Have your jewelry and watches professionally cleaned and inspected once a year. Protecting your fine jewelry and family heirlooms is about more than just proper care, cleaning, or placing it in a safe place. Having a professional appraisal or insurance evaluation should be considered. It’s important to document and appraise an accurate replacement value for your precious items.

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14 May 2014 The Observer Grad student brings Yiddish books to Poland in effort to rediscover lost Jewish culture By EMMA MORGENSTERN ture. Aga attributes some of that to the Yiddish books was even greater than Public Radio International government’s campaign to promote she realized. multiculturalism as part of its bid to “I started talk to people. ‘What do hen Aga Ilwicka- join the European Union. Today many you need, what for, who will use it?’ So I Sheppard was a small towns — in addition to major knew exactly to whom I will address this child in Poland, cities like Warsaw and Krakow — host project,” she said. her father would Jewish music festivals. And Jewish Then Aga set to work gathering read her stories by studies departments are becoming more books and packing them into boxes. Sholem Aleichem common at Polish universities. She enlisted the help of college and Wtranslated from Yiddish. Aga took her first Yiddish class at graduate students studying Yiddish for “From Sholem Aleichem, we the University of Wroclaw in 2008. the summer. jumped to the Bible,” Aga said. “And She has gone on to do doctoral work “I had to wait until they got some Dad said, ‘Look how wonderful is this in Jewish studies, focusing on Yiddish Aga Ilwicka-Sheppard, a doctoral candidate knowledge of the Yiddish,” Aga said. culture.’” He was talking about Jewish literature. in Jewish Studies at the University of “They had to be able to read the culture, something that was hard to find “We opened the books which Wroclaw in Poland, was instrumental in get- Yiddish and at least identify the [cover in Poland in the decades after World nobody had touched here,” she said. ting the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, of the] book.” War II and the Holocaust. “We talked about topics which maybe MA to send 3,000 Yiddish books to Poland. In the end, the Yiddish Book Aga, who is not Jewish, entered someone in America or Israel or even using the Yiddish name for Vilnius. “In Center raised enough money to cover the University of Wroclaw planning to Germany had discussed every day, but Poland, even at my university, we strug- the expenses, to ship 3,000 books to 14 study classics. “But inside,” she said, here in Poland, we are among the very gle with the lack of the books.” locations in Poland. Recipients includ- “something was calling me, for getting few people who are thinking about With that in mind, she applied for ed Jewish cultural centers, libraries and more knowledge about the Jewish cul- such topics.” a year-long fellowship at the Yiddish Jewish studies departments — in small ture.” Now 27, she’s among a small But with the growing interest, there Book Center, hoping she could pro- towns as well as in Warsaw, Krakow, group of young Poles who are trying to aren’t enough Yiddish books in Poland cure “a few dictionaries” for her uni- and Lublin. revive Jewish culture and scholarship for serious students, like Aga. In 2011, versity. Once she arrived in Amherst, Aga is thrilled these books are now in their country. Aga read that the Yiddish Book Center she proposed a project to send Yiddish accessible to anyone who wants to read Poland used to be a European cen- in Amherst, MA was sending hundreds books to Poland. Aaron Lansky, the or study Yiddish in her home country. ter of Jewish life. But the Holocaust of volumes from its million-plus collec- center’s president, and Catherine “This is our treasure — the biggest obliterated Polish Jewry and its vibrant tion of Yiddish books to Vilnius, Madsen, its bibliographer, were eager treasure, maybe, that we hold,” she said. culture. In the past two decades, how- Lithuania, where a new Jewish library is to help. So Aga began contacting “To some extent, it’s forgotten, and we ever, there’s been a resurgence of inter- being built. Jewish institutions all over Poland, had to learn and rediscover this culture est in Poland's Jewish history and cul- “I thought, why Vilna?” Aga said, and found out that the need for once again.” c Observant Israelis may have to be content with these top 10 Rolling Stones songs for Shavuot

By BEN SALES The top 10 Rolling Stones Shavuot 6. “Let’s Spend the Night Together … with smoked salmon. JTA songs. (Props to the Lahaav Harkov of Learning Torah” — Probably not 9. “Write with Fire” – According to the Jerusalem Post for this idea.) what you expected from a Stones legend, God wrote the Ten he good news? The song. Commandments with black fire on Rolling Stones will play 1. “Sympathy for the Devil’s Food 7. “Holy Talk Woman” — Shavuot white fire. Don’t try this at home. Israel in June. The bad Cake” — We can’t have meat, but night at Yeshivat Maharat. 10. “Hey, Jew, Get Off of My Cow” – news? A lot of Israelis at least we can have great dessert. 8. “It’s Only Lox and Rolls, But I Like Moses gets angry about the Golden won’t be able to go. 2. “(Don’t) Gimme Shellfish” — The It” — Nothing like a good bagel Calf. c The June 4 concert laws of kashrut, put to hard rock. Tin Tel Aviv is scheduled to begin just 3. “Wild Moses” — Check out after the end of Shavuot — making it Charlton Heston’s beard in “The difficult if not impossible for observant Ten Commandments” and tell me Starbucks interested in buying Israelis to get there in time without vio- Moses wasn’t wild. lating the holiday’s Sabbath-like restric- 4. “Dairy Tuesday” — This one really 10 percent stake in SodaStream tions. Knesset member Nissan only works this year. Slomiansky has petitioned the Stones to 5. “19th Nervous Breakdown” — The JERUSALEM (JTA) — Starbucks is about a decade ago after Israeli customers change the date, but in case they don’t title is the same, but this one’s about in advanced talks to buy 10 percent of indicated their preference for purchasing acquiesce, we’ve got the next best thing: a Jewish mother. the Israeli home soda machine company their coffee from other companies. SodaStream. SodaStream had been in the news in Shares of SodaStream jumped more recent months following the signing of than 10 percent following the report last actress Scarlett Johansson as a spokes- month in the Israeli business daily woman and the ensuing controversy over Globes, which said an announcement of its factory in the West Bank. Johansson the purchase is expected “soon.” resigned as a global ambassador for SodaStream’s value is $1.1 billion. Oxfam over her position with the com- Neither company would comment pany, which employs Jewish and in the media on the report. Palestinian workers at its West Bank Starbucks left the Israeli market facility. c

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16 May 2014 The Observer OPINION The Rabbis’ Corner Learning to listen to those with whom we disagree By RABBI JOSHUA BARTON victory. The breakdown rodef shalom, the pursuer of peace par must disagree about many things. It is of negotiations with the excellence. unlikely that we will reach consensus on s we approach Israel's Palestinians, which Following a curriculum developed most of them. One of the most important 66th birthday, the twin were likely doomed by Rabbi Dr. Daniel Roth at the Pardes conclusions we have drawn in our learning commemorations of from the start, and a Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, together has been that conflicts and dis- Yom Hazikaron, Israel's nuclear threat from Iran we also have learned about conflict reso- agreements are much more productive, Memorial Day, followed give us a sense of lution theory, discussing important particularly in those cases, when we are immediately by Yom Rabbi Joshua urgency about the situa- aspects of constructive conflict such as just as invested in listening to and under- AHa’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, Barton tion which naturally, listening skills, identifying needs and standing the concerns of the other as we encapsulate the emotions I feel today as and correctly, raises concerns of different parties, and listen- are in making ourselves heard. In so doing, a Zionist. strong emotions. No wonder then that ing to understand the narrative of the we don't score political points, and we Israelis must make the rapid transi- we have such a hard time talking about other. I have learned so much from these don't present the other in the worst light tion every year from mourning its fallen Israel as a community! leaders, who have shared their own pro- possible. What we can do is listen careful- soldiers and victims of terrorism to No matter where we fall on the fessional and personal experiences with ly, find the points where we do agree and rejoicing for the creation of their nation. political spectrum, that very reasonable conflict and conflict resolution. stand on those principles as a strong, unit- Yom Hazikaron is a reminder not only of sense of urgency can make productive Thanks to the energetic support of ed community. Where we disagree, we can those who have died protecting our conversations with each other difficult. Moshe and Libby Werthan, in partner- show compassion and concern for other homeland but also of the existential We need a paradigm for productive dia- ship with the Jewish Federation of members of our community by striving to threats that Israel still faces today. Yom logue as a community in which we listen Nashville and Middle Tennessee, understand fully where they are coming Ha’atzmaut is not only a celebration of carefully and charitably to each other, in Vanderbilt Hillel and Pardes, there are from, and to disagree in relationship with the founding of a Jewish state but also a the spirit of the advice of the Mishnah: three groups gathering to learn this each other rather than without. celebration of the modern, progressive “Who is wise? One who learns from material: local agency leaders, a group of Given the amazing Torah that these nation that Israel has become. every person.” young Jewish professionals affiliated with leaders have learned and taught each Whatever problems Israel faces, Yom That is why I have had such a privi- NowGen Nashville and student leaders other this year, I'm confident that we are Ha’atzmaut is a day to be proud to be lege this year to lead a course about con- at Vanderbilt Hillel – more than fifty a community that is and will be commit- Jewish, proud to be Israeli and proud of flict resolution from a Jewish perspective participants in all. Given the immense ted to those principles. c Israel's many accomplishments. with a group of Nashville Jewish com- challenges the Jewish people and Israel As I, an American Jew and an Israel munity leaders. Since October, we have face, I for one am encouraged to know Joshua Barton is assistant director and activist, reflect on the opposite natures gathered monthly to talk about how to that our local leaders have committed to campus rabbi for Vanderbilt Hillel. The of these two days, I too am filled with have productive conflicts, or in Hebrew the ideals embedded in our tradition Rabbis’ Corner is a regular monthly com- these competing emotions – trepidation makhloket l'shem shamayim, using the about constructive conflict. mentary that rotates among the Nashville and exultation, feelings of tragedy and example of Aaron the High Priest as a Like all communities, ours will and areas congregational rabbis. Challenging “The J Street Challenge”

By RUTH A. SMITH ations?) unless Israel signs a peace agree- other’s perspective.” The second goal is: future, the world is losing patience with ment with the Palestinians. The contin- “To create a safe, inclusive environment Israel's treatment of the Palestinians. n April 2, the documen- uing occupation undermines Israel's in which members, without being pejo- More and more organizations are taking tary movie, “The J security and increases the tension in the ratively labeled, vilified or excluded, can actions to isolate Israel politically, cul- Street Challenge,” was Middle East as well. freely and respectfully express their view- turally and economically. Will it not be shown at the Gordon I joined J Street because I believe points.” much more fruitful to work together on Jewish Community this is the only Jewish-American organi- I believe showing “The J Street resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict Center. The purpose of zation that has set the goal of working for Challenge” violates these two goals. rather than creating and escalating an Othe hour-long movie is to demonize J peace with the Palestinians in the two- Although the movie does not point to internal conflict? c Street, to present it as a misleading state solution. I have had the opportuni- individuals in this community, it does organization made up of uninformed ty to hear many military experts, includ- vilify all of us who support J Street. Ruth A. Smith is co-chair of J Street naive people who do not care about ing former Shin Bet directors, political At this critical time for Israel's Nashville. Israel's future, and even more, want to scientists, economists and geographers, harm Israel. The film uses the term “uni- from both Israel and the United States, versalist” to demean the values or inten- who have offered possible solutions for tions of J Street members, claiming that the serious issues that have to be Get your word out to our readers by advertising holding to human rights and freedom of resolved for peace to take place. in Observer Special Issues: movement and speech for all people who It is astonishing that any knowl- live under the control of the Israeli gov- edgeable person would call these experts Simchas & Celebrations ernment is anti-Israel and anti-Jewish. naive or uninformed. If these experts are I was born and raised in Israel and considered anti-Israel or anti-Semitic for Camps lived there during three wars. I have criticizing the Israeli government poli- Passover experienced the fear and anxiety of what cies in regard to the occupation, the may happen if Israel does not overtake Jewish community is going to lose bright Home & Gardening its enemies. It has become clear to me and informed members who otherwise Health & Beauty that going through the cycle of wars might participate in finding solutions to Coupon Issue every few years is too costly, too disrup- this difficult problem. Those who attack tive and very dangerous. I realized that J Street typically do not offer an alterna- Back to School such a future should be prevented at all tive solution other than the status quo. Pets cost if Israel is to be a peaceful, secure Keeping a bad situation going is no solu- home for Jews. tion. It will lead to further negative con- Rosh Hashanah Over the years it became clearer to sequences for all involved. Entertaining & Dining Out me that military control of the West In May 2012 the Jewish Federation Bank is a source of trouble for Israel of Nashville and Middle Tennessee came Travel & Leisure resulting in a huge drain on the military up with goals for how we should conduct Chanukah as well as the civilian population. This our conversation about Israel in the situation, which results in other costs to community. The first goal is: “To respect Israel such as international isolation and each other and uphold Jewish values by Call Carrie Mills at 354-1699 breakdown of the rule of law and moral- carefully listening, hearing each other or [email protected] for details. ity, can go on for many years (for gener- out, and seeking to understand each

The Observer May 2014 17 israel @66

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

Featuring a performance by the Israeli band

www.capaimmusic.com TUESDAY, MAY 6TH, 2014 @6:30 AT THE GORDON JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER 801 PERCY WARNER BLVD. NASHVILLE, TN 37205 Open to All Ages Register online at http://bit.ly/1meseBd or go to www.jewishnashville.org Dinner & Drinks For more information contact [email protected] Torchlight Ceremony $18 per adult $5 per child (under 12) Deadline for payment is Tuesday April 29 & Jewish Foundation Cost at the door will be $25 per adult, OF NASHVILLE AND MIDDLE TENNESSEE $8 per child (under 12)

18 May 2014 The Observer The Observer May 2014 19 Can Israel help California solve its water crisis? By KARIN KLOOSTERMAN The Israel Water Association, a Israel 21c non-profit organization founded to help Israeli water companies and society deal eaven-sent” was the with water issues, hosted a one-day feeling last year as win- annual conference in March in Ramat ter rains filled Israel’s Gan to explore such possibilities for reservoirs and its huge outsiders. inland lake, the Sea of Israel has four desalination plants Galilee. B u t in operation along the Mediterranean H2014 has been a different story: A Sea, with a fifth plant to come online in severe drought was declared by Ashdod. But desalination is only part of February. the story, says Avraham Israeli, presi- Israel is 60 percent desert, and for dent of the Israel Water Association. the last 60 years it is has braced itself for In California, he says, one impor- dry winters like the one just ended, tant difference is that treated waste- IDE Technologies’ desalination plant in Hadera in northern Israel. which is perhaps the driest ever. Yet water gets dumped back into the sea. except for growers of non-irrigated This water may not be good for drinking crops, Israel isn’t worried. Since 1948, but it’s perfectly good, even superior, to Israel has planned, forecasted and built fresh drinking water for agriculture, as it infrastructure, policies, research and has some added nutrients. technologies to withstand drought. Using a two-system approach with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pipes for both gray water and drinking recently offered to help California over- water, Israeli farmers irrigate crops with come its extreme drought –– affecting gray water even in desert areas with about two-thirds of its 38 million resi- practically no rain at all. Israel, he says, dents — using Israeli science, water con- is now pushing 75 percent wastewater servation and desalination technology. reuse and aiming for 90 percent.

Social Action Seder

Solar-powered desalination technologies yield a healthy crop at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

“This could work in California if Technologies is building the largest sea- the infrastructure was built,” Israeli water desalination plant in the Western says. “In principle, they have to change hemisphere north of San Diego. When [to] the attitude that treated water is it is finished in 2016, the plant is safe and that it is a resource especially expected to supply 50 million gallons of in such a year with severe drought. potable water a day. Three smaller They invest huge amounts of money desalination plants have opened in bringing water from the Colorado River California, with more than a dozen pro- for agriculture. Treated water could save posed. them a lot of money.” Israeli says we have to wait until Desalination, he points out, “is a the end of the year to see whether 2014 measure of coping with lack of water. It will go down in history as the worst year is more expensive than reclaimed water. for rainfall. “But as far back as I remem- First, treat sewage and reuse.” ber, as a kid working in the field crops Israel’s technology solutions ease in the kibbutz, I have never seen a More than 250 people gathered at the Gordon Jewish Community Center on April 23 for the energy burdens on wastewater reuse. drought like this. I don’t remember a the annual Social Action Seder sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of the Companies like Mapal Energy, Aqwise phenomenon where I didn’t see rain Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Education was the focus of this and Emefcy can help enormously in from mid-December to mid-March.” year’s seder, which honored a group of innovative, inspiring educators. Among them was Melba Marcrum, executive director of the McNeilley Center for Children. She is shown places like California, Israeli says. Israel’s refusal to be dependent on here with Dr. Jesse Register, Metro Nashville Public Schools superintendent, who served California has already started work- the rain started with first Prime as the honorary chair of the event. PHOTO BY RICK WISE ing with Israel on water. Israel’s IDE Minister David Ben-Gurion’s visionary construction of the country’s national water carrier back in the 1950s. This enabled the state to build on a lean model and scale up water recycling as needed. Business Card Directory And scale up it did: Over the last 10 years, Israel began to build major desalination projects seaside. YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES By 2013, the country declared that it had beaten the drought. Even this AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. year, which may break the driest-ever PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, 615.356.3242 EXT. 299 records, you won’t find Israelis washing their clothes once a week. Nor will they THEY’RE THE BEST! be withholding showers for their cars or themselves as some folks are doing in c Green Hills California. Bellethe Meade Jewelry & Repair RingsJewish Sized, Jewelry Repaired While U Wait Platinum • 14k • 18k • Watchbs Batterieserver & Repair LISA SPILLER-BLAUSTONELISA SPILLER Sterling Silver • Prong Rebuilding • Appraisals Director of Sales and Marketing Eyeglass Repair • Antique CARRIERestoration MILLS 2324 Crestmoor Road, Nashville, TN 37215 Scott Isaacs -Advertising Owner Manager (615) 777-0001 • fax (615) 986-5200 [email protected]

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www.hamptoninn.com/hi/nash-greenhills 37205 Tennessee Nashville, 4522 Harding Road A Rochford Hotel Group Property 615.354.1699 fax 615.352.0056 Bellemeadejewelry.com 615-269-3288 20 May 2014 The Observer Mittelberg of Fort and wrestling), school (math and science), the Cherry Street Mission Ministries, 105 Lauderdale FL and the March Madness, video games, and food. 17th Street, Toledo, OH, 43604; or late Joel Mittelberg. For his mitzvah project Zach volun- Home Away From Home at Mercy St. Jared is an eighth teered for the Charles Davis Foundation. Vincent Medical Center, 2213 Cherry lifecycles grader at Grassland Street, Toledo, OH, 43608. Middle School, where B’nai Mitzvah he is on the varsity Sympathy . . . to the family of Samuel Charles lacrosse team. He also Loventhal, who died Jared Daniel . . . to the family of Norma Jean Elijah Aaron Beyer will be called to enjoys playing tennis, Mittelberg peacefully at his home Sabel Cohen, 84, who died on March 20. the Torah as a bar mitz- football and various other sports. on April 2 at the age of She was born at home in Hopkinsville, vah on Saturday, May 3 For his mitzvah project, Jared is bak- 98. He was born on May KY and graduated from Bethel College. at The Temple. He is the ing cookies and brownies, and making 6, 1915 in Nashville to She is survived by her husband of 63 son of Stacy and Bruce “goody bags” and delivering them to the Rose and Charles years, Ralph Marcus “Country” Cohen, Beyer and the grandson guests staying at the Ronald McDonald Loventhal. He was pre- sons, Gil (Judy) Cohen and Andy of Evelyn Beyer of house, where he will also donate a por- ceded in death by his (Leiann) Cohen; grandchildren, Ashley Indian Land, SC and tion of his bar mitzvah gift money. beloved wife of 61 years, Samual Charles (Milburn) Fender and Cari, Kristin, and Loventhal the late David Beyer, Clare Hellman Andrew Cohen, and great-grandchil- and the late Martin and Elijah Aaron Olivia Hershey will be called to the Loventhal. He is survived by son, dren, Lexi and Levi Fender. A memorial Edyth Zuckerman. Beyer Torah as a bat mitzvah Thomas H. Loventhal; daughter Mary service was held March 23 at The Elijah enjoys playing the violin, on Saturday, May 10 at Loventhal Jones (Oscar Jones, deceased); Temple. Donations may be made to piano and trombone. He runs cross coun- Congregation Micah. granddaughter, Natalie Clare Loventhal; Guardian Hospice. try for Harding Academy, where he is in Olivia is the daughter of grandsons Charlie Loventhal, Michael the seventh grade. He also enjoys draw- Suzy and Michael Jones (Amber); and Clayton Jones. . . . to the family of Mildred Hersch, ing, computers and electronics, creative Hershey and sister to He attended Wallace University who died on March 26 in Boca Raton, FL. writing, reading, science experiments, Natalie and Lulu. Her School and Vanderbilt University, where Mildred had been a longtime resident of being with his family and friends and grandparents are Vivian he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Nashville, where she was an active Jewish hanging out with his dog, Banjo. and Martin Hershey of Olivia Hershey Cum Laude in 1936. In the mid 1960's, community volunteer and special friend to For his mitzvah project Elijah is rais- Chattanooga, Tom Shartle of Louisville, Samuel became president of the family many. She was the adored wife of Lester ing money and awareness for Heifer KY and the late Gloria Shartle. insurance business, Loventhal Brothers, Hersch, who survives her in Boca Raton, International, which provides farm ani- Oliva is a homeschooled 7th grader; which started operations in 1889. He con- and the wonderful mother to Lauren mals and farm technology to families in she is also a student at Charlotte Mason tinued to work until he was 92. He spent (Alvin) Fox of Brentwood and Jayne (Johl) need around the world. He has already Tutorial Program. Outside of school, six years in the U.S Air Force during Rotman of Coral Springs, FL. Mildred was raised $1,000. Olivia is an artist and enjoys drawing, World War II and the Korean War, ending the loving grandmother of Lisa (Steve) pottery, bookbinding, fused glass, and his career as a Major. He was a member Freedman of Atlanta, Michael (Lara) Fox Rachel Amanda Cohen will be jewelry making. and past president of the Estate Planning of Hamden, CT, Stephanie (Bryan) Staff of called to the Torah as a For her mitzvah project, Olivia has Council, Insurers of Nashville, Nashville Glenmont, NY, and Seth Rotman of bat mitzvah on Saturday, been selling her custom handmade jewel- Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters, Miami. She was the proud great-grand- May 3 at West End ry to raise money for new playground Nashville Chapter of Chartered Property mother of Alexa and Julia Freedman, Brody Synagogue. Rachel is equipment at Congregation Micah. & Casualty Underwriters and Middle Staff and Ella Fox. Funeral services were the daughter of Drs. Tennessee Lung Association. held in Boca Raton. Memorials can be Jonathan and Renee Ava Locknar will be called to the He was a long time board member made to West End Synagogue, the Cohen and the sister of Torah as a bat mitzvah and treasurer of the Nashville Symphony Nashville chapter of Hadassah or the char- Julia, Jordan and Abigail on Saturday, May 31 at Association and board member of the ity of the donor’s choice. Cohen. She is the grand- Rachel Amanda Congregation Micah. Institute of the Arts. He led a life of serv- Cohen daughter of Drs. Allan Ava is the daughter of ice to others including membership . . . to the family of William and Maxine Fried of Great Neck, NY, and Victoria and Robert and/or board member in the Kiwanis Applebaum, 68, who died on March 29 Dr. Mark and Shirley Cohen of Phoenix, (Bob) Locknar and the Club of Nashville, Nashville Chamber of at his home in of Sylvania, Ohio. He was AZ. She is the great-granddaughter of sister of Ruby. She is the Commerce, the Council on Aging, The a graduate of the University of Toledo Mrs. Ruth Bader of Ft. Lee, NJ. granddaughter of United Way, The Temple and the Jewish and a Certified Public Accountant. A A seventh grader at Grassland Middle Donna and Bob Locknar Ava Locknar Community Center. Samuel and Clare devoted husband, father and grandfather, School and a student at Bellevue Dance of Joliet, IL and the late Carole and Ray sustained the165-year-old family dedica- he enjoyed spending every free moment Center, Rachel also enjoys studying guitar Shaw of Tennessee. tion to philanthropy and community with his family. He is survived by his wife and playing tennis. This summer will be Ava is a seventh grader at Abintra service on a local, state and national of 46 years, Victoria; daughters, Amy her seventh at Camp Ramah Darom. Montessori and is in her ninth year of level. They instilled this philosophy in Ritchart (Michael) of Clarksville, TN, For her mitzvah project, Rachel is dance at the Bellevue Dance Center. She the next generations of their family. Karen Kammer (Jeffrey) of Brentwood, collecting funds for the Arthritis is studying ballet, tap, jazz, and modern. A memorial service was held at The TN, and Debra Kaplan (Kevin) of Foundation and will be participating in Besides having a passion for dance, Ava Temple on April 28. In lieu of flowers, Okemos, MI, and eight grandchildren. A the Walk to Cure Arthritis. also loves to sing and has performed often donations may be made to The Nashville graveside service was held on April 2 at at such places as the Bluebird Cafe and Symphony, One Symphony Place, Congregation Micah Cemetery. In lieu of Hailey Brooke Mittelberg will be Birdland in New York. She also takes Nashville, TN 37201 or to Alive Hospice, flowers, memorials may be made to either called to the Torah as a bat mitzvah on piano lessons and rock climbing. In addi- 1718 Patterson St. Nashville, TN 37203. Saturday, May 3 at Congregation Micah. tion to her love of the arts, Ava enjoys Hailey is the daughter of hanging with friends, knitting, crochet- Commemorating the Rebbe Tara and Adam ing, travel, playing with her dog Spencer, Mittelberg and the sister Broadway shows, doing improv comedy, of Jared and Max. Her action movie dates with her dad and grandparents are Judi shopping dates with her mom and sister. and Paul Richter of Ava's mitzvah project is raising Boynton Beach, FL, Judi money for two causes that she is very pas- Mittelberg of Fort sionate about, the Cystic Fibrosis Lauderdale, FL and the Hailey Brooke Foundation and the Little Rock late Joel Mittelberg. Mittelberg Foundation, which provides a summer Hailey is a sixth grader at Grassland camp for the blind and visually impaired. Middle School. She loves to play soccer, dance, bake, shop, and spend time with Sidney Zachary Garfinkel will be her friends. called to the Torah as a For her mitzvah project, Hailey is bar mitzvah on Saturday, baking cookies and brownies, and mak- May 31 at The Temple. ing “goody bags” for guests staying at the Zach was born on May Ronald McDonald House, where she will 31, 2001. His parents also donate a portion of her bat mitzvah are Louise and Scott gift money. Garfinkel. His grand- parents are Susan and Larry Palmer of Sidney Zachary Jared Daniel Mittelberg will be Garfinkel called to the Torah as a bar mitzvah on Collierville, TN, Paula Saturday, March 3 at Congregation Palmer Morris, of Southaven, MS and Bill Haslam issued a proclamation last month declaring July 1 Good Deed Day in Micah. Jared is the son of Tara and Adam the late Rita and Alvin Garfinkel. Tennessee in commemoration of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the death of Rabbi Mittelberg and big brother to Hailey and Zach is in the 7th grade at Menachem Mendel Schneerson. In return, a Chabad of Nashville delegation consisting of Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, his son Levi and businessman Joe Freedman presented Haslam Max. His grandparents are Judi and Paul Montgomery Bell Academy. His interests with a Rosenthal tzedakah box. Richter of Boynton Beach, FL, Judi include sports (cross country, track, soccer The Observer May 2014 21 for a discussion of his new novel about Netanyahu takes Greenberg by an American journalist who investigates helicopter, ship, dune buggy and bicy- the murder of and Israeli writer. cle throughout Israel – the birthplace I Pity the Poor Immigrant begins in of the world's three great religions. around the town 2009 and follows journalist Hannah The two explore the country’s iconic Groff as she uncovers connections destinations, Masada, the streets in the Six-session course Shift is the first step; it’s about visualiz- among the murdered writer, American Old City of Jerusalem, the beaches of ing what is possible and seeing how you Jewish gangster Meyer Lansky, Lansky’s Tel Aviv, the Jordan Rover, and the on the Rebbe can make it a reality.” one-time mistress Gila, and Groff’s own Western Wall and the Temple Mount. begins on May 14 Like all JLI programs, Paradigm father. Part crime story, part spiritual “Royal Tour,” produced by WNET in Shift is designed to appeal to people at quest, Poor Immigrant is also a novelistic New York, also explores some locations As part of the commemoration of all levels of Jewish knowledge, including consideration of Jewish identity. beyond the standard tourist checklist the 20th anniversary of the passing of those without any prior experience or The event, which is free and open that hold special meaning to Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the background in Jewish learning. JLI to the public, is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. Netanyahu. Rohr Jewish Learning Institute is offer- courses are open to the public, and on Thursday, May 8 at the GJCC, Greenberg and the Israeli leader also ing a six-week course that explores the attendees need not be affiliated with a which is sponsoring it jointly with sit down for a frank discussion of the sit- philosophy of the late spiritual leader of particular synagogue, temple, or other Parnassus Books. uation in the region, and discuss the Chabad-Lubavitch movement who house of worship. Lazar’s previous novel Sway was Palestinian statehood and the prospects sought to revitalize Judaism in the wake chosen as a Best Book of 2008 by the for a real peace. of the Holocaust. Hadassah will hold Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, Paradigm Shift: Transformational Life Publisher’s Weekly, Newsday, and other Jewish providers Teachings of the Rebbe will be offered in Spring Fling on May 21 publications. His memoir, Evening’s Nashville at Chabad’s Genesis Campus for Empire: The Story of My Father’s Murder discuss strategies Jewish Learning on six consecutive The Nashville Chapter of Hadassah was named Best Book of 2009 by the Wednesdays beginning on May 14. All will hold its Spring Fling Event at the Chicago Tribune. for protecting the sessions will be at 7:30 p.m. The cost is home of Ellen Hirsch in Brentwood from children against $69 plus a $20 book fee. Interested stu- 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, May 21. Delicious Jerry Klein paintings dents may call 615-646-5750 or visit homemade appetizers and desserts will be child predators www.myJLI.com for registration and other served. A chamber music group featuring on display at Green course-related information. flautist Ellen Potash will perform. Administrators, professionals and A collaboration of more than two All members, associates and friends Hills library during child care providers in the Jewish com- dozen experts on Rabbi Schneerson’s are invited. Suggested donation is $5 for May munity met earlier this spring at West teachings, the course will addresses ques- members and $8 for non-members, End Synagogue to learn about child sex- tions such as: What were the Rebbe’s payable at the door. A collection of paintings by Dr. ual abuse and how to prevent it. central teachings and contributions to For more information, please email Jerry Klein will be on exhibit this month The program was jointly sponsored Judaism and society? What was his program chairs Karen Weissman at design- at the Green Hills Branch of the by Jewish Family Service and the understanding of the human being and [email protected] or Jackie Harrison at Nashville Public Library at 3701 Jewish Federation of Nashville and what were his hopes for humanity? And [email protected]. Benham Ave. Middle Tennessee. A presentation on how can we apply these insights toward The exhibit may be viewed during prevention strategies and how to recog- living a more purposeful life? Jewish author Lazar the library’s regular hours, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. nize suspicious behavior was followed “We all want to live up to our inher- Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on by a discussion of actual examples that ent design, to make the best of the will discuss new novel Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. on Sundays. have occurred in Nashville’s Jewish unique set of skills and circumstances on May 8 at GJCC Klein, a long-time Nashville resi- community as well as others. A unique that we were given,” said Rabbi Yitzchok dent, began painting when he retired aspect of the program was the opportu- Tiechtel of Chabad of Nashville, who from his dental practice 17 years ago. nity to learn from a rehabilitated Zachary Lazar will be at the Gordon Jewish sex offender. will be the local instructor. “Paradigm Jewish Community Center this month The exhibition includes works from his extensive world travels. One of the goals of the program was to give agencies tools that can min- imize the risk of having a child abused I like to come here, Franz. As I have for nearly twenty years now. Public TV’s “Royal while under their care. Attendees Tour” of Israel with learned that the main prevention strat- And the rose bush has turned into a lovely little tree. egy is to reduce opportunities for the Netanyahu airs here offender to isolate a child. Suggestions and examples of policies that protect on May 15 children were discussed and given to each agency. It is critical that agencies CBS News Travel Editor Peter and schools adopt and adhere to poli- Greenberg's public television special, cies that minimize risk in order to pro- “Israel: The Royal Tour,” premieres in tect children. Nashville at 11 p.m. Thursday, May 15. To learn more about protecting The show is a look at Israel with Prime children from sexual abuse contact Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Jewish Family Service at 356-4234 or tour guide. the Sexual Assault Center at 259-9055. I never had such a green thumb as you did, Franz. Probably you helped me there a

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The Observer May 2014 23 Crimean Karaites welcome Russian takeover By TALIA LAVIN for hundreds of years. Not in dispute, JTA report however, is their long history in Crimea, a region they consider their homeland. ussia’s annexation of Karaites, from the Hebrew word kara Crimea, the strategically (to read), are members of a sect that that critical peninsula that dan- adheres to the Torah without the addi- gles from Ukraine into the tion of oral laws — as distinguished from Black Sea, has drawn inter- Rabbinic or Talmudic Judaism. national condemnation. For centuries, Karaites have lived RBut for the leader of the All- alongside mainstream Jewish communi- Ukrainian Organization of Crimean ties in various countries. Currently, some Karaites — a group with an unusual her- 30,000 Karaites live in Israel, with much itage that draws from Jewish traditions — smaller communities in the United joining Russia is a welcome development. States and Eastern Europe. About 800 “In Crimea, the majority of Karaites Karaites remain in Crimea, and their support annexation to Russia, and voted houses of worship are distinctive archi- for it,” Vladimir Ormeli, the group’s head tectural monuments in several cities. said. “Culture and people connect us Unlike other Karaite groups, the with Russia, more than Ukraine. But this Crimean Karaites do not identify as Jews. is a complicated conversation.” Yet they consider the Torah their holy text Complicated conversations are typi- and keep a religious calendar that includes cal for the Crimean Karaites, a small Rosh Hashanah, Passover and Shavuot. group whose ethnic heritage and reli- The oldest evidence of Karaite presence gious categorization has been disputed A Karaite house of worship in Yevpatoria in Crimea in Crimea dates back to 1278, and Karaite gravestones are scattered around Ukraine and in Crimea in particular. The kybyn, a meat- stuffed pastry with a braided twist, originated among Karaites. Sold all over Ukraine, it is often called a “Karaite dumpling.” Ormeli’s enthusiasm for Russian annexation of Crimea stems from memo- ries of a previous era of Karaite prosperity. “Russia annexed Crimea in the 1700s,” Ormeli said, referring to Catherine II’s initial conquest of the peninsula in 1783. “Then, a Crimean Karaite intelligentsia appeared. There were rich Crimean Karaites, who lived in Moscow, [St.] Petersburg and worked in the tobacco industry. This all happened while Crimea was Russian.” SPECIAL ROOTS MISSION Such nostalgia for the Russian Empire may have something to do with the way Crimean Karaite self-concep- TO EASTERN EUROPE tion changed under imperial rule. In 19th-century Crimea, Karaites began to distinguish themselves from Jewish groups, sending envoys to the czars to plead for exemptions from harsh anti- Jewish legislation. These entreaties were October 19- successful, in large part due to the czars’ wariness of the Talmud. In 1863 Karaites October 31, 2014 were granted the same rights as their Christian and Tatar neighbors. Exempted from the Pale of Settlement, which limit- Main mission itinerary includes: ed the mobility of Jewish counterparts, Karaite communities sprang up in Russian Warsaw, Krakow, cities and gave rise to a substantial body of Prague and Budapest unique scholarship. The same tactic of distancing them- selves from their Jewish roots and empha- Optional extension to Berlin sizing, instead, purported Turkic origins, October 31 to November 4, 2014 also gave the Karaites of Crimea an advan- tage during the Holocaust. While other Jewish communities in Crimea — includ- WARSAW ing the Turkic-speaking Krymchak Jews — were nearly wiped out, the Karaites sur- To learn more about this extraordinary Poland vived largely unscathed because the Nazis journey please plan to attend considered them to be non-Jews. a mission information meeting Asked about the current political sit- PRAGUE KRAKOW uation, Ormeli described fear of the “law- Wednesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m. lessness” that descended on Kiev during Gordon Jewish Community Center the clashes between protesters and Viktor Czech BRNO Yanukovych’s now-toppled government. 801 Percy Warner Boulevard Slovak “We were afraid of these wild events,” Ormeli said. “We were afraid BRATISLAVA For more information: VIENNA that these would happen in Crimea.” Please contact Mark Freedman As Russian forces consolidate their Or Naomi Sedek control over Crimea, the region’s future [email protected] or 615-354-1660 BUDAPEST remains in question. But Viktor [email protected] or 615-354-1642 Zakharovich, a proprietor of the Karaite Hungary house of worship and museum in Yevpatoria, Crimea, sounded a note of confidence. “Our community has lived under five or seven different governments in Crimea,” he said. “But here, we are always in our land.” c 24 May 2014 The Observer