the Jewish bserver www.jewishobservernashville.org Vol. 81 No. 6 • June 2016 24 Iyar-24 Sivan 5776 Federation to elect new board, honor Hyatt and outgoing leaders at annual meeting on June 15 Batia and Aron Karabel will receive Young Leadership Award
By CHARLES BERNSEN In her final column as Federation lot has been accom- president, Carol Hyatt recalls high plished during Carol lights from the past two years. Hyatt’s two-year ten- Page 7 ure as president of the Jewish Federation of the Welcoming Ambassadors Program, of Hyatt’s sensitivity to communal needs Batia and Aron Karabel. Nashville and Middle a new initiative conceived by Hyatt and zeal to address them. The meeting, which will be followed ATennessee. herself that has recruited more than 30 “The very first time I met Carol, by a dessert reception, is open to the The Federation completed the first volunteers who help ease the transition now almost five years ago, I sensed that entire community. Those who plan to comprehensive study of the local Jewish of Jewish newcomers to Nashville and her passion for enhancing and enriching attend are asked to RSVP to Federation community in more than a decade, pro- reach out to others who have been here Jewish life in Nashville would translate Events Coordinator Barbara Schwarcz at ducing a raft of demographic data that for a while and want to become more into strong and innovative leadership,” [email protected] or (615) will help Jewish institutions and agen- connected to the Jewish community. Freedman said. “She certainly proved 354-1630. cies better meet the needs of their con- “It is gratifying that the response me right.” Among officers to be honored at stituencies. It also sponsored a unique to this new program has been so over- The Federation will hold its 80th the meeting is Lisa Perlen, who has trip to Israel last March that involved whelmingly positive, and that so many annual meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, chaired the Federation’s 2016 annual members and leaders from all five con- people have stepped up to volunteer,” June 15 when it will elect a new board campaign and is expected to be elected gregations. With more than 80 partic- said Hyatt, who was herself a newcomer and officers, honor Hyatt and other its 42nd president. ipants, it was the largest Federation- to Nashville 11 years ago. board members and officers for their ser- Perlen, a tax and bankruptcy attor- sponsored trip ever. Federation Executive Director Mark vice over the past two years, and present ney who serves as the executive director But Hyatt said she is most proud of Freedman said the program is an example the annual Young Leadership award to Continued on pages 7 With sun shining, Jewish Nashville steps outside to celebrate Israel Story by Charles Bernsen Photos by Rick Malkin
undreds of people attended the Nashville Jewish com- munity’s commemoration of Yom Hazikaron and cel- ebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut on Sunday, May 15, the first time the local event marking Israel’s Memorial Day and Independence Day had been away from the Gordon Jewish Community Center. HIt’s fair to say that the fair weather – sunny skies with unusually cool temperatures and little humidity – contributed to the big crowd in Bellevue’s Red Caboose Park. So did the decision to hold the event in a public park and actively publicize it to the non-Jewish community. But as special guest Ron Brummer, deputy consul general of Israel to U.S Southeast, noted in his remarks to the crowd, Jewish Nashville enjoys celebrating Israel whatever the location and weather conditions. “In the past three years I have visited 30 Jewish communities in the Southeast,” said Brummer, whose term as the top Israeli diplomat in the region ends this month. “And the Jewish community in Nashville is a role model to all the others when it comes to Zionism and support of Israel.” The three-hour event was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in conjunction with the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Moving it from the GJCC outside to a public venue was intended to The Nashville Israeli folk dancers lead a lively line dance in Bellevue’s Red Caboose Park as part of the Continued on pages 2-3 celebration of Israel’s Independence Day.
A Publication of the Fifth New food truck Couon issue installment brings kosher page 11 looks at meat to Vandy attitudes page 24 about Israel and anti-Semistism page 6 WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG COUPON ISSUE on guitar. Celebration “I love the fact that it’s more pub- Continued from page 1 lic,” said Roy Hiller, a former GJCC make it more inviting to the entire board member who was involved in Nashville community and to give it the organizing the event in the past. “It’s casual feel of a fair rather than a staged more accessible to the community and event, said Liron Finkelstein, community an educational experience for non-Jews.” shlicha (Israel emissary), the Federation Among those attracted by the new staff member who was the main liaison venue were Kim and Alan Kaplan and with the organizing committee head by their young sons, Jake, 3, and Ethan, Moises Paz. 6, a student at Akiva School. They Kids romped on the grassy lawn and were attending the Yom Hazikaron/Yom dogs strained at their leashes while many Ha’atzmaut celebration for the first time in attendance dined on kosher treats since moving to Nashville more than provided by venders SOVA Catering, three years ago. Sweets Melissa & Sons, a Ben & Jerry’s “It’s neat to see such a great turnout ice cream stand, and Aryeh’s Kitchen, – everyone coming together,” said Kim a new kosher food truck based at Kaplan. Vanderbilt University. Nashville’s Jewish community Ten Jewish organizations set up includes a small but active group of tables, where representatives passed out Israelis for whom the annual commem- informational brochures, tiny Israeli flags oration of their twin national holidays is Moises Paz (from left), chair of the committee that organized the community celebra- and other items. Children and adults especially important. tion of Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron, along with volunteers Ruthie Alexander, “visited” different parts of Israel on a “It reminds me of home,” said Joan Mehlman, Rabbi Saul Strosberg, Joe Perlen and Victoria Crumpton Cohen. huge plastic map laid out on the grass. Israeli Danny Lemkin, who has lived tion of the U.S. and Israeli flags by a in English by Erin Coleman – of “The Nearby, Jack Simon, director of chil- in Nashville for more than decade and color guard from the Hunters Lane High Silver Platter,” a poem by Israeli Nathan dren’s programming at the GJCC, orga- was attending the event with his wife, School Jr. ROTC and was followed by a Alterman often read at Yom Hazikaron nized kids activities. Andrea, and their three children. Baha’i choral group led by Eric Dozier. events. Playing softly in the background And there was plenty of live music Indeed, as the hundreds of people in Their spiritual-infused performance was a recording of a melody composed from the featured performers, a trio led the park observed a moment of silence included a song based on Isaiah 11, the and performed especially for the occasion by popular New York musician and band- in remembrance of Israel’s fallen soldiers biblical chapter referring to a coming age by singer-songwriter Jerry Kimbrough. leader Johnathan Rimberg. Playing on a and victims of terrorism, a loudspeaker of peace that is particularly important to Following a yizkor prayer led by stage festooned with blue and white Israel carried a recording of the actual sirens the Baha’i tradition, an egalitarian faith Cantor George Lieberman of Sherith flags, they were joined for a time by Rabbi that wailed during the annual two-min- founded in the 19th century and whose Israel, Silver performed “Yesh Saul Strosberg of Congregation Sherith ute observance on Yom Hazikaron when world headquarters is in Haifa, Israel. Kochavim,” (There are Stars), a poem by Israel on the trumpet and Lisa Silver, the the entire nation of Israel comes to halt. The somber 15-minute memorial the Jewish World War II hero and poet cantorial soloist at Congregation Micah, The event began with a presenta- remembrance of Israel’s fallen began with Hannah Szenes. a reading – in Hebrew by Finkelstein and As the moment of silence ended, Paz declared the transition to the cele- bratory phase, noting that as the 68th Yom Ha’atzmaut is taking place, Israel’s latest population estimates now surpass 8.5 million. As Hatikva, the Israel national anthem, and other Israeli tunes played over the loudspeakers, children from Akiva performed a dance routine. They were followed by the Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers, joined by more than a few children, who performed several lines dances to the accompaniment of the Rimberg trio. As has become a tradition, the local Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration ended with a ceremony honoring 12 individuals or groups for their efforts to strengthen ties between Nashville and Israel. Modeled after one in Israel, the honorees lit torch- es symbolizing the 12 tribes of ancient As part of an effort to expand the celebration beyond the Jewish community, a Baha’i Israel. The honorees were: chorale led by Eric Dozier was invited to perform. • Celia Goldstein, a member of the Federation’s Community Relations Yael Coleman, daughter of Erin and Continued on page 3 Micah Coleman, enjoys her ice cream.
Isaac Hanai, a future IDF solider, and Talia Ramon, a former IDF soldier, were among those who were given the honor of lighting torches in recognition of their contribu- Akiva School students perform a choreographed dance presentation to recorded tions to strengthening the relationship between Nashville and Israel. Israeli music.
2 June 2016 The Observer A trio led by New York musician and bandleader Jonathan Rimberg provided the musical entertainment.
Continued from page 2 high school student on an immersive Sedek, members of the Federation’s Christian clergy. Also honored were Committee, for her advocacy for experience in Israel. CommUNITY trip to Israel this members of the Jewish community Israel in response to questions about • Faith Haber Galbraith, chair of the spring. Solomon, making his first who took part: Carol Hyatt, Lisa and its right to exist. Federation’s Partnerhship2Gether trip to Israel, was honored for open- Arthur Perlen, Rabbi Mark Schiftan • Raquel Pankowsky, sister of “lone sol- Committee, who was hon- ing his heart to the experience while of The Temple and Ron Galbraith, diers” Shirit and Nathan Pankowsky, ored for vision and dedication Sedek, the Federation’s annual cam- who served as the trip’s facilitator. who was honored as a representative to the program that builds rela- paign and missions director, was The final honoree was supposed to be of all Nashville families who have tionships between Nashville and honored for conceiving and orga- Brummer – or at least that’s what Finkelstein loved ones serving in the Israeli other Jewish communities in the nizing the unique trip that included was led to believe. But Federation Executive Defense Forces. Southeast to the Hadera-Eiron contingents and leaders from all five Director Mark Freedman stepped in to sur- • Leslie Sax, executive director of the region of Israel. of Nashville’s congregations. prise her by letting her light the last torch. GJCC, who was honored for opening • Tali Ramon and Isaac Hanai, the • Mark Cohen, a Vanderbilt “Liron Finkelstein has served as our her home to summer camp counsel- first a former IDF solider and the University business professor, and shlicha for almost two years,” Friedman ors from Israel. second a future IDF soldier, who Arthur Perlen, outgoing chair of the said. “In that time she has set a new • Rabbi Joshua Kullock of West End were honored for their commitment Federation’s Community Relations standard in building community support Synagogue and Julie Greenberg, to protect the State of Israel. Committee, who were honored for and understanding about Israel. She is education director at Congregation • Adi Raz, a leader in NowGen participating in Gov. Bill Haslam’s a tireless advocate for Israel, the place Micah, who were honored as repre- Nashville, who was honored for trade mission to Israel last year. she calls home, and when she returns sentatives of their congregations for bringing her love of Israel to the • Revs. Warner Durnell, Gail Seavey to Israel later this summer, we will miss having established and supported Federation’s group for young Jewish and Tambi Swiney, who were hon- her a great deal, but we will be left with the Get Connected program, which professionals. ored for taking part in special mis- a deeper appreciation for the land and this summer will send its 200th area • David Solomon and Naomi Limor sion to Israel last year for mainline people of our biblical homeland.” •
Twelve individuals or groups were honored as torch lighters. Shilcha (Israel emissary) Liron Finkelstein, who took the lead in organizing the event, gets a surprise honor – lighting the final torch. With her is Ron Brummer, deputy council from Israel to U.S. Southeast.
A recording of Israeli sirens plays as those in Nashville take a moment to remember The sunny but relatively cool weather was ideal for Israeli line dancing. Israel’s fallen.
The Observer June 2016 3 Representing “strong Jewish women with good ideas,” ICJW board meets in Nashville s president of the month for their bi-annual executive board International Council meeting. They held two business sessions – of Jewish Women, one at Akiva School and the other at the Australian Robyn Lenn Gordon Jewish Community Center – and leads a worldwide net- were guests at a special luncheon at the work of groups whose GJCC, where they dined with about 100 Amemberships vary in size from thousands Jewish women, many of them members to less than a dozen and whose focus of the local ICJW affiliate, the Nashville might be on important international section of the National Council of Jewish causes like fighting human trafficking or Women. They also had time to be tourists, on more communal concerns like main- getting a bus tour of local Jewish sites taining the local synagogue. and visiting the Parthenon, Belle Meade But, she said, they all have one Planation and other Nashville landmarks. thing in common: “strong Jewish women The ICJW is an umbrella organization with good ideas.” with affiliates in 34 countries; the largest is Lenn was among 30 ICJW leaders the National Council of Jewish Women/ Robyn Lenn, president of the International Council of Jewish Women, speaks to a group who were in Nashville for several days last USA, which includes the Nashville section. of about 100 women at a luncheon at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. At left is her longtime friend Felicia Anchor of Nashville, chair of the ICJW’s North American Region. The ICJW has representatives at The ICJW is involved in a number several key international organization of other progressive issues, Lenn said in – the United Nations, the Council of remarks during the luncheon, including Europe, Religions for Peace and the environmental causes, promoting inter- Word Jewish Congress – where one of its faith relations and fighting anti-Semi- "# " # %$ primary aims is to enhance and protect tism, particularly in international bodies the rights of women, said Lenn, who has like the United Nations. been part of the NCJW/Australia for 40 Like he ICJW, its national and local years and president of the ICJW for two. affiliates try to translate Jewish values into In some cases, the organization’s social action by taking on causes both with- effort is focused internally on addressing in the Jewish community and without. For the status of women in Jewish law. But example, the Nashville section of NCJW, the ICJW is also active in issues beyond which is almost 125 years old, is involved the Jewish world. One of its major edu- in a number of projects that aid the local cational and lobbying efforts right now Jewish community – Shabbat services at relates to the global problem of human Vanderbilt Hillel, Jewish Family Service’s trafficking, which is fitting, Lenn noted, Kosher Food Box program and Senior !"" "$ given that the organization’s roots go Friends service, and a program to collect back more than a century when Jewish oral histories of Jewish Nashville. But its women in Great Britain and the United volunteers also support social programs in States organized to help prevent the broader Nashville community – Renewal abuse of Jewish girls fleeing pogroms in House, a rehabilitative home for moth- Russia and Eastern Europe. er’s recovering from addiction; the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) pro- c c c c gram for foster children, and scholarship STAFF fund for needy college students. Lenn said one of her goals as ICJW Publisher Mark S. Freedman president has been to improve communi- Editor Charles Bernsen cation so that the organization can be a Advertising Manager Carrie Mills conduit of best practices and ideas, allow- Layout and Production Tim Gregory ing thousands of activists in affiliates large Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), and small to learn from one another. • Barbara Dab, Greg Goldberg, Scott Rosenberg, Liz Foster Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 The Jewish Observer welcomes the sub- mission of information, news items, fea- E-mail [email protected] ture stories and photos about events relevant to the Jewish community of ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed 23315334) is published monthly for $25 per submissions, which should be sent as year by the Jewish Federation of Nashville Word documents to Editor Charles and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Warner Bernsen at [email protected]. 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 POSTMASTER: Send address changes jpegs to the e-mail with the related to THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy news item or story. For material that Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 cannot be e-mailed, submissions should GREEN HILLS be sent to Charles Bernsen, The Jewish This newspaper is made possible by funds Observer, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite raised in the Jewish Federation Annual 102, Nashville TN 37205. Photos and Distinctive Residential Settings | Chef-Prepared Dining and Bistro Campaign. copy sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is Premier Health and Wellness Programs | Award-Winning Memory Care The Jewish Observer is a member made. Publication is at the discretion of Professionally Supervised Therapy and Rehabilitation Services of the American Jewish Press Association The Observer, which reserves the right and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. to edit submissions.
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 Cmunit Buil Li.® reputable advertisers of the highest quality, the intended month of publication. 615-279-9100 • belmontvillage.com we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their products. For advertising deadlines, contact Winner of the George Mason University Healthcare Award for the Carrie Mills, advertising manager, © The Jewish Observer Circle of Friends memory program for Mild Cognitive Impairment. at 615-354-1699, or by email at Founded in 1934 by JACQUES BACK [email protected]. ACLF License 59 © 2016 Belmont Village, L.P. June 2016 The Observer 4 -HZ2EVHUYHUBVWDIIBB;LQGG $0 Community Relations Communiqué An intentional cycle from remembrance to independence By ABBIE WOLF I explained that Yom Hashoah is a In Israel, the sirens are again heard, Center. There was music, dancing, eating day of commemoration for the six mil- and all activity in the country again freezes. (of course) and kids ran around playing friend of my daugh- lion Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Memorial ceremonies are held throughout like crazy. The joy of Israel’s birthday – its ters’ recently asked In Israel, it is a national day of mourn- the country, Yizkor is recited, and restau- Independence Day – was evident. me, “Why are there so ing. On that day, the sound of a siren rants, cafes and movie theatres are shut I explained to her (if you can believe many days that start stops traffic and pedestrians throughout down. Special documentaries are broad- it, she was still listening intently at this with ‘yom’ this time the country for two minutes of silence. casted on television and somber national point) that the decision to commem- of year?” (“Yom” is Everything and everyone stands still, songs are played on all radio stations. orate fallen soldiers the day before the Athe Hebrew word for whether at the beach or beside their I told her the third and final Yom day of independence was not an easy “day.”) When I asked stopped car on a freeway. begins when the sun sets on Yom one but it is very symbolic. On this day her what she meant, she For all of us in the Diaspora, we Hazikaron’s day of mourning. The som- Israel remembers those who gave up said she wasn’t sure of follow a different set of customs. But ber, reflective mood gives way to the their lives so that Israel could celebrate all the details, but she regardless of where we are, there is celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, a tran- its independence peacefully. In one of knew that in general, no question that this day holds great sition which emphasizes the lasting tie the transition ceremonies between Yom Yom Hashoah makes meaning for Jews worldwide. The over- between the sacrifice of the fallen and Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, David her very sad, Yom Abbie Wolf whelming theme that runs through all the continued existence of a vibrant and Ben Gurion said: ”There is only one drop Hazikaron also makes of our observances is the importance of dynamic state of Israel. of consolation: Their lives and deaths her feel sad, and Yom Ha’atzmaut makes remembering — recalling the victims of In Israel, thousands of people gather weren’t for nothing, and as long as Am her very happy. this catastrophe and insuring that such a in the city squares, wave Israeli flags, and Yisrael is alive, he will carry their mem- I responded, yes, there surely are a lot tragedy never happen again. take part in festive events under a full ory in his heart forever.” of “yoms” this time of year. I told her I feel Next is Yom Hazikaron – which lit sky from the evening’s fireworks. The From the devastation of the similar emotions to her on each of these is similar in Israel to our country’s following day is a day of vacation, and Holocaust, to the grieving for lives lost days. Holocaust Remembrance Day fills Memorial Day. It is a day to remind Israelis celebrate festively with picnics, defending our Jewish State, to ebullient me with grief, Israel Memorial Day makes Israelis, and those of us outside of Israel, barbecues, family gatherings and nature happiness that after all this time we me feel sorrowful (although in a different that the price of independence – and trips. It is also common practice to deco- finally have a land we can call our own. way), and Israel Independence Day makes Israel’s continued existence – is a heavy rate balconies, car windows, store fronts It’s an intentional cycle that frames our me happy, excited and grateful. one. We remember the lives lost by and shops with Israeli flags. every year and helps us remember that I took it a step further and explained Israel’s sons and daughters who gave I told her that in Nashville we know sorrow, sacrifice and joy are all tightly that there’s a reason and an order to the their lives for the achievement of the a thing or two about celebrating too. On intertwined, as they should be. • Yoms. It’s not just by chance that we go country’s independence – and for its May 15, about 500 people assembled at Red from Yom Hashoah to Yom Hazikaron continued existence as well. It is a day Caboose Park for the first Yom Ha’atzmaut Abbie Wolf is the community rela- to Yom Ha’atzmaut. It’s a sequence of of collective and personal grief mingled celebration our community has held tions director for the Jewish Federation of events that makes a great deal of sense. with awe and honor for the fallen. outside the Gordon Jewish Community Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
From the Campaign Trail Jewish Nashville benefits from collaboration
By LISA PERLEN benefitted from collaborative projects provide a diverse array of programming the most successful TzTz to date. Their that have led to on-going programs. within the community to reach the enthusiasm was contagious and all who ollaboration (col . lab . One of the most notable is the Get needs of all of the Jewish households in worked the phones that day understand o . ra . tion), a mid-19th Connected teen trip to Israel. Not only Middle Tennessee. All of this takes time why they are the recipients of this year’s century term from Latin does this program send Nashville and and money. Young Leadership Award. Naomi Sedek, meaning “work together.” Middle Tennessee teens to Israel, it So let’s look at the current annual annual campaign director, and Andrea When I moved to connects teens from all congregations, campaign. At this point, we have raised Crowe, our donor center manager, are Nashville 30 years ago, throughout the Middle Tennessee area, $2.036 million from 933 donors, 186 of incredible professionals with whom it Cwhat struck me was and helps them establish relationships whom were first time contributors to the has been a pleasure to work. And of the way in which all with Israeli teens. As a result of this annual campaign. If you haven’t made course, none of this could be done with- of the Jewish organiza- experience, we now have previously your gift yet, please make a pledge today. out Mark Freedman, the Federation’s tions worked together unengaged teens attending programs like You can call the Federation office, go executive director. with calendar clearing, the Year Course in Israel. We have online or call or email me. On June 15, I will be installed as the shared membership and teens who continue to communicate My term as campaign chair is com- Federation president. I hope you will be leadership, and a shared with friends they made in Israel. These ing to a close, but my commitment to at the GJCC at 7 that evening to honor interest in services for Lisa Perlen teens not only Get Connected, they Stay the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Carol Hyatt for her contributions as the Nashville Jewish Connected. Get Connected would not Middle Tennessee and to this Jewish president and to hear what we have in community. I came from communities be possible without the support of the community remains as strong as ever. store as we continue to move forward, that did not work together well and Jewish Federation and dollars raised in It has been a pleasure to work with all make connections, and strengthen ties. were segmented. People in the Orthodox the annual campaign. members of the campaign teams, partic- “Alone we can do so little; together, community did not have much inter- Another area of strong collabo- ularly our captains: Dianne Berry, Ben we can do so much.” (Helen Keller) • action with those in the Reform or ration is in services provided to the Doochin, Andrea and Kevin Falik, Lori even with those in the other Orthodox seniors in our community. There are Fishel, Arthur Perlen, Gloria Sternberg, Lisa Perlen is chair of the 2016 annual congregation. Nashville was a breath of regular daytime programs that engage Irwin Venick and Janet Weismark. campaign and incoming president of the fresh air. them socially, spiritually, and mindfully. Batia and Aron Karabel were our tire- Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle This is why, when reading the find- The Thank Goodness it’s Thursday pro- less Tzedakah Tzunday chairs and led Tennessee. ings of the 2015 Nashville and Middle gram at the Gordon Jewish Community Tennessee Jewish Community Study, I Center attracts 40-50 Jewish seniors was pleased to see that people generally each week. Transportation options are see the community as collaborative. We available, as well. Again, this important Corrections Policy are fortunate to experience a high level program serving our seniors is supported The Jewish Observer is committed to of cooperation among synagogues and by a grant from the Jewish Federation making corrections and clarifications agencies, much of that funded by grants annual campaign dollars. promptly. To request a correction or from the Jewish Federation of Nashville But there are so many things we clarification, call Editor Charles Bernsen and Middle Tennessee. want to do and need to do to support at (615) 354-1653 or email him at An African proverb states, “If you our community. We need to find ways 80th Annual Meeting [email protected]. want to go fast, go alone. If you want to engage Jews from all around Middle Wednesday, June 15, 2016 to go far, go with others.” Nashville has Tennessee regardless of age. We need to The Observer June 2016 5 Connection to Israel high among Nashville area Jews
By CHARLES BERNSEN Views on anti-Semitism ews living in Greater Nashville ust weeks before the launch of the 2015 Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish profess a somewhat stronger affin- Community Study, there were two widely publicized anti-Semitic incidents: ity to Israel than the American Here are some of the findings: In the first, three swastikas were spray-painted on a Jewish fraternity house at Jewish population as a whole, • Slightly more than half of Jewish Vanderbilt University. In the second, a bullet was fired at West End Synagogue. according to the 2015 Nashville adults in Nashville (51 percent) J Despite these recent events and the publicity surrounding subsequent rallies and Middle Tennessee Jewish have visited Israel at least once. against anti-Semitism and in support of the Jewish community, only 12 percent of J Community Study. (Nationally, the figure is 43 percent, Jewish adults indicated in the study that they had personally experienced anti-Sem- Overall, 69 percent of Jewish according to the Pew survey.) itism in the previous year. (Those results are in line with a 2013 survey of American adults in Nashville and Middle Tennessee • About a third of Jewish adults in Jews in which only 15 percent reported being called offensive names or snubbed in a feel somewhat or very much connected Nashville (34 percent) say they have social setting because they were Jewish.) to Israel, the same percentage as in a friends or family living in Israel. While most Nashville Jews indicate anti-Semitism is not part of their personal 2013 Pew Research Center survey of the • About half of Jewish adults seek experience, fully two-thirds (67 percent) say they are somewhat or very much con- American Jewish population. However, news about Israel once a week or cerned about it in the local community. And even higher percentages are somewhat the proportion of Nashville-area Jews more while 22 percent seek such or very concerned about it on college campuses (79 percent) and abroad (87 percent). who feel very much connected to Israel news daily. Adults under 40, howev- Comments from respondents about local anti-Semitism tended to focus on (42 percent) is greater than the propor- er, are noticeably less interested in the issue of church-state separation, particularly in schools in regard to the celebra- tion of American Jews as a whole (32 news about Israel, with 80 percent tion of Christian holidays and the lack of accommodation for Jewish students observ- percent). saying they seek it only once or twice ing Jewish holidays. Some also commented on failed efforts last year (and again this The study, commissioned by the a month or never at all. year) to make the Bible the official state book of Tennessee. • Jewish Federation of Nashville and • About 44 percent of adults know Middle Tennessee, was conducted over that Nashville has a community shli- a three-month period last year by the cha (Israel emissary), and 14 percent – 21 percent – said none should be dis- fully with an independent Palestinian Steinhardt Social Research Center, have had some contact or interac- mantled. Similarly, 46 percent favored state and that 44 percent felt the construc- which is affiliated with Brandeis’s Cohen tion with her. the establishment of a Palestinian state tion of settlements hurt the peace process. Center for Modern Jewish Studies. Based • About a third of adults know that under current condition while 26 percent Jewish Nashville is much less san- on telephone and online responses from Nashville has a partnership region opposed such a move. guine when it comes to making conces- more than 1,000 Jewish households, it in Israel though a program with the Although the 2013 Pew survey of sions about the status of Jerusalem. Only is accurate to about plus or minus 7 Jewish Agency for Israel, and almost American Jews did not include identical 27 percent said Israel should be willing percent. It was the first comprehensive a fifth correctly identified the part- questions for comparison, the national to give us jurisdiction over the entire city survey of Jewish Nashville in more than nership region as Hadera-Eiron. study did find that 61 percent of American as part of a permanent peace agreement a decade. Jews felt that Israel could co-exist peace- while 46 percent said it should not. Israel plays an important role in The survey also sought to assess the American Jewish identity, so the survey attitude of Jewish adults regarding the included several questions aimed at gaug- Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a poten- Jewish Nashville’s Attitudes About Israel ing not just how connected Nashville tial peace agreement. Jews are to the Jewish state but also how And about 44 percent of adult Jews Connection Palestinian State often they have been there, what kinds in Nashville favor dismantling some or of connections they have to Israel and all of the settlements in the West Bank to Israel In the current situation, do as part of a permanent solution to the what they know about Jewish communal How connected to you feel to you favor or oppose the involvement there. Palestinian conflict while half as many Israel? establishment of a Palestinian Very much 42% state? Somewhat 27% Favor 46% )UDQNOLQ/DQD3DUJ K A little 20% Oppose 26% F F ISDUJK#PHFRP ODQDSDUJK#JPDLOFRP Not at all 11% Don’t know/unsure 27%
%X\LQJDQGVHOOLQJDKRXVHLVDYHU\DQGVHOOLQJDKRXVHLVDYHU\ 0\$UFKLWHFWXUHEDFNJURXQG0\$UFKLWHFWXUHEDFNJ HPRWLRQDOSURFHVVDQG,QDOSURFHVVDQG, DOORZVPHWRXQGHUVWDQGDOORZVPHWRXQGHU West Bank Settlements ORYHEHLQJDEOHWRKHOSHLQJDEOHWRKHOS WKHGHVLJQDQGVWUXFWXUHWKHGHVLJQDQGVWUX In the context of a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, JXLGHFOLHQWVWKURXJKFOLHQWVWKURXJK RIDKRXVHDORQJZLWKLWVRIDKRXVHDORQJZ should Israel be willing to … RQHRIWKHELJJHVWWKHELJJHVW HQJLQHHULQJ0HUJLQJHQJLQHHULQJ0H Dismantle all West Bank settlements 10% PLOHVWRQHVRIRQHVRI P\DUFKLWHFWXUDOP\DUFKLWH Dismantle some West Bank settlements 34% WKHLUOLYHVYHV EDFNJURXQGDQGEDFNJURXQ Dismantle no West Bank settlements 21% ,I\RXFDQFDQ P\ORYHIRUP\OR Don’t know/unsure 35% GUHDPLWLW UHDOHVWDWH,UHDOHV ZHFDQILQGQILQG ZLZLOOXVHP\OOX Status of Jerusalem LWVHOOLWLW H[SHUWLVHWRH[SHU In the framework of a permanent peace with the Palestinians, UHQRYDWHLWRUDWHLWRU IILQG\RXQRWRQO\LQG\RXQR should Israel be willing to compromise on the status of Jerusalem KHOS\RXRX WKHKRPH\RXORYHWKHKRPH\RX as a united city under Israeli jurisdiction? GHVLJQ\RXU\RXU EXWWKHEHVWSRVVLEOHEXWWKHEHVWSR Yes, compromise 27% GUHDPKRPHKRPH KKRPHIRU\RXUQHHGVRPHIRU\RXUQ No, do not compromise 46% Don’t know/unsure 27%
Jewish Nashville: By the Numbers is an ongoing series on the results of the 2015 Nashville and Middle Tennessee Community Study. Previous stores can be found at www.jewishobservernashville.org. %X\LQJ6HOOLQJ DQG,QYHVWLQJ Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org 5HVLGHQWLDO 0DOORU\/DQH 6XLWH 5HDO(VWDWH %UHQWZRRG71 LVZKDWZHGR 2 )
6 June 2016 The Observer Akiva School Board of Directors. Meeting The Karabels will receive the Young Continued from page 1 Leadership Award in recognition of the of the Tennessee Board of Law work they have done in the Jewish com- Examiners, has a long record of Jewish munity since moving to Nashville from communal involvement. She has served New York 3½ years ago to be close to for years on the Federation board in her family. various capacities, including spearhead- Aron Karabel is a board member of ing its collaborative planning initiative the Federation, West End Synagogue, called Best Jewish Nashville as chair the Anti-Defamation League Southeast of the Grants Committee. Perlen also Region while Batia Karabel serves on has been a board member at West End the Federation’s Grants Committee. Synagogue and a parent advisor for They both hold leadership positions in BBYO. She is married to Arthur Perlen, NowGen Nashville, the Federation group outgoing chair of the Federation’s for young professionals, and together Community Relations Committee. co-chaired the young adult division of “It is an honor to be entrusted with the Federation’s 2016 annual campaign the future of the Jewish Federation and Tzedakah Tzunday, the campaign’s of Nashville and Middle Tennessee,” annual phone-a-thon. Perlen said. “I look forward to working As a result of their communal work, with the community as we utilize the the Karabels were both recently accept- data collected in the recent community ed as members of the National Young study to continue to build a more dynam- Leadership Cabinet, a prestigious leader- ic and vibrant Best Jewish Nashville and ship development program of the Jewish Middle Tennessee.” Federations of North America. In addition to Hyatt and the Perlens, “We’re, of course, humbled to receive other board members and officers who this award – and eager to embrace the will be recognized are Steve Hirsch, Irwin obligation to the community that comes Venick, Andy May, Robert Gordon, with it,” Batia Karabel said. Ben Russ, Dianne Berry, Rabbi Joshua Likewise, Aron Karabel said he Kullock, Daniel Biller, James Mackler views the award as a “jumping off point” and Michael Simon. David Steine Jr. to continue the couple’s effort of pro- will be recognized for his work as the moting young adult involvement in Federation’s representative with the Jewish life. • Batia and Aron Karabel visit with a Jewish mother and her three children during a mission last year to Tbilisi, Georgia sponsored by the Jewish Federations of North America. The Karabels will be presented the Young Leadership Award during the Federation’s annual meeting on June 15.
President’s Memo Reflection on a rewarding Nominees for the 2016-2017 Board of Directors two years Officers Lisa Perlen, president By CAROL HYATT tage and traditions but also respecting our Steve Hirsch, vice president differences, learning together and simply Lori Fishel, secretary s president of the Jewish enjoying one another’s company as we all Michael Doochin, treasurer Federation of Nashville got to know one another better. (1-year term) and Middle Tennessee I am grateful to have been entrust- for the past two years, ed with the responsibility to serve Elected Board Members I have found it incred- our community as Federation presi- Mark Cohen Adam Dretler ibly rewarding to work dent and look forward to continuing Leslie Newman Jeremy Werthan Awith others who share a my involvement under the very able (3-year term) commitment to support leadership of incoming President Lisa our Jewish community Perlen, whose intelligence, work ethic, Mindy Hirt while striving to create and strength of character I so admire. (2-year term) an ever better Jewish I am especially grateful to her for step- Nashville. ping in to chair up the annual cam- David Steine Jr. In addition to all paign for the past year. (1-year term) the good things hap- Carol Hyatt I also want to thank the other offi- pening locally, we can cers, committee chairs, board members, Rabbinic Representative feel proud of what we accomplish nation- donors, volunteers and staff, particular- Rabbi Mark Schiftan ally and internationally by being part of ly Federation Executive Director Mark the Federation network, which cares Freedman, who works tirelessly, has been Continuing Elected Board Members for the most vulnerable and mobilizes a terrific partner, and for whom I have Didi Biesman Aron Karabel Tara Lerner communities to assist where the need is the utmost respect. He makes a very David Levy David Schwartz Janet Weismark critical. All of this is possible thanks to challenging job seem easy, and our com- the generosity of donors, volunteers and munity is fortunate to have someone Constitutional Committee Chairs the hardworking staff of the Federation, with his strengths and experience in that Sandy Averbuch, Foundation Development Committee chair local agencies and synagogues. critical role. Robin Cohen, Grants Committee co-chair Our efforts to be a warm, welcom- Despite all that we have to be proud Ron Galbraith, Community Relations Committee chair ing community even as we grow have of, we still face some real challenges. We Carol Hyatt, immediate past president/Nominating Committee chair been met with enthusiasm, and I greatly need to keep working to find ways to Andy May, Investment Committee chair appreciate the many volunteers who are engage people of all ages, including those serving as ambassadors and personally who live beyond the geographic area Presidential Appointee reaching out to those who are new to the where our Jewish institutions are con- Fred Zimmerman Nashville area as well as to those who centrated, and to reach out to families of are looking to be more connected. interfaith relationships. We also need to My involvement in the Jewish make sure we are meeting the needs of Federation has enabled me to get to the economically vulnerable. know so many wonderful people in our But I am confident that together community, other U.S. Jewish commu- we will continue to make a world of The Observer is online at nities and Israel. The most recent trip to difference! • www.jewishobservernashville.org Israel really drove home to me how very special our community is, with rabbis and Carol Hyatt is President of the congregants from all our faith streams Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle participating, mindful of our shared heri- Tennessee. The Observer June 2016 7 Congregational News & Events
@ The Temple
Forward names Mackler one of America’s A Special Concert inspiring Rabbis
Rabbi Shana Mackler of The Temple has been named to the Jewish Daily Forward’s 2016 list of America’s most inspiring rabbis. The Forward selects a list of inspiring rabbis each year based on submissions from congregants. This year’s list has 32 rabbis from all streams of Judaism and includes laudatory comment from Pamela Harrison about why Rabbi Mackler is so inspiring. Hired by The Temple right after her ordination, “she brought with her not only her extensive academic knowledge of Judaism, but Rabbi Shana also the heart of Judaism,” Harrison wrote. “She shows me on a daily Mackler basis the importance of striving for social justice when justice seems so far out of reach for us, our Muslim brothers and sisters, the Latino community, the LGBTQ community. For me, she is the epitome of just what it means to be a Jew in one’s heart and in one’s actions.” Citing Rabbi Mackler’s leadership in efforts at The Temple like Room at the Inn, addiction recovery and women’s programming and study, Harrison said Rabbi Mackler “keeps the congregants engaged in the life of The Temple and in the life of our communi- ty, and for those reasons I believe that she is one of the most inspiring rabbis in America.” Lawyer who helped achieve same marriage will speak on June 3 The Temple MazelTones (formerly known as the Junior Choir) and Mazel Teens Attorney Abby Rubenfeld, a member of the legal team that won the same-sex- perform a special concert for the residents of Abe’s Garden on Sunday, May 1. They were led by MazelTones Director Dennis Scott and Cantor Tracy Fishbein lead. The marriage case before the U.S. Supreme Court, will be the guest speaker at the Shabbat concert was followed by shmoozing and refreshments with the residents. The event service on Friday, June 3. was underwritten by the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In a talk entitled “The Legal Struggle and Victory for Same Sex Marriage,” Rubenfeld will share her experiences in the struggle for same sex marriage and the Jewish value base that inspired her. 2016 Confirmation Class The service begins at 6 p.m. For those who won’t be going to Bonnaroo, Temple bringing back “Sha-Bonnaroo”
Even if you can’t make it to the Bonnaroo Music Festival this month, The Temple is bringing back “Sha-Bonnaroo,” a contemporary Shabbat service featuring upbeat music by some of The Temple’s own rock stars. The service is at 6 p.m. Friday, June 10, and the dress is blue jean casual. The theme continues on Saturday, June 18 with the Sha-Bonnaroo Bar-B-Que for young adults and families at 4 p.m. in Parmer Park. Those who attend are invited to bring instruments to play while enjoying treats and Havdallah. For more information, contact Rabbi Shana Mackler at (615) 352-7620. Shavuot supper, study and prayer
The Temple will host a Shavuot Summer Supper from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 featuring a Torah Reading, Yizkor prayer and dairy dinner. Rabbi Flip Rice of Congregation Micah will join Rabbis Mark Schiftan and Shana Mackler of The Temple along with Cantor Tracy Fishbein in leading the study, discussion and prayer.
Next Dor to visit Arrington Vineyards The Temple held its confirmation service on April 30. The confirmants pictured here are (back row, from left) Alexander Freedman, Shelby Kleiner, Benjamin Harris, Tyler The Temple’s Next Dor group of young adults will hold an afternoon of good Jacobs, Matthew Schwarcz and Jake Lescher and (front row, from left) Sophie Sebelist wine, good food and good friends from 2-4p.m. on Sunday, June 28th at Arrington Latter, Ryan Scott and Shayna Beyer. Vineyards. To RSVP, call Rabbi Shana Mackler at (615) 352-7620.
@ Sherith Israel
CSI will elect officers and directors, Late night study session and barbecue will approve budget at June 5 annual meeting welcome Shavuot
Congregation Sherith Israel will hold its annual meeting at 1 p.m. Sunday, June CSI will mark Shavuot with a traditional all-night Torah study session beginning at 5 when members will elect officers and directors, hear a report on the state of the shul 11:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 in partnership with West End Synagogue. and approve a budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The event will include a barbecue and will be followed by a sunrise shacharit service The proposed slate of officers up for election includes President Robert Goodman; at 5:15 a.m. Vice Presidents Greg Goldberg (administration), Diana Lutz (membership) and Pam A morning Shavuot service, including Yiskor, will be at 9 p.m. followed by a Kelner (programming); Treasurer Shelly Lutz; Financial Secretary Marty Kooperman, cheesecake kiddush. and Recording Secretary Evan Rittenberg. For more information, call the shul at (615) 292-6614. Directors up for election are Cara Suvall (terming ending in 2017) and Armin Begtrup, Stand Landau, Bobbie Limor and Mark Mitzman (terms ending in 2019). 8 June 2016 The Observer Congregational News & Events
@ Chabad @ Micah
Chabad will celebrate Shavuot on June 12 Meeting set to discuss details of 2017 with reading of the Ten Commandments trip to Israel and dairy buffet Rabbis Laurie and Philip “Flip” Rice will hold an informational meeting on Friday, June 10 for a trip to Israel they are planning for next year with the Association of Every year on Shavuot, the holiday celebrating the revelation of Torah on Reform Zionists of America. Mount Sinai, Jews gather in their synagogues to re-experience the event by reading The meeting, which begins at 5:15 p.m., will cover costs, itinerary and other of the Ten Commandments. details. It will be followed by Shabbat services at 6 p.m. Chabad of Nashville will hold a communal reading of the Ten Commandments at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 12. It will be followed by a dairy buffet dinner, including blintzes, pastas, pizzas and a special Ten Commandments Ice Cream Party. The entire Rabbis Rice and Schiftan will lead Shavuot community is welcomed, and there is no charge. For more information about Shavuot at Chabad call (615) 646-6750 or visit www.chabadnashville.com. Chabad is located study session on June 11 at 95 Bellevue Road. Rabbi Flip Rice and Rabbi Mark Schiftan will lead a special evening of study and “It is of great importance for every family to attended Synagogue on Shavuot discussion – and dairy treats – to celebrate the holiday of Shavuot. together with their children, to listen to the reading of the Ten Commandments, as The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 11 at the Temple, 5015 the children played a critical role in our receiving the Torah,” said Rabbi Tiechtel. Harding Pike. Afterwards, participants are invited to continue an evening of study at “When G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people, He gave it on the condition that Congregation Sherith Israel and West End Synagogues. the young boys and girls will be the guarantors.” There are a number of explanations for the mitzvah of eating dairy on Shavuot. But the most common is that the Israelites, having just received the Torah and the A Woman’s Circle lunch and learning laws of kashrut, were not yet able to properly preparing beef and poultry, so they ate dairy, said Rabbi Tiechtel. session will be at the home of Marjean Coddon June 5 workshop will focus on floral Rabbi Laurie Rice will lead a casual afternoon of lunch, learning and conversation designs for Shavuot table of A Woman’s Circle on June 17 at the home of Marjean Coddon. Lunch will be from noon to 12:45 p.m. followed by learning and conversation until 2 p.m. According to one midrash, Mount Sinai suddenly bloomed with flowers just The event is free and open to all women, regardless of background. RSVP directly before Moses received the Torah. to Marjean Coddon at [email protected] by June 13 to ensure a spot at the table To herald the holiday of Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Torah, and to get directions. the Jewish Women’s Circle with Chabad of Nashville will hold a one-hour work- shop on the art of flower arrangement with floral designer Perri Crutcher from Oshi Flowers. Crutcher will demonstrate how to create beautiful floral arrangements for Dinner and annual meeting set for June 17 Shavuot that participants can replicate on their own holiday tables. The June 5 workshop begins at 3 p.m. and will be followed by a Shavuot refresh- Congregation Micah will hold its annual meeting on June 17, when members will ment bar and a class on the Book of Ruth led by Esther Tiechtel. The workshop is vote on changes to the bylaws and elect the 2016-2017 board of trustees. free, though those planning to attend are asked to RSVP at www.chabadnashville. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a non-dairy potluck dinner. The congre- com. The first 30 participants to sign up on line will be entered in a raffle to receive gation will provide the main dish and drinks; attendees are asked to bring a non-dairy a bouquet of flowers designed by Crutcher to take home. side that will serve eight to 10 people. The business meeting will be held after dinner. Crutcher, better known as Oshi, returned home to Tennessee after practicing his Following the meeting will be a Shabbat service honoring “Micah Mensches” craft of floral design all over the world – New York, London, Paris and Istanbul. In Faith H. Galbraith and Dr. Robert Smith. It will also pay tribute to outgoing Executive his specialty floral work, Oshi typically uses moss, boxwood and topiary shapes, amid Director Todd Evans. clusters of freshly cut flowers, accented by vintage containers and vases and adorned To ensure a quorum, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP no later than with Oshi’s trademark French ribbon bow. Monday, June 13 to [email protected]. For more information go to www.chabadnashville.com or call (615) 646-5750 Micah participating in Nashville Pride Shavuot Yiskor service will be on June 13 Festival
Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad will hold the Shavuot Yizkor sevice at 11:15 Congregation Micah will participate in the 2016 Nashville Pride Festival on June 25. a.m. Monday, June 13 in the Doochin Sanctuary. Those who cannot attend may The event, which runs from 10a.m.-6 p.m. in Public Square Park downtown, is e-mail the names of loved ones to [email protected]. The names will be sponsored each year by Nashville Pride, a non-profit group aimed at supporting and mentioned during the service. creating awareness of LGBT culture and people in Middle Tennessee. Micah will have Traditionally, the Yizkor memorial prayer is recited in the synagogue four times an information booth at the festival. a year: on the last day of Passover, on the second day of Shavuot, Yom Kippur and Shmini Atzeret. In addition to reciting their names during Yiskor, loved ones also are remembered Wine tasting will follow Shabbat service by lighting a yahrzeit candle or making a charitable contribution. Chai Life Chavurah will hold a wine tasting on Friday, June 24th following the 6 p.m. Shabbat service. For more information contact Ali Friedman Zola by June 20 at [email protected]. Congregational News & Events continued on page 10
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee 80th Annual Meeting at www.jewishnashville.org The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee To access the Community Calendar for the Jewish Wednesday, June 15, 2016 • 9 Sivan 5776 Federation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee go to www.jewishnashville.org PLEASE RSVP to Barbara Schwarcz, Events Coordinator at [email protected] or 615-354-1630 and click on “Calendar.” The Observer June 2016 9 Congregational News & Events
@ West End
Joseph Weil, Jordan Cohen and Shayna Rosenbloom received awards as West End celebrates religious school graduates Joseph Alan Weil is the 2016 recipient of the Nathan David Award, given annually Weil co-leads junior congregation by West End Synagogue to an outstanding student at its religious school, Beit Miriam. twice a month and attends the syna- Weil was presented the award during graduation ceremonies on Saturday, April 30, gogue’s daily minyan every Wednesday 40 years to the day after his mother, Karen Cohen Weil, received it. on the way to school. He is a graduate Two other students – Jordan Nicole Cohen and Shayna Dori Rosenbloom – were of Akiva School and has attended Camp named recipients of the first annual Sandra Klein Goldstein Award for outstanding Ramah Darom for the past seven years community service during the ceremony celebrating the graduation of 11 religious and is going on Ramah Seminar to Israel school students. this summer. Active in BBYO, Joseph Nathan Davis, president of West End Synagogue from 1931 to 1934, was so loved hosted visiting USY teens and attended and respected that he was given the honorary title of president for life in 1935, a year two USY/Kadima conferences this year. before his death at the age of 52. His family established the award in 1936 because The Goldstein award was established Jewish education for the young people of the congregation was his first imperative. in perpetuity by Bernie Goldstein, his Following the death of his son, Morris Davis, in 2005, the award was endowed in per- children, Steven, Ronna and Stewart, petuity with the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. and their children in memory of their It was presented to Weil by Charlotte Davis Seloff, granddaughter of Nathan wife, mother and grandmother, Sandra Davis, who spoke to the religious school students about the importance of Jewish edu- Goldstein, for whom the Jewish values of cation and Jewish community. tzedakah and community service were so “As you graduate from West End Synagogue’s Beit Miriam school tonight and important. go your separate ways, I hope you will remember the importance of staying close to Cohen is a junior at Franklin High Joseph Weil, 2016 Nathan Davis Award the Jewish community,” she said. “It might take the form of a Hillel, Jewish friends, School, where she serves as president recipient with Charlotte Seloff, past president of West End Synagogue and or a synagogue close by. Take with you the protection of your families, your religious of the Animal Awareness Club and has granddaughter of Nathan Davis in school class, your community, the mitzvot and lessons you have learned here and in spearheaded efforts to raise thousands of whose memory this award was estab- your homes.” dollars for local and national organiza- lished in 1936. The Davis award is given to a student who shows excellence in religious studies, tions that care for abused or abandoned leadership abilities, a positive attitude toward Jewish learning, dedication, commit- animals. She is also a regular volunteer at the Williamson County Animal Shelter. ment, honesty, sincerity, a cooperative attitude and respect for others, and involvement “Jordan has a tremendous talent for recruiting, organizing and participating in in youth activities and synagogue affairs. The recipient is chosen by the professional events,” Franklin High English teacher Carol Cottinham wrote in nominating Cohen. staff and teachers. She is a consummate problem solver. She has incredible moral integrity, fortitude and Weil, a sophomore at University School of Nashville, has attended religious school her reliability is unmatched.” at West End since pre-school. As a 7th grader, he received the religious school’s Simon Rosenbloom, a junior at the Ensworth School, was cited for her volunteer work Ghertner Award for excellence in Hebrew. He has read Torah and Haftarah on the with the annual Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon, which raises money for High Holidays every year since becoming a bar mitzvah. This year he learned a chapter Friends of Warner Parks. of the Megillah and read it for the congregation on Purim. “On race day, I can always count on Shayna to step into any job when unforeseen issues arise,” said Diana Bibeau, volunteer coordinator for the Nashville Striders, which coordinates the marathon. “She has taken on the leadership position of encouraging her friends to help out.
Shalom Bab y welcomes parents and their newborn orel newlylcome adopted child into the Nashville Jewish community It acknowledg es that each bir . celebration for the Jewish communityth is a and that the Nashville Jewish community wants to share in this special ev wonderful way f ent. It’s a Joseph Alan Weil (left to right), Talia Sydney Stein, Shayna Dori Rosenbloom, Raquel families, mak or you to meet other Jewish e friends, and nd suppor Aviva Pankowsky, Marin Aliya Kirshner, Boaz Isaac Kelner, Isaac Samuel Eskind, during this special time in y Rebekah Claire Doochin, Jordan Nicole Cohen, Talia Jessica Barton. With them is t Sharon Paz, director of lifelong learning. our life. Shalom Bab y gift bags are families in the Nashville communityavailable to in all which at least one parent is Jewish. The gif bag lled with lled with infant themed gifts, resource inf t organizations, parentingormation inf from local Jewish special off ormation, and ers.
ve recently adopted, or If you are expecting or hhaav know someone who is, please contact .354Renee.1633 Geltzer. at [email protected] or 615 Jordan Nicole Cohen (left) and Shayna Dori Rosenbloom were the winners of the first annual Sandra Klein Goldstein Award for Outstanding Community Service. The award was presented by Steve Goldstein (pictured with Jordan) in memory of his mother, for whom it is named. 10 June 2016 The Observer Shalom Baby ad.indd 1 2/18/2015 2:57:59 PM JUNE 2016
COUPON ISSUE 2016
The Observer June 2016 11 Save MRE with Kroger.com & Our Mobile App
Download the app today!
June Edition - Jewish Observer - 1616
12 June 2016 The Observer $ off! te! $ or more purchase elebra some exclusions apply C BIRTHDAYS, BAR & BAT MITZVAHS, WEDDINGS, BABIES, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN... CELEBRATE ALL OF LIFE’S SPECIAL OCCASIONS! NNUAL ROMOTIONAL ARD ALE A %HQHILWLQJ P %HOOH0HDGH 3ODQWDWLRQC S ! KATY’S IS YOUR DESTINATION FOR ALL THINGS $9LQWDJH$IIDLU PRETTY & PAPER. HE BEST SELECTION OF T Purchase a $150 card for $100. INVITATIONS YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO PURCHASE PROMO CARDS No Phone Orders. Cash, check or major credit cards accepted Promo Cards go on Sale at 7:00 AM IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! $BSETBSFWBMJEGSPN+VMZ UISPVHI+VOF $BSETNBZOPUCFVTFEGPSQSJWBUFEJOJOHPSCBORVFU FWFOUT$BSETNBZOPUCFVTFEGPSUJQQJOHPSDPNCJOFEXJUIBOZPUIFSEJTDPVOUTPSQSPNPUJPOT/PTQMJUDIFDLT &YDMVEFT$SBCMFHTBOEMPCTUFSUBJMT%JOFJOPOMZ2VBOUJUJFTBSFMJNJUFE/PFYDFQUJPOTUPUIFFYQJSBUJPOEBUF .BZOPUCFVTFEXJUIBOZPUIFSEJTDPVOUPSQSPNPUJPOJODMVEJOHIBQQZIPVSPSIBMGQSJDFQSPNPUJPOT
BSale M #1 S CSale S #2 S Monday July , 201 Tuesday July , 201
Arrive Early Quantities Belle Meade Limited 5109 Harding Pk Cool Springs 1/4 mi. west of the 650 Frazier Dr Belle Meade Next toThomasville Plantation Furniture 353-0809 778-9950 KATY’S BELLE MEADE PLAZA 4500 HARDING ROAD NASHVILLE, TN 37205 615.383.1422 WWW.SPERRY S.COM
10% o any 15% o any 10% o any two bottles case of wine high gravity beer of wine.* purchase.* purchase of
*O er o nly v alid a t R ED S pirits & ƫ *O er o nly v alid a t R ED S pirits & ƫ $20.00 or more.* Wine. Coupon must be presented atƫ Wine for any wine purchase of 12ƫ time of purchase and cannot be com- 750ml bottles or 6 1.5L bottles orƫ *ƫ O er o nly v alid a t R ED S pirits & ƫ bined with any other discounts or of- more of non-sale items. Coupon mustƫ Wine for any high gravity beer pur- fers. Coupon not valid on purchasesƫ be presented at time of purchase andƫ chase exceeding $20.00 beforeƫ of gift cards, previous purchases orƫ cannot be combined with any otherƫ taxes. Coupon must be presented atƫ discounted, sale or clearance items.ƫ discounts or o ers. Coupon not validƫ time of purchase and cannot be com- Limit one coupon per customer, perƫ on purchases of gift cards, previousƫ bined with any other discounts or of- visit please. No cash value. Offer ex- purchases or discounted, sale orƫ fers. Coupon not valid on purchasesƫ pires ć/30/201ć. clearance items. Limit one couponƫ of gift cards, previous purchases orƫ per customer, per visit please. Noƫ discounted, sale or clearance items.ƫ cash value. Offer expires ć/30/201ć. Limit one coupon per customer, perƫ visit please. No cash value. Offer ex- pires ć/30/201ć.
615.646.1400
The Observer June 2016 13 TRANSITION SERVICES Redefining Living Solutions for Aging
Design and Renovation Move Management Downsizing and Organizing Sara Beth Warne • 615.330.9918 www.AgingInPlaceServices.net
80th Annual Meeting Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee at www.jewishnashville.org
14 June 2016 The Observer %HOOHYXH (\HFDUH&HQWHU
2)) *ODVVHV Choose Your Oer: +Z\66WH 1DVKYLOOH71 $1 OFF ANY SANDWICH $2 OFF ANY MEAT PLATE 1RWYDOLGZLWKYLVLRQSODQVRUQRQ5;VXQJODVVHV $3 OFF ANY FAMILY PACK Not valid with any other oer. Limit 2. Expires 12/31/2016.
OPEN DAILY 11:00 am to 9:00 pm ______70 White Bridge Road (Behind Dalts)
(615) 942-0660 Specializing in Brisket WE DELIVER [email protected]
$100 off any banquet room rental Laurel through February 28, 2017 & Leaf with this coupon Elegant oral and gift New Nashville Floral Boutique personally and professionally familiar with Jewish holidays and life cycle events. European style flower and gift boutique in Bellevue, TN in the Shoppes on the Harpeth (neighboring Brewhouse 100, Jollifrogs and Nachos) - Full service florist - Free consultation - Delivery available - Florals for any size event 8080A Highway 100, Nashville, TN - Unique, premium floral materials, distinctive designer vessels 615-457-3425 - Personal friendly service www.lauralandleaf.com - Meticulous attention to detail Member of Micah
Great Selection of Kosher Wines 7KH:LQH&HOODURI%HOOH0HDGH3OD]D .QRZOHGJDEOH+HOSIXO6WDII :LQH6SLULWV&RUGLDOV%HHUHWF Conveniently located next to Kroger - Down in the Heart of Belle Meade Plaza +DUGLQJ3LNH 1DVKYLOOH71 BELLE MEADE WINE & SPIRITS The Observer June 2016 15 Though we can’t know the stories of all the 6 million, “we are obligated … to learn just one more”
By CHARLES BERNSEN Michael Samis played the cello. Korazim, herself the child of survi- he featured speak- vors, closed her remarks by recalling an er at Nashville’s annual incident that demonstrates the hubris community-wide Yom of those who feel they know about the Hashoah ceremony last Holocaust and the lives it destroyed or month was Israeli schol- changed forever. ar Rachel Korazim, who For years, she had been fascinated Tbegan her remarks by asking the 300 or by an old black-and-white photo taken so people in attendance if they could before the war of her mother, then a name any the six million Jews who teenager, wearing an elegant evening died in the Holocaust. It’s an exer- gown and sash. It was not until a few cise she has done with hundreds of years before her mother’s death that audiences, and the result this time was Korazim learned that the gown was not the same as it always is: Except for a white as she had always thought but few family members, the only names rather pink. And the sash was not black cited were a handful of famous victims but rather deep blue. like diarist Anne Frank and Hungarian- “We don’t know everything about born poet and war hero Hannah Szenes. the Holocaust and its victims,” she said. The exercise is designed to teach Before the ceremony, Israeli educator Rachel Korazim discussed Holocaust poetry “We can always learn something more.” • with religious school students who participated in the event. (Photos by Rick Malkin) a lesson that has guided Korazim’s approach to Holocaust education for the microphone and recited the name of a past three decades. child who died in the Holocaust, along “We will never be able to know all with their ages and where they had lived. of the six million stories,” she said. “But The ceremony, sponsored by the we are obligated make the effort to learn Community Relations Committee just one more.” of the Jewish Federation of Nashville In keeping with that obligation, a and Middle Tennessee, was held at the new wrinkle was added to this year’s Gordon Jewish Community Center. It Holocaust remembrance ceremony: In was led by Rabbi Mark Schiftan with addition to a traditional candle-lighting readings by Rabbis Laurie Rice and ceremony by survivors and their families, Yitzchok Tiechtel and by Emily May. more than 70 students from congrega- Rabbi Saul Strosberg recited El Malei tional religious schools, each carrying Rachamim and Rabbi Joshua Kullock a small candle, walked one by one to a led the reading of the Shoah Kaddish.
Survivor Menachem Limor (right) with his great granddaughter, Clementine Hyatt; granddaughter, Sharone Hyatt; daughter, Miri Limor and wife, Lea Limor.
Elliot Nahmias, a seventh-grader Montgomery Bell Academy, was one of 70 religious school students who participated in the Yom Hashoah ceremony.
Survivor Sally Walkoff (center) with Faye Serkin (left) and Shirley Speyer.
Upcoming Issues of the Observer July – Back to School August – All Things Seniors September – Entertainment & Dining Out October – Rosh Hashanah Novemeber – Travel & Leisure December – Chanukah
16 June 2016 The Observer In new movie, Rabin narrates his own life story By CURT SCHLEIER tions with crowds calling Rabin a savior The Jewish Telegraphic Agency for his efforts to bring peace, along with protests deeming him a murderer because he move “Rabin in his Palestinian violence erupted after one of Own Words,” which his initiatives. opened last month in Rabin remained true to his beliefs. New York, Los Angeles “You don’t make peace with friends,” and South Florida, is he said. “You make it with very unsavory more than a tribute to the enemies.” Ttwo-time Israeli prime minister gunned As early as 1973 he worked to return down by a countryman in 1995. the Sinai to Egypt, something he said Using archival footage going back “brought us much closer to peace.” A to his childhood, the aptly named cin- few years later Rabin urged returning ematic biography is entirely narrated by the West Bank to Jordan. And he con- Yitzhak Rabin himself. sistently spoke out against settlements Filmmaker Erez Laufer, 53, designed in the administered territories, which he it that way because “I got tired of hear- considered “a grave mistake [that] did ing people analyzing him, people talking nothing but undermine peace efforts.” about him, both from admirers and peo- He was an architect of the Israel- ple who didn’t. For me, the message Jordan peace treaty and of course shared of the film is you can kill someone, but the Nobel Peace Prize for his participa- his voice lives on.” Yitzhak Rabin and his wife, Leah, in 1968. (Photo courtesy of the Israel Government Press Office) tion in the Oslo Accords. It was the In an interview via FaceTime from latter that precipitated his assassination his home in Tel Aviv a block from Rabin Rabin was born in Jerusalem in United States, several Cabinet posts and by an Orthodox Jew who objected to Square, Laufer explained that he grew 1922. His father, who came to Israel two stints as prime minister. the agreement. up near the Kadoorie Agricultural High from Ukraine via the United States, One of the most interesting reve- “Rabin” is a complete and reason- School, the iconic institution in north- died when he was young. He was raised lations of the film is how contentious ably balanced account of an important ern Israel where Rabin graduated. by his strict mother, Rose, from Belarus, Israeli politics were, especially when it life. The only thing it can’t offer is what “I always had, it’s very hard for me who was a highly regarded labor leader. came to a figure as polarizing as Rabin. the Middle East might be like if he were to find the word” a “fascination [with In 1941, Rabin joined the Palmach, The film shows footage of demonstra- alive today. • Rabin] or [been a] political supporter of the commando unit of the Haganah, his vision,” Laufer said. the prestate defense force, and helped From start to finish, the film took the British invade Lebanon during only a year, as Laufer wanted to screen World War II. He then fought in the it in Israel by November 2015, the 20th Israeli War of Independence in 1948. anniversary of Rabin’s assassination. Rabin stayed in the military, was Though the film was rushed, its quality named chief of staff in 1964, and did not suffer. It eloquently captures the three years later led the Israel Defense two sides of Rabin — the fierce warrior Forces to victory in the Six-Day War. and the dedicated peacenik who fought From there he served in a variety of for a two-state solution. jobs, including ambassador to the
As the years slip by, Don’t let your personal finances slip by too. ,I\RXGHYHORSDFKURQLFLOOQHVVUHTXLULQJORQJWHUPFDUHKRZZLOO\RXNHHSIURP ORVLQJZKDW\RX·YHZRUNHGDOLIHWLPHWRDFFXPXODWH"
$&RPSUHKHQVLYH(VWDWHDQG$VVHW3URWHFWLRQ3ODQIURP(OGHU /DZ3UDFWLFHRI7LPRWK\/7DNDFVGHOLYHUVWKHSHDFHRIPLQGWKDW 80th Annual Meeting FRPHVIURPNQRZLQJWKDW\RXUOHJDOILQDQFLDODQGSHUVRQDOFDUHZLOO EHPDQDJHGDFFRUGLQJWR\RXUZLVKHV:HFDQKHOS\RXSUHVHUYH TXDOLW\RIOLIHDQGIDPLO\ZHDOWKIRUJHQHUDWLRQVWRFRPH The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation $WWRUQH\V7LPRWK\/7DNDFVDQG of Nashville & Middle Tennessee %DUEDUD%RRQH0F*LQQLV Wednesday, June 15, 2016 • 9 Sivan 5776
7:00pm • Gordon Jewish Community Center All members of the community are invited to attend. 7ROO)UHH )DPLO\:HEVLWH ZZZWQHOGHUODZFRP 3URIHVVLRQDO(GXFDWLRQ:HEVLWH ZZZHOGHUODZHGXFDWLRQFRP PLEASE RSVP to Barbara Schwarcz, Events Coordinator at [email protected] or 615-354-1630 (VWDWH3ODQQLQJ_$VVHW3URWHFWLRQ_/LIH&DUH3ODQQLQJ_(OGHU/DZ_&DUH&RRUGLQDWLRQ The Observer June 2016 17 Jewish teenagers want to engage. Just ask them By DAVID BRYFMAN Project led major research to learn about opportunities to have fun, socialize Jewish Teens, held during the BBYO Jewish teens by talking to Jewish teens. and be with friends are especially International Convention in February, NEW YORK (JTA) — Welcoming We heard directly from them about attractive. teens welcomed the invitation to take a teens into Jewish life is one of the most their lives, their views on spirituality, • While many teens still see Judaism as place on the stage and at the table with important and challenging endeavors their ambitions, their fears, their feel- a religion, many more relate to being philanthropists, lay leaders, professionals of the Jewish community. The rapid ings toward friends and family, how Jewish in language commonly associ- and others — to network with these indi- decline in teen engagement in Jewish they form their identities and more. ated with ethnicity, culture, heritage viduals, to learn from one another, and to life post-b’nai mitzvah is well-document- We’ve compiled and analyzed the find- or tribal affiliation. share and hear about the latest develop- ed and depressing. It’s also an entirely ings into a new report, Generation • Being a minority group in the is ments in Jewish teen engagement. reversible trend, but only if the Jewish Now: Understanding and Engaging something that many U.S. Jewish Every community is different, with community approaches teen engagement Jewish Teens Today. (Read the report teens highly value and feel pride in, differences within each community in a new way — one that recognizes the at http://www.jewishedproject.org/gen- but they do not view themselves as itself. A “cookie cutter” approach to whole teen and values her or him as an erationnow.) being special for this reason. In fact, programming would inevitably fail. Yet equal partner in creating experiences The report is a wake-up call to many Jewish teens enjoy involving Generation Now offers recommendations that add meaning to her or his life. organizations or individuals who want non-Jewish friends in “Jewish activi- for all communities to bear in mind. In general, today’s Jewish teens (like to engage Jewish teens. Our communi- ties.” Effective initiatives will engage teens non-Jewish teens) are deeply thought- ty needs to work with teens to create • Jewish teens often are both uni- intellectually, physically and socially; ful, inquisitive and ambitious. Also like experiences that address all aspects of versalists and particularists. Their will offer something that teens want to their peers, they can be narcissistic and their lives. orientation is fluid and depends on share with friends; will be demonstrably attached to technology. Most teens are Just a few insights from Generation their environment. As an example, applicable to teens’ lives; will help to vastly different than a generation ago Now show the depth of Jewish teens “doing good” is an important value develop skills; will help teens feel proud and in many ways different than a decade today: but seldom seen as a Jewish value. of being Jewish; will help teens be better ago. These changes are due in large part • Jewish teens want programs of sub- • During major holidays, teens appre- citizens of the world; and/or will help to the changing world, the central role stance that add value to some facet ciate time to bond with immediate teens make the world a better place. of technology and the nearly endless of their life. Teens are most likely to family, visit extended family and Changes in teen engagement will opportunities for personal customization find Jewish knowledge meaningful enjoy family traditions, particular- come from existing organizations that a click away. when they see the connections and ly around “traditional” foods. Most can adapt and do things differently, and We know this because over the relevance to the rest of their lives. teens enjoy spending time with their from the creation of new organizations last 2 ½ years, The Jewish Education Programs that blend this value with parents. ready to engage 21st century Jewish teens. The challenge now is to take the Together with teens, we can make report’s insights and have them inform Jewish experiences a meaningful and our community’s approach to Jewish central part of their lives. • Make Your Mother Happy... teen education and engagement. We Eat and Enjoy!!! must move beyond thinking about teens David Bryfman, Ph.D., is the chief as passive recipients of Jewish learn- innovation officer at The Jewish Education ing experiences. Instead, we must begin Project, which is a beneficiary agency of designing initiatives and programs with UJA Federation of New York. Generation 'LQH,Q&DUU\2XW Jewish teens, for Jewish teens. Now was commissioned by the Jim Joseph &DWHULQJJ Many teens are ready to lead now Foundation, Lippman Kanfer Foundation and want to have skin in the game. They for Living Torah, the Charles and Lynn are the most effective people to engage Schusterman Family Foundation and The (((As Voted by readers of the Nashville Sceene)))ne))) their peers. At the recent Summit on Marcus Foundation. s ST 0LACE "EST "REAKFAST s 6OTED Best Deli FOR YEARS s ND 0LACE Best Bloody Mary 2016-17SEASON s ND 0LACE "EST 0LACE TO $INE !LONENE s Best Kids Menu s 7RITERS #HOICE "EST #HOCOLATE 3HAKHAKE
Presented by Presented by (ILLSBORO #IRCLE s September 9-18, 2016 October 18-23, 2016 January 24-29, 2017 Nashville Intl Airport [A|B Terminal] s ./3( www.noshville.com
“I’ve been very happy with the results Feebbruuaryy 14-19, 2017 March 21-26, 2017 April 25-30, 2017 of advertising in the Observer.” See all Dr. Jim Kirkconnell 8 Shows for as little as Bellevue Eye Center $180.50 May 23-28, 2017 June 27—July 2, 2017 TPAC.ORGBroadway • TPAC Box Office • Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060 To access the Community Calendar, Broadway Series go to www.jewishnashville.org sponsored by
and click on “Calendar.” Event, date, time, guest artist, and repertoire are subject to change. Some shows contain mature content. TPAC.org is the official online source for buying tickets to TPAC events.
18 June 2016 The Observer World and National Briefs in France in 2015, according to French Conservative police, a drop from the 850 in 2014 when the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza occurred Rabbinical during the summer. France is home to about 500,000 Assembly elects Jews. first Canadian president Citing bathroom The Rabbinical Assembly, the inter- law, Perlman national association of Conservative cancels North rabbis, has elected its first Canadian president. Carolina concert Rabbi Philip Scheim, who has led Beth David Congregation in Toronto Itzhak Perlman, the acclaimed since 1984, was was installed on May 22 Israeli-born violinist, canceled a concert at an event in New York. last month with the North Carolina Scheim succeeds Rabbi William Symphony over the state’s controversial Gershon of Dallas, who took a leave of transgender bathroom law. absence last month for the final weeks Perlman announced he was cancel- of his two-year term as after resigning as ing 24 hours before he was due to perform Chanan Weissman, center, speaking with Jewish Federations of North America rabbi of his synagogue, citing questions Washington director William Daroff, right, and Jordan Hirsch. (Photo by Ron Sachs from CNP/ in the state capital, Raleigh, on May 18. about his sexual identity and apparent Courtesy of Jewish Insider) “As my fans know, I have spent a marital infidelity. lifetime advocating against discrimina- Scheim, who was ordained by the White House tion towards those with physical disabil- Jewish Theological Seminary in 1981, has ities and have been a vocal advocate for served on the movement’s Committee of names new Jewish treating all people equally,” he wrote. “As Jewish Law and Standards and been deeply liaison who has such, after great consideration, I have involved in Canadian pro-Israel activism. decided to cancel my May 18th con- “He has emphasized the connection experience fighting cert in North Carolina with the North between his congregation and the State anti-Semitism Carolina Symphony as a stand against of Israel, and the importance of reflect- House Bill 2.” ing and exemplifying Canadian values The law passed in March requires The White House named as its new in all of its congregants’ endeavors,” the that one use the bathroom according Rabbinical Assembly said this week in a Jewish liaison a former State Department to the gender on a person’s birth cer- staffer who worked to combat anti-Semi- statement. tificate. Perlman’s action followed the The Rabbinical Assembly, which tism worldwide. cancellation last month of concerts by Chanan Weissman, formerly the was founded in 1901, encompasses Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr and sev- the Conservative movement in North spokesman for the Bureau of Democracy, eral other big-name artists over the legis- Human Rights and Labor, worked there America and its affiliated Masorti move- lation. The Cirque du Soleil circus also ment overseas. • with Ira Forman, the envoy combating canceled several shows, and some sched- anti-Semitism. Yvan Attal (Photo by Francois Durand/Getty Images) uled conventions have pulled out of the Compiled with reports from the Jewish Weissman, 32, replaces Matt state as well. Nosanchuk, who stepped down in March satirize rising anti-Semitism in France. Telegraphic Agency after nearly three years on the job. The film will star Yvan Attal, “It’s a personal and professional an Israeli-born actor who starred in honor of a lifetime to serve a president “Munich,” Steven Spielberg’s 2005 film I so deeply admire and to work with a about the massacre of Israeli Olympians 8LI3FWIVZIV·W%RRYEP community I so intimately and proudly at the 1972 Munich Games and the Israeli identify with,” Weissman said in a state- response, according to the news ser- ment sent to JTA by the White House. vice AFP. The French actress Charlotte “I’m looking forward to working with Gainsbourg will co-star. Jewish community leaders and lay people “They are Everywhere,” whose &EGO8S7GLSSP across the country in the months ahead.” English title is “The Jews,” is produced Weissman, a graduate of the School by Wild Bunch Films. It’s about a Jewish of Foreign Service at Georgetown man who begins therapy due to ris- University, has also worked at the ing anti-Semitism in France. The plot -WWYI Pentagon on Middle East issues. switches between Attal’s character at He is from Baltimore, where he therapy sessions and anti-Semitic inci- graduated from Beth Tfiloh, a Jewish dents on the street. MW'SQMRK.YP] community day school. Attal said he has experienced P^pbee[^ab`aeb`ambg`[Z\dmhl\ahhe Nosanchuk is now at the State anti-Semitism in France, mostly related ikh]n\ml%l^kob\^lZg]l\ahhel' Department, in the Office of Religion to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. and Global Affairs, where he works “I was called a ‘dirty Jew’ at school on engaging faith communities and the and later I have come up against dif- Li^\bZeh__^kpa^grhnZ]o^kmbl^ U.S.-Israel relationship. ferent kinds of anti-Semitism which *(1iZ`^Z]hkeZk`^k Jewish Insider first report- marked me out as Jewish,” Attal told :ehg`pbmarhnkZ]%l^g] ed Weissman’s appointment. AFP. “Most of all it is because of the nimh+.)phk]lab`aeb`ambg` Israel-Palestinian conflict. People say, rhnk[nlbg^ll_hkbg\enlbhg ‘You give us such trouble.’ And I say to French film them, ‘Who is the ‘you’?’” bgma^^]bmhkbZel^\mbhg will satirize Anti-Semitism has been rising in h_mablli^\bZeblln^ anti-Semitism France for more than a decade. Last year, terrorists killed four Jews in a siege =^Z]ebg^_hkZ]lblCng^*.%+)*/ at a kosher supermarket outside Paris. The French film “They Are The Observer June 2016 19 Life in Israel The magic of the Old City By LIBBY WERTHAN Israel was created. A place of refuge for Holy City, all wanting this strip of land sometimes smooth, Jerusalem stone has all the surviving European and Middle with its holy center. the unique ability to change colors, from ne of the most frequent Eastern Jews who had been turned away So we wanted to live there. We fig- rosy pink to brilliant gold, to dusty beige questions we are asked by so many countries, including our ured we would give it six months and see and back again according to the time is: Why did you do it? own. It was important to me that Israel what happened. What happened is we of day and light. There are few trees Why did you leave your work, that it be successful. While hav- stayed 25 years. in the Old City, and I do not recall a successful life and your ing a safe place to go was most import- We rented our first apartment within blade of grass (We longed for the smell family in Nashville and ant, I also felt that Judaism was the the walls of the Old City. Four flights up of Nashville’s fresh mown lawns – funny Omove to Israel? glue that had held the Jewish people with no elevator (we were much younger what you miss). The answer is com- together through all the centuries and then). Because of the scarcity of space, There is no rain in Jerusalem from plicated and I have hardships and that it must be fostered apartments in the Old City were very late April until late September, which wrestled with it for a as well. compact. Not a single inch was wasted. works well for outdoor events. It is not long time. Possible So we become involved in that Our apartment was owned by a couple muggy or buggy so Israelis love being out- answers could be: We enterprise – by donating, speaking, living abroad for the year and was fully side. Sidewalk cafes abound, parks are full. visited and we loved chairing, raising funds, and visiting. And furnished. We lived in the Jewish Quarter. While the Old City teems with vari- it; we were ready for a Libby through all that emerged a need to be The other three quarters were Muslim, ety, ethnicity, and spiritually, its charm change; we were becom- Werthan there, to be an active participant. Christian and Armenian. Each had its would be lost with supermarkets, full ing more observant and And the powerful magnetism of the particular character, distinctive shops, service pharmacies, medical clinics and that fit into the lifestyle we were adopt- city of Jerusalem drew us in. Jerusalem ethnic garb, even different food smells. tablecloth restaurants. For those things ing. All those answers were true, but it is a city like no other – historically, With us was our 17-year-old son, we had to trek into downtown Jerusalem. goes much deeper than that. sociologically, politically, and most of Jeremy. The very first morning, hyped I say trek because while we lived in the Moshe and I were born in 1937. all spiritually. Jerusalem is not just old; by jet lag, we woke before dawn. It was Old City, we did not have a car. We We were World War II babies. While it is ancient. Abraham brought Isaac up misty and cold. Clad in pajamas and most often walked or took the skinny we grew up comfortably in Nashville, to Mount Moriah to sacrifice him, and raincoats, we climbed up to the roof. number 38 bus, skinny because it had to millions like us were being systematically we were going to live on Mount Moriah. We heard the muezzins call to prayer maneuver narrow tunnels and roadways. destroyed. I grew up feeling an affinity King David’s palace had been nearby. over the loud speakers, the church bells You do not live in such a place and not with those murdered children and a We could see where the great Temple ring, the young men in the yeshiva down be changed. More about that next time. • responsibility to carry forward where had stood from our roof top garden. below begin Shacharit. To paraphrase they could not, to make sure that Hitler Jerusalem, where centuries of bat- Dorothy’s words to Toto, we knew we Libby Werthan and her husband, Moshe, did not wipe out the Jewish people. tles had been waged and so much blood weren’t in Nashville anymore. lived in Israel for 25 years before returning in Most of my life has been colored by that had been spilled – Jews, Christians, The Old City is all stone, Jerusalem 2014 to their native Nashville. “Life in Israel” responsibility. Muslims, Romans, Assyrians and many stone. Stone buildings, stone pathways, is a regular column about what it was like I was 10 when the modern State of more, all vying for possession of the stone plazas. Sometimes rough hewn, living in the Jewish homeland. News from the GJCC kicks off Members will elect Tour of Jewish Jhonda Johnston is joining the department as assistant aquatics director summer with annual board and officers Nashville set for for programming. Johnson has extensive experience teaching children and adults open house, summer at June 5 annual June 26 to swim, and she has led swim programs at Vanderbilt University, the Tampa YMCA memberships meeting The GJCC is offering a bus tour of and several schools in New York. She Jewish Nashville that will be led by Jean The Gordon Jewish Community The Gordon Jewish Community graduated from Vanderbilt and received Roseman, author of Shalom Nashville. Center will kick off the summer with a Center will hold its annual meeting her masters from Columbia University. The tour, part of the GJCC’s cook-out, giveaways, DJ and more at its Johnson is both a runner and a writer. from 10:30 a.m.-noon on Sunday, June Nourish Your Mind Series, will be annual Open House and Membership “Jhonda brings a fresh perspective to 5 in the facility’s board room. Members on Sunday, June 26. The cost, which Appreciation Day from noon-4 p.m. on our swim program and we look forward to will vote on a proposed slate of officers includes lunch, is $25 for members and Sunday, June 5. Prospective members are building our group swim lesson program and board members for the 2016-2017 $36 for non-members. encouraged to attend. under her direction. We are thrilled to fiscal year. For more information contact Alex As it has in the past, the GJCC welcome Jhonda to the Gordon JCC.” Officers nominated for a second one- Leff at (615) 354-1623 or alex@nash- will be offering summer memberships year term are President Carla Rosenthal, villejcc.org. that run from Memorial Day weekend President-elect Frank Gordon, Vice through Labor Day and include use of President Raymond Jacobs, Treasurer Work of photography the entire facility, indoors and out. Rachel Kraft Johnson, Secretary Rhonda Aquatics restricting group on display at Outdoor facilities at the GJCC Wernick and Past President David Lewis. include a saltwater pool, playground, Amy Goldstein, Evan Nahmias, to optimize GJCC in June tetherball, sand volleyball court, shaded Laurel Orley and Afshin Yazdian are programming baby pool, and locker rooms with show- nominated for a first three-year term The Gordon Jewish Community Center’s June art exhibits will feature the ers. The indoor facilities includes a full while Sara Melamed is nominated for a The Gordon Jewish Community work of the SNAP photography group. fitness center, indoor saltwater pool, second three-year term. Center is restructuring its Aquatics SNAP (The Society for Nashville’s gyms for basketball and racquetball, Continuing board members include Department under the leadership of Artistic Photographers) is an informal group group exercise classes, personal training Erin Coleman, Lauren Cooper, Beth Director Daniel Christmas to optimize that seeks to foster artistic growth through packages, indoor track, complimentary Ducklo, Jamie Eskind. Gil Fox III, programming, GJCC Executive Director dialog, insightful criticism and feedback. childcare, senior and adult programs, art Cindee Gold, David Heller, Dick Krebs, Leslie Sax said. Work from its members will be featured in shows and galleries. Ilsa Krivcher, Bernie Pargh, Jessica Josh Hall has been promoted to assis- all three GJCC galleries from June 1-31. Call (615) 356-7170 for more infor- Pinsly, Leeron Resnick, Patricia Straus, tant aquatics director for operations. Aa The reception for the artists will mation and summer membership rates. Alyssa Trachtman and Jack Zigelsky. favorite coach of the TigerSharks and USA be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sharks, he will continue to coach the swim June 8 from at the GJCC, 801 Percy teams this summer and will transition in the Warner Blvd. There will be live music fall to taking greater responsibility for the by DJ Spun Counterguy along with Learn more about the lifeguard scheduling and training, as well as complimentary food and wine. For overall pool maintenance. Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee more information, contact the GJCC “As a Certified Pool Operator and at (615) 354-1699, Curator Carrie at www.jewishnashville.org Certified Lifeguard Instructor, we feel Mills at [email protected], or go that Josh brings a tremendous skill set and to www.nashvillejcc.org. • dedication to this position,” Sax said. 20 June 2016 The Observer Opinion Is a “holy” divorce possible? A conversation between a lawyer and a Jewish studies scholar isa B. Forberg: In the hurt or betrayal. United States, getting Forberg: The current ability to Editor’s Note: Fifty percent of first marriages in the United States end in divorce, and divorced, unlike getting mar- divorce in all 50 states on the basis of second marriages have a sixty percent divorce rate. This means that “happily ever after” is ried, is a purely secular, legal “irreconcilable differences” helps people difficult to achieve for more than half of U.S. couples getting married today. A high-con- process for most people. Yet settle their disputes privately and peace- flict divorce can cause long-term damage to families. In this piece, the authors discuss how many religious communities fully. Yet I find that the betrayed spouse, the choice of a more peaceful divorce process might align with Jewish thought. Amy-Jill Ldiscourage divorce, and some regard it as along with his or her friends and family, Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies, E. Rhodes and unholy, no matter what process is used. often wish to punish the “cheater” and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of New Testament Studies and Professor of Jewish Studies As a result, most people – once they seek to do so through a contentious at the Divinity School and College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University. Lisa B. believe that a divorce is necessary or court battle. Were adulterers punished in Forberg is a Nashville-area Collaborative Family Law Attorney who works with clients inevitable – have few religious guideposts biblical times? willing to engage in alternatives to litigation. She is a member of the Middle Tennessee for moving forward productively. Most Levine: Lev. 20:10 states, “If a man Collaborative Alliance. divorcing couples turn to the courts, and commits adultery with the wife of his so to litigation, to resolve their differenc- neighbor, both the adulterer and the es. Yet litigation often adds more conflict adulteress shall be put to death.” While in a public court room and in the public and stress to the situation, potentially the scriptures thus make adultery a cap- record. What do biblical stories tell us Submisson Policy causing long-term damage both to the ital offense, there are no cases of this about publicly judging the spouses in a The Observer accepts original opin- divorcing couple and to their children. punishment ever carried out in the text. failed marriage? ion pieces and letters from Nashville Perhaps there is wisdom in the Bible To the contrary, several instances of adul- Levine: The Bible should not be area residents on topics of interest that might encourage divorcing couples tery, including Reuben’s adultery with his used as an answer book that resolves to the Jewish community as long to summon compassion rather than ran- father’s wife Bilhah, David’s adultery with every problem with a single answer; it as they have not been published or cor and vindication as they begin the Bathsheba, and Gomer’s adultery while is rather a book better read as one that submitted for publication elsewhere. divorce process. she was married to the prophet Hosea, do helps us ask the right questions and shows Submissions should be sent by the Amy-Jill Levine: The Bible insists not result in the death of either party. us how to live righteously. Biblical stories 15th of the month prior to publi- that all human beings are in the image Forberg: Unfortunately today’s of infidelity remind us that we readers cation to Editor Charles Bernsen at and likeness of the divine (Genesis adversarial divorce process can be a form do not know all of the facts: did David [email protected] or 801 1.26). That divine stamp also applies to of punishment that is both counter-pro- seduce Bathsheba, or did she seduce him, Percy Warner, Suite 102, Nashville the spouse, once loved and now despised. ductive and often destructive. It is typi- or was she raped? Was she married to an 37205. The Observer reserves the We recognize our common humanity; we cally a painful process that involves one abusive man? Since we do not know the right edit all submissions for clarity, do not demonize others and take away or both of the divorcing parties making details of either the marriage or the adul- length and style. their humanity, no matter the depth of exaggerated allegations against the other tery, we are not in a position to judge. • “Cut Out This Puzzle” By: Yoni Glatt, [email protected] • Difficulty Level: Easy • Solution on page 22 63. Some West Bank locales Across 64. “Indeed”$FURVV 1. Like a red heifer /LNHDUHGKHLIHU 5. Actress Fisher 65. A Jewish Friend $FWUHVV)LVKHU 9. David beating Goliath, e.g. 66. Was a ganef 67. Biblical 'DYLGEHDWLQJ*ROLDWK plot 14. Bills in America but not Israel 15. Like Haman 68. SourceHJ of Israeli news Down 16. Optimus in Bay’s sci-fi films %LOOVLQ$PHULFDEXWQRW 17. Kinsler’s RBIs, e.g. Down,VUDHO 18. Locked (up), like those in 1. ___ Hashana/LNH+DPDQ 2. Chip that can’t be kosher? Buchenwald 2SWLPXVLQ%D\ VVFLIL 3. What Abraham did to young Lot 19. Like the tale of the Golem ILOPV 4. Makeup’s Lauder 20. Part I of a helpful suggestion this .LQVOHU V5%,VHJ time of year 5. Made like Iron Dome missiles 6. Samuel,/RFNHG XS OLNHWKRVH for one 23. Cousin of Seinfeld’s “yadda-yadda- LQ%XFKHQZDOG yadda” 7. Lois created by Shuster and Siegel /LNHWKHWDOHRIWKH 24. Julia’s “Veep” co-star Chlumsky 8. Paul Rudd superhero *ROHP 25. Kilmer who played Moses 9. Donald and Ivanka’s alma mater 28. Go to (Bar Ilan) 10. 1987 3DUW,RIDKHOSIXOJoel Silver produced 31. Period at Bar Ilan SchwarzeneggerVXJJHVWLRQWKLVWLPHRI\HDU hit 35. SodaStream’s was $20 on the NASDAQ 11. Kingly&RXVLQRI6HLQIHOG V title not used for Jewish kings 36. Do kriah 12. Arab\DGGD\DGGD\DGGD ruler 37. Event where Borat sang the 13. Sukkot-XOLD V9HHSFRVWDU requirement? Kazakhstani anthem 21. Big&KOXPVN no-no \for a synagogue 22. Like Bernie Sanders before he 38. Part II .LOPHUZKRSOD\HG became a dem. 42. ___ bet (like picking Casspi to beat 0RVHV Obama in a one on one) 25. Needs to get into Israel 26. Strike*RWR %DU,ODQ ___ (what Rafaeli and 43. Mrs. Netanyahu 3HULRGDW%DU,ODQ 44. Name with mori? Ginzburg do) 45. Freudian concern 27. Jonathan6RGD6WUHDP V to David, ZDVe.g. 46. Divided land like Joshua 29. “TheRQWKH1$6'$4 ___ of Steve” 48. One on the court with Maccabi Tel (2000 Jenniphr'RNULDK Goodman film) Aviv 30. Dadaist(YHQWZKHUH%RUDWVDQJ Max hunted by the Nazis 40. Forbidden ink, in Judaism 54. Cookie that went kosher in 1998 49. “Young Frankenstein” role 32. FirstWKH.D]DNKVWDQLDQWKHP name of “The Monkey’s Paw” 41. Many a new student at Stern 55. Like many Jewish practices (Abbr.) 51. Michal to Yonatan, for short scribe3DUW,, :DVDJDQHICollege %LJQRQRIRUD 56. Bit of work0DU\ VERVVRQ7KH for Spielberg 33. Christopher in Donner’s “Superman” 46. Mary’s boss on “TheV\QDJRJXH Mary Tyler 57. It must0DU\ be 7\OHUseen 0for RRUHprayer6KRZ once a 53. Part III (make sure to put this puzzle BBBEHW OLNHSLFNLQJ %LEOLFDOSORW 34. Recurring theme for Gershwin or Moore Show” month in a place you’ll see every day) &DVVSLWREHDW2EDPDLQD 6RXUFHRI,VUDHOLQHZV /LNH%HUQLH6DQGHUV /LNHPDQ\DV\QDJRJXH Berlin 47. Like many a synagogue on Shavuot 58. “Anything ___” (2003 Woody Allen 60. Puzo who created the character of RQHRQRQH EHIRUHKHEHFDPHDGHP RQ6KDYXRW 37. One of Matisyahu’s crew 'RZQ 50. Kosher bird movie) Moe Greene 0UV1HWDQ\DKX 1HHGVWRJHWLQWR,VUDHO .RVKHUELUG 61. Paddan ___ 39. Ron Dermer, ____ representative ofBBB +DVKDQ52. YomD Kippur feeling, ideally 59. It’s what Shabbat is for 1DPHZLWKPRUL" 6WULNHBBB ZKDW