the Jewish bserver Yom Hashoah: Lest We Forget inside: Local survivor to speak at play marking NowGen Purim Ball was a 75th anniversary of Kindertransport smash 5 By CHARLES BERNSEN Social Action Seder one of special guest will be many communal Passover in attendance this events 8 month when the Nashville Jewish “Jewish Jordan” will be in community com- Nashville for the Women’s memorates the AHolocaust with a performance of NCCA Final Four 16 “My Heart in a Suitcase,” a play about the Kindertransport mission Election as AZA grand aleph that rescued thousands of Jewish godol means “new normal” children from Nazi-occupied terri- tories just before the outbreak of for Nashville’s Sam Perlen 18 World War II. Herbert Kornguth was one of Regular features those children. Now 82 and living in Crossville TN, Kornguth will discuss The Rabbis’ Corner 20 his Kindertransport experience fol- In this emotional scene from “My Heart in a Suitcase,” two parents wave good-bye to Opinion 20 lowing the performance of “Heart,” their daughter as a Kindertransport train pulls out of Berlin.” COURTESY OF ARTSPOWER. Lifecycles 21 which is scheduled for 10 a.m. staged in cooperation with the city’s Federation of Nashville and Middle Sunday, April 27 at the Gordon five synagogues, which will send their Tennessee, the Yom Hashoah com- Around the town 22 Jewish Community Center. religious schools to see the perform- memoration will also include a serv- “Heart” is part of the Nashville ance. The entire community is invit- ice conducted by the community’s community’s official observance of ed, including children in the sixth rabbis and the traditional candle- Yom Hashoah, the day on which Jews grade or older. Childcare will be pro- lighting by Holocaust survivors. around the world remember the vided for younger children. Among them will be Kornguth, HOME & GARDEN PAGE 11 Holocaust and its victims. It is being Underwritten by the Jewish Continued on page 6 Auschwitz photos will be subject of music, dance performance at Akiva By CHARLES BERNSEN Paul Polycarpou, CEO and editor of A collection of Henriksson’s Nashville Arts Magazine. Auschwitz photos is on display this hen John Stunned by the Swedish photog- month in the Sig Held Gallery at the Guider’s friend rapher’s “fantastic pictures,” Gordon Jewish Community Center and fellow pho- Polycarpou began thinking about how as part of an exhibit that includes two tographer, and where they might be appropriate- other Holocaust-themed works, one Örjan ly exhibited in Nashville. The result by students at the Akiva School and Henriksson, vis- is a collaboration that will not only another by Nashville artist Leslie Wited Nashville last fall, he brought bring Henriksson’s photographs to Klein called “The Sacrifice.” The some of the stark, black-and-white Nashville this month but also make exhibition will culminate on Monday, photographs he had taken at the them the centerpiece of an unusual April 28 with an event at Akiva Auschwitz concentration camp. performance on Yom Hashoah in which Henriksson’s photographs Guider introduced Henriksson to involving three artistic genres. Continued on page 6 Nashville contingent inspired by Cuba’s www.jewishobservernashville.org small but vibrant Jewish community A Publication of By FELICIA ANCHOR Adela is dedicated to identifying its delegation from Nashville that trav- needs and doing whatever it takes to eled to Cuba last month, the second HAVANA, Cuba – Adela fill them. such mission in two years sponsored by Dworin proudly refers to herself as Cuba’s once dwindling Jewish Jewish Federation of Nashville and the “master schnorrer” of the Jewish population is being revitalized Middle Tennessee. To say that the trip community here. But in this case the through the efforts of people like was an eye opening experience would www.jewishnashville.org Yiddish term, which means Adela and the aid of Jewish communi- challenge every definition of the con- “moocher,” carries no negative con- ties in North America and elsewhere. cept. To say that it was gratifying VOL.79 NO. 4 notation. As president of Cuba’s I was privileged to be a part of that would be an understatement. April 2014 1,500-member Jewish community, effort as a member of the 22-person Continued on page 3 1 - 30 Nisan 5774 Join us for this free event An Israeli Soldier in a War Against The Delegitimization of Israel Hen Mazzig Israeli Representative Monday and Campus Coordinator May 5, Stand With Us 2014 Northwest at 7:00 PM Gordon JCC 801 Percy Warner Blvd Seating Is Limited. Please register at: henmazzig.event brite.com

We would like to thank The Gordon Jewish Community Center for providing us the use of its facilities on a rental basis for this program. The views and opinions expressed by the program’s sponsors and the program’s content do not necessarily represent the views of the Gordon Jewish Community Center nor is it responsible for the content of this program. 2 April 2014 The Observer Nashville contingent inspired by Cuba’s small but vibrant Jewish community Continued from page 1 ly lost two generations, but we witnessed Our group, which included eight a vibrancy that bodes well its future. Out Vanderbilt University students on alter- humanitarian mission will help make life native spring break, brought more than a bit safer and healthier as they cope 400 pounds of medical and dental sup- with formidable obstacles. Cuban earns plies, including 30,000 syringes for those about $20 U.S. dollars a month and live with diabetes. (While medical care is with food ration cards that have a available to all Cubans, chronic short- monthly meat allotment of one-quarter ages of all types of medications are a way of a chicken per person. of life.) In return, we were inspired by Despite this, Cuban Jews are com- the warmth and vibrancy of a tenacious mitted to building a warm, strong, inclu- Jewish community that is finding a way sive community. It was a truly a privilege not just to survive but to thrive despite to be part of the Nashville community’s third-world conditions. effort to secure a better future for our When it came to power in the 1960s, Cuban brethren. c Fidel Castro's government outlawed reli- gion. But those restrictions were lifted 20 years ago, and the Jewish community here began a revival. Jews started visiting their cemeteries and holding Jewish weddings under the chuppah. The ocean served as Some of the 400 pounds of medical supplies the Nashville delegation delivered to Cuba’s their mikvah. Jewish community. From left are Matt Leff, Rabbi Joshua Kullock, Mark Freedman, executive director of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and David Tacher, leader Today Cuba’s Jewish community is of the Jewish community in Santa Clara, Cuba. growing. A rabbi visits six times a year, instructing young people on how to con- memorial, which incorporated rail tracks talization that began in the 1990s and duct regular services, which they do with and stepping stones brought from that has been sustained with the philan- ability and dedication. On one the Poland. He has a beautiful tree on the thropy of the Canadian and American Shabbat, we worshiped with the site that was planted with soil and water Jewish communities. Each year the Conservative congregation in Havana from various places in Israel. Our group Toronto Jewish community sends provi- and were honored to witness a bat mitz- held an emotional and meaningful com- sions for Passover. Through the generosi- vah conduct the service with confi- memoration there, and the Vanderbilt ty of donors, Cuban children have been dence, poise and skill. Our own Rabbi students remained to work on the able to attend the Maccabi Games, visit Joshua Kullock of West End Synagogue restoration of the cemetery walls. Israel on the Taglit-Birthright program delivered the sermon in Spanish, and we But perhaps no one personifies the and go on the March of the Living, a Sara Lichtenberg (from left), Joe Gelman danced together in the main aisle as we vibrancy of the Cuban Jewish communi- Holocaust education program. and Maddie Brown were among eight Vanderbilt students in the Nashville delega- sang Lecha Dodi. ty more than Adela, who has been its We were told that Cuba has little tion to Cuba. Behind them is the magnifi- Our group visited four Jewish syna- president since 2006. She proudly wears a anti-semitism. Cuban leaders have par- cent tile mural of Jerusalem at the tiny syn- gogues. In Havana we met with the lead- Lion of Judah pin provided by her ticipated in Hanukkah events at the syn- agogue in Santa Clara. ers of the small Orthodox Jewish com- American sisters to indicate the strength agogue. Fidel Castro himself once munity who provide kosher food and of the Jewish relationship. Jewish com- attended and gave a two hour speech on See more photos of the Nashville meals in conjunction with the daily munity groups visit Cuba each week, but the Jewish Bible. mission to Cuba at our website prayer services. We visited the Sephardic she greeted us with genuine sincerity and Cuba’s Jewish community essential- www.jewishobservernashville.org synagogue, where we met Dr. Mayra appreciation for the supplies we provided. Levy, the congregation’s president. The The Jewish community's main building hosts a senior citizens center address is El Patronato, a building in and a small Holocaust museum. Havana that houses the Conservative In Santa Clara, a three hour bus trip synagogue, Beth Shalom, along with the from Havana, we met David Tacher, who community’s pharmacy, which received has created a “little house of miracles” in our medical shipment. The building also his simple but beautiful synagogue. The includes a Jewish library, meeting rooms balcony incorporates a breathtaking tile and Sunday school. It is also the site of mural of Jerusalem. His vision for the the weekly community Shabbat chicken 21-member congregation is to keep dinner, the highlight of the Jewish week Fully Subsidized Trips for Selected Young Judaism alive and the community in Havana. Visiting groups join in with together. A highlight of our visit to the the community to share a Shabbat meal. Leaders ages 27 to 49 on the Campaigners’ sanctuary was raising our collective voice Since meat is a true luxury, the meal pro- in Hebrew song and prayer. At that vides significant sustenance for many in Mission to Israel - July 13-21, 2014 moment, it became strikingly evident attendance. For us it was not the food that we are indeed one people no matter but rather the energy of the community Join us, July 13-21, 2014 for our first ever JFNA Campaigners’ Mission. This where we may live. that was so inspirational. worker-training mission to Israel is based on a Jacksonville model that’s Adela told us about the decline of been successfully carried out more than 10 times. Campaigners will see Our excursion to the Jewish ceme- how our dollars are being used overseas in Israel, learn about Israel today, tery in Santa Clara took on particular Cuba's Jewish community after the revo- and become more able as Federation advocates. Fundraisers will be meaning as David had commissioned lution – 90 percent of the island’s Jews asked to commit to solicit a minimum of 10 prospects when they return and installed a magnificent Holocaust had left by the 1970s – as well as the revi- home and assist in the 2015 Annual Campaign. This inaugural worker training mission will give campaigners firsthand exposure to the impact of our Campaign dollars in Israel. Become a more seasoned Federation advocate while having fun and meeting peers from across North America. For face-to-face Campaign solicitors.

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This program is funded through a New Initiative Grant from the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Bat mitzvah Sarita (second from left) with her family at the Patranato-Congregation Beth Middle Tennessee to increase leadership and engagement of promising young leaders. Shalom. She conducted the service with confidence, poise and skill. The Observer April 2014 3 THE NASHVILLE PREMIERE OF A FILM ABOUT THE AMERICAN JEWISH COMMUNITY, ISRAEL & THE SEDUCTIVE ALLURE OF PEACE IN OUR TIME

The J Street Challenge examines the rise of a well- funded activist organization with a powerful marketing effort and an idealistic message that appeals to many who are frustrated by the Middle East conflict. The film presents commentary and analyses from a wide political spectrum. The film features: Harvard Professors Alan Dershowitz & Ruth Wisse

Rabbi Daniel Gordis of the Shalem College in Jerusalem

Caroline Glick of The Jerusalem Post Bret Stephens Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The Wall Street Journal

Wednesday April 2, 2014 at 7:00 PM Gordon JCC, Pargh Auditorium 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN

Seating is limited. Please register at: www.jschallenge.eventbrite.com

$10 Suggested Donation at the door a production of Americans For Peace & Tolerance www.TheJStreetChallenge.com

Co-sponsored by

PANEL DISCUSSION following the film withCharles Jacobs, co-founder of the David Project, the American Anti-Slavery Group, and Americans for Peace and Tolerance; and Avi Goldwasser, the executive producer of the film, co-founder of the David Project, and the executive producer of several films, including the award winningThe Forgotten Refugees and Columbia Unbecoming. We would like to thank The Gordon Jewish Community Center for providing us the use of its facilities on a rental basis for this program. The views and opinions expressed by the program’s sponsors and the program’s content do not necessarily represent the views of the Gordon Jewish Community Center nor is it responsible for the content of this program.

4 April 2014 The Observer From the Campaign Trail In Case We Need a Reminder… By STEVE HIRSCH and a lot of it is bad stuff. One of the uation first began, the Jewish need help now, not three months or a Campaign Chair key missions of the Jewish Federations Federations of North America (JFNA) year from now. is crisis response – or to say it another sent $400,000 in assistance in the first We should be proud that we play a s we emerge from this way, to be there to help people where week, mostly to bolster security measures small part in helping our brothers and long winter season and bad stuff happens. In case we need for Ukrainian Jewish institutions sisters wherever they might be, fulfilling celebrate the arrival of one more reminder of why the –schools, synagogues, community cen- our obligation kol Yisrael areivim zeh lazeh spring, we look forward Nashville Federation’s annual cam- ters. This immediate response, like sim- – “all Jews are responsible for one anoth- to Passover and the paign is so important, we have seen it ilar responses to Superstorm Sandy in er.” Please be assured that when you renewal of our spirits. here in bold letters with the situation New York and Nashville flood victims a make a pledge to the Nashville ABut just when we think it is safe to in Ukraine. few years before, is only possible through Federation’s annual campaign, your gift relax and enjoy, we Yes, an emergency fund has been set the power of the collective. Jewish will help our people where and when are bombarded with up to provide assistance to Jews in Federations across the United States and they need it. more bad news. The Ukraine and to prepare for the worst case Canada, our own included, set aside part I wish a happy Passover and a tragedy of the lost scenario – the possibility of having to of every year’s annual campaign for wonderful spring season to you and airliner, renewed rescue Jews. But recall that when this sit- emergency relief to Jewish people who your family. c violence in Israel with attacks from across the Syrian border, a killer mud- Steve Hirsch slide in the state of NowGen Purim Ball provides fun Washington, another Nor’easter hit- ting the east coast. And of course, we continue to be anxious about the ongo- and a boost to Federation campaign. ing situation in Ukraine and its collater- al damage of economic uncertainty, ris- ot only did they have a Purim and supporting the Jewish ing gas prices and most important, the blast, but the young Federation, and we will continue to potential for more actions to “protect Jewish professionals build on the successes for our future ethnic Russians” from persecution in who attended NowGen events,” said Lana Pargh, who co- Eastern Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, the Nashville’s second chaired the event with her good Baltic states, etc. Purim Masquerade Ball friend, Adi Raz. “With more than Now all of this is well covered by lastN month helped give a $17,000 bump $11,000 in sponsorships, and $5,000 our many media outlets, so why do I to the 2014 annual campaign of the in ticket sales, we are thrilled to con- feel the need to bring down readers of Jewish Federation of Nashville and tribute to The Jewish Federation of The Observer by reminding them of it Middle Tennessee. Nashville which supports the needs here? The reason is that we need to About 175 people were at the and services of the Jewish community make the point again and again that swanky March 8 affair at the Musicians locally and around the world.” “stuff” happens in our world every day, Hall of Fame and Museum in downtown NowGen is a group for young Jewish Nashville. Aside from dinner and liba- professionals in their 20s and 30s estab- tions, the event featured live music by lished by the Nashville Federation. c c STAFF c c the Nashville country rock band Big Sponsors for the Purim Masquerade are Nose Kate. Reliant Bank, the Nashville Federation, Publisher Mark S. Freedman “We are so excited to have the Franklin Pargh Realtor, Take Away About 175 people attended the second annu- Editor Charles Bernsen young professionals of Nashville sup- Catering, Simplexity, Mibio and the port the NowGen Masquerade. We Nashville Junior Chamber of al NowGen Purim Masquerade Ball at the Advertising Manager Carrie Mills Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum. BY JOY had an amazing turnout celebrating Commerce. c Layout and Production Tim Gregory KENNEDY Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Barbara Dab, Greg Goldberg, Scott Rosenberg, Liz Foster Editorial Submissions Policy and Deadlines Yom HaShoah Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 The Jewish Observer welcomes the sub- mission of information, news items, fea- “Even in darkness E-mail [email protected] ture stories and photos about events rel- evant to the Jewish community of it is possible to create light” ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed - Elie Wiesel 8750-5290) is published monthly for $25 submissions, which should be sent as per year by the Jewish Federation of Word documents to Editor Charles Nashville and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Bernsen at [email protected]. Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009. Photos must be high resolution (at least Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs April 28, 2014 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to to the e-mail with the related news item THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy or story. For material that cannot be e- 7:00 p.m. at Akiva School Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 mailed, submissions should be sent to Charles Bernsen, The Jewish Observer, Performance of “Auschwitz KZ I-II” This newspaper is made possible by funds 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy by Dance Theatre of Tennessee Campaign. sent by regular mail will not be returned unless prior arrangement is made. The Jewish Observer is a member Publication is at the discretion of The of the American Jewish Press Association Observer, which reserves the right to Followed by an Artist Reception for and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. edit submissions. Orjan Henriksson, Akiva students, 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 Leslie J. Klein reputable advertisers of the highest quality, the intended month of publication. 7:30 p.m. at the Sig Held Gallery, we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their products. For advertising deadlines, contact Gordon Jewish Community Center Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at The Jewish Observer 615-354-1699, or by email at all photos © Örjan Henriksson Founded in 1934 by JACQUES BACK [email protected]. This special event and exhibit are sponsored by Nashville Arts Magazine

The Observer April 2014 5 Local survivor to speak at play marking 75th anniversary of Kindertransport Continued from page 1 never again saw the family members they young alike by adapting a survivor’s story, ArtsPower decided to add something spe- who was only 6 when his parents put left behind. to inspire audiences to learn and read cial to this season’s performances by him and his sister on a train in Berlin, “Heart” tells the story of two parents more about the Holocaust by weaving an arranging for Kornguth and other rescued where they lived in a second-floor who give up their daughter in order to emotional bond through art.” “kinder” to discuss their experiences with apartment on Weissenburger Strasse. “I save her and the child who survives The organization’s artistic Director the audiences. Blackman contacted the remember saying good-bye to my moth- thanks to her own courage and the gen- Greg Gunning adapted “Heart” for the Nashville Jewish Federation, which er,” said Kornguth. Though too young erosity of others. stage and directs the play, which has agreed to fund the performance here. at the time to fully appreciate the “We just felt the subject matter was become one of ArtsPower’s most popular For more information about the pathos of the moment, he tears up at so important,” said Mark Blackman, who productions. “The reception has been Yom Hashoah observance, contact the memory of it now. co-founded ArtsPower in 1985 with his incredible,” Blackman said. Abbie Wolf, community relations direc- He’s less emotional recalling the identical twin Gary. “We wanted to To recognize the 75th anniversary of tion for the Nashville Federation at train ride to Holland, the Dutch nuns touch the hearts and minds of old and the Kindertransport, Blackman said [email protected]. c who shepherded him and the other chil- dren, the wooden identification tags they wore around their necks, and the Photo exhibit at GJCC remembers Israel’s boat ride to England, where he would live in Southport, England with an uncle who had previously escaped from fallen and celebrates its independence Europe. “He was Polish and didn’t speak from sad to happy occurs with the arrival German so we communicated in rom Memorial to Independence,” an exhibition of Yo m Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Yiddish,” Kornguth said. Independence Day. After the war, he learned that his by Israeli photographer Gil Cohen- Magen, will be on dis- The close link between these parents and a younger sister who had two days is clear: Israelis cannot cele- remained with them had perished. In play at the Gordon Jewish Community Center through- brate the existence of the Jewish state 1948, he immigrated to New York City without also mourning those whose sac- to live with his father’s sister “right Fout April leading up to the twin celebra- rifice helped secure and build it. around the block from Yankee Stadium.” tions of Israeli Memorial Day and Israeli Independence Day in early May. The Cohen-Magan exhibit is on dis- “Heart” is produced by ArtsPower play throughout April. Some of the pho- National Touring Theatre, a nonprofit The exhibit includes 30 photos taken over the past decade that convey tos also will be displayed during the com- organization that has created 27 original munity Yo m Hazikaron service at 4:30 musicals and dramas for children over the pain that Israel experiences follow- ing the loss of its soldiers and civilians p.m. on May 4 at the Temple and again the course of 29 years and performs them for the community celebration of Yo m at schools and community centers while at the same time reflecting the joy and hope associated with Independence Ha’azmaut that begins at 6.30 p.m. on throughout the country. May 6 at the GJCC. ArtsPower first produced “Heart” in Day. The exhibition is intended to open discussion and debate as well as the The exhibition is made possible by 2006 after getting permission from Anne the Jewish Federation of Nashville and L. Fox to adapt her autobiography of the sharing of emotions experienced by individual Jews when recalling such col- Middle Te nnessee. For more information same title. Fox was 12 when she became contact Hadar Moskovitz, the Jewish one of about 10,000 children from lective memories. Soldiers carry the coffin of Israeli soldier Yair Yom Hazikaron is Israel’s Memorial To urjeman during his 2004 funeral in Federation’s community shlicha, at Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia and [email protected]. c Austria and transported to Great Britain Day when the nation and Jews every- Jerusalem. BY GIL COHEN-MAGEN from December of 1938 until the where remember Israel’s fallen soldiers German invasion of Poland in and the victims of terrorism. This sad Music, dance performance at Akiva September of 1939. day starts when sirens sound at 8 p.m. A few of the children like Kornguth across the country. For one minute, Continued from page 1 and his sister were lucky enough to settle everyone stands still to commemorate will be projected onto a wall in the with family members. Most, however, the fallen. A similar national moment of school’s auditorium as members of the wound up in foster homes or hostels. silence occurs the next morning at 11 Dance Theater of Tennessee perform an And like Kornguth, the vast majority a.m. Tw enty-four hours later a transition original ballet to a cello piece composed specifically to reflect the mood of the haunting images. “The idea is that as the dancers per- form with images projected behind them, it will be almost as if they and the audience are in that God-forsaken place themselves,” said Polycarpou, whose magazine is underwriting the exhibition and performance. The 7 p.m. performance is free and open to the public and will be followed Örjan Henriksson’s photos of Auschwitz are by a reception from 7:30-9 p.m. at the on display this month at the Gordon Jewish GJCC for the Akiva students, Klein and Community Center. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST all those involved in the project, includ- ing Henriksson, who is flying in from tographs do not include any symbols – Sweden to attend the performance. the Nazi swastika, for instance – that Henriksson, a fine arts and commer- might “drown them out.” cial photographer and instructor, says During his initial visit to Auschwitz, the Auschwitz project is his way of hon- Henrikkson found himself frequently oring those “who suffered and died in wondering about the sounds that might this undescribable horror and insanity.” have pervaded the camp during those It developed during a trip to Auschwitz terrible years. Having spent 15 years as a with a friend, Pär Gunnarsson, who had professional mucisian before turning his been acting as a guide for visitors at the love of photography into a career, he camp. Henriksson said he spent almost a decided to incoporate sound into the week walking the grounds with his visual project by adding music. friend, ”soaking it in and trying to figure Gunnarson, his friend, is also a out what to capture.” musician and agreed to compose the Instead of a documentary approach, music that accompanies the photos. The he opted for a “fine arts project” that score is for cello, which Henriksson explores various surfaces in the infamous describes as “the instrument closest to death camp. the human voice.” It makes heavy use of “I wanted to capture these surfaces tritones, the so-called “devils interval” The Observer is online! with all the beauty that the black-and- associated with harmonic dissonance in You can find the latest issue, past issues, plus streaming white photograph can bring out so that classical music. news updates and links to Jewish organizations at the photographs hopefully draw the The dance for the Akiva performance viewer closer to them and ask the viewer is being choreographed by Brian www.jewishobservernashville.org to stay a while,” he said. To make sure Williamson, principal dancer/ballet master the voices of surfaces are heard, his pho- with the Dance Theater of Tennessee. c 6 April 2014 The Observer B’nai Tzedek event challenges teen philanthropists to think about their charitable interests

t was just serendipity that the annual dinner for the Nashville Jewish Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek program for teenage philanthro- pists was scheduled on International Good Deeds Day, an Iannual worldwide event promoting vol- untarism that began eight years ago as the brainchild of American-Israeli bil- lionaire Shari Arison. But the happy coincidence made the March 9 event even more special as the 26 teenagers in grades 7-12 did their part by assembling 100 mishloach manot (Purim gift baskets) and distributing them to kosher food box recipients, Jewish seniors who attend weekly lunch programs and families who are tem- Teenage fund holders who attended last month’s annual B’nai Tzedek Dinner prepared Purim porarily residing at Nashville Ronald baskets to distribute throughout the community. McDonald House. The B’nai Tzedek program is part of bar and bat mitzvah-age teenagers learn in their name with the Jewish B’nai Tzedek participants (from left) Sydney the Jewish Foundation of Nashville and the value of tikkun olam, repair of the Foundation. Their original donation is and Zoe Lewis, Matthew Jacobs, Jordan Middle Tennessee. Its purpose is to help world, by establishing a charitable fund matched through the generosity of the Fishel and Ian Jacobs. Feldman/Hassenfeld Fund along with additional foundation funds ous and varied. Last month’s event was held at the A highlight of the evening was a home of Lori and Brad Fishel, whose special drawing for $100 that the win- three sons are all participants in the ner could add to his or her B’nai Tzedek program. The B’nai Tzedeks enjoyed an fund. In another serendipitous turn of Israeli-style dinner and were challenged events, the winner was Bella Zimberg, to think about what kinds of causes and the newest B’nai Tzedek philanthropist, needs inspire them and what type of who had just joined the program in philanthropist they aspire to be. They anticipation of her bat mitzvah in June. reviewed a variety of quotations on giv- For more information on the B’nai ing and generosity and discussed why a Tzedek program, contact Risa Klein particular quotation inspired them. Herzog, director of foundation develop- They also learned about one another’s ment, at 354-1651 or risa@jewish charitable interests, which were numer- nashville.org. c

B’nai Tzedeks (from left) Tali Sedek, Boaz Kelner, Lauren Rosen, Tess Herzog, Vivian Herzog and Ben Rosenthal

UT Hillel says, “Thanks!”

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Nashville student members of University of Tennessee Hillel sent this “thank you” photo to the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee for its allocation to support greenhills.belmontvillage.com Hillel on the Knoxville campus. From left are Hillel faculty adviser Dr. Greg Kaplan, Aron Rosing, Daniel Perling, Leslie Schiffman, David Yazdian, Danny Gellis and Alexandra Gellis. ACLF License 59 © 2014 Belmont Village, L.P. The Observer April 2014 7 Community Passover Events

Chabad of Nashville will celebrate Passover this year with two community seders 5-12, $42 for non-members and $120 for families. For reservations made after April 3, – its 15th annual family seder plus a classic Hasidic-style seder. the cost is $40 for members, $25 for children 5-12 and $48 for non-members. No one Both events will allow participants to experience the freedom of Passover by singing will be turned away for financial reason. For more information, please contact the syn- together and discussing the contemporary relevance of the holiday that marks the agogue at (615) 292-6614. Exodus of our ancestors from Egypt more than 3,000 years ago. The seders will be inter- active and will include classic Hasidic tales and Jewish humor. The atmosphere will be ––––––––– warm and festive, with elegant meals catered by one of Nashville's premiere chefs.

 “A Family Friendly Passover Seder” begins at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, April 14 and The Temple will celebrate Passover with three seders. Each begins at 6 p.m., last about three hours. includes a full meal and is open to anyone in the community.

 “A Hasidic Seder for the Inquisitive Mind” begins at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April  Come enjoy a traditional second-night seder with The Temple family on Tuesday, 15 and last about four hours. In this full version of a classic Hasidic seder, partici- April 15. pants will enjoy a traditional meal while exploring the haggadah and enjoying vari- ous Hasidic tales and melodies.  On Wednesday, April 16, The Temple continues its decade-long tradition of a renewal seder for those in 12-step recovery programs, their families and friends. Each seder will be take place in the ballroom of the Genesis Campus for Jewish This seder, designed by Rabbi Shana Mackler, celebrates the meaning of freedom Life at 95 Bellevue Road. Reservations for both can be made at www.chabad- for those recovering from addiction. nashville.org or by calling (615) 646-5750. For reservations made by March 31, the cost is $39 per person ($18 for children 4-9; no charge for children under 4). For  A GLBT seder on Saturday, April 19 will use a haggadah complied and by Rabbi reservations made after March 31, the cost will be $49 per person. Mackler that emphasizes the journeys of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people and their families and friends to the freedom of a loving and supportive environment. ––––––––– The cost for the second-night seder is $18 for adults, $10 for children under 12 and $36 for all non-members. Reservations should be made by Monday, April 7 by calling Congregation Micah will hold two seders: a women’s seder in preparation for The Temple at 352-7620. The cost of the renewal and GLBT seders is $15 for adults Passover and the annual second-night family seder. and $10 for children 6-12. Reservations should be made by April 7 by contacting Robb McCluskey at 568-1786 or [email protected].  The women’s seder will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8. It will focus on the role of women in the defining story of the Jewish people and explore the evolving story of liberation of women everywhere. Dinner will not be served, but ritual foods will ––––––––– be provided. Please bring your favorite dessert to share after the seder. We need to know how many are coming, so please contact the Micah office at 377-9799 or [email protected] to reserve your seat. There is no cost for members. Instead of holding a community seder, West End Synagogue is again encouraging The fee for non-members is $10. members to open their hearts and homes to guests so that everyone who wants to can observe Passover in the warmth of home. Those who are able to host guests for either  The annual family seder will be on Tuesday, April 15. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m. first- or second-night seder as well as those who would like to be guests at a home seder and the seder will begin at 6 p.m. It will include a meal catered by Goldie Shepard. can contact Linda Sisselman at [email protected] or 269-4592, extension 12. The (A vegetarian meal will be available for those who order it in advance.) Ritual synagogue will try to accommodate all requests. items will be provided, but families are encouraged to bring their own seder plate so There also will be several Passover-related events at West End. they will feel “at home.” Reservations are required and can be made by calling 377- 9799 or emailing [email protected]. The cost is $35 for adults ($50 for  Rabbi Joshua Kullock’s Intro to Judaism class from 9:30-11 a.m. on Sunday, April non-members) and $20 for children 4-12. There is no charge for children under 4. 13 will focus on Passover and will be open to the public.

 The 9:30 a.m. services on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15 and 16 and on ––––––––– Monday and Tuesday, April 21 and 22 will be followed by a kosher for Passover lunch. Yiskor will be recited at the April 22 service.

Congregation Sherith Israel will celebrate Passover with two communal seders. Both are open everyone. –––––––––

 A seder on the first night of Passover begins at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14. Jewish Family Service will sponsor a seder for seniors at 11:30 a.m. Thursday,  A second-night seder begins at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15. April 10 at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Led by Rabbi Philip ‘Flip’ Rice, the senior seder is in memory of Hannah Kayser Palmer. The seders will be hosted by Rabbi Saul Strosberg and Cantor George Lieberman. The cost is $10 per person. Reserve a seat by April 3 by sending a check to the The meal will be provided by SOVA Catering. attention of Anna Sir at Jewish Family Service, 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suit 103, For reservations made before April 3, the cost is $36 for members, $20 for children Nashville, TN, 37205. For information, call Anna at 354-1686. c Social Action Seder to be held April 23 he Jewish Federation of theme is education, and the seder, co- Nashville and Middle hosted by Dr. Jesse Register, superintend- Tennessee will hold its ent of Metro Nashville Public Schools, annual Social Action will honor heroes of education. Seder on Wednesday, The seder, which begins with appe- April 23. tizers at 6:30 p.m. at the Gordon Jewish TThe event, hosted by the Nashville Community Center, is free and open to Federation’s community relations com- the public. Those who want to attend mittee, is a way for the Jewish community should RSVP by April 14 by emailing to interact with the larger community and Barbara Schwarcz at barbara@jewish- familiarize them with the Jewish faith and nashville.org. For more information, traditions. Each year, the Social Action contact Abbie Wolf at 354-1637 or Seder has a different theme. This year the [email protected]. c

8 April 2014 The Observer Akiva School students win 4 awards in national art contest

o say that Akiva School art dents submit collages, dioramas, sculp- the winners at a school assembly. “At educator Meredith tures, and even an artists' book. Their Akiva our students explore what it means Eastburn was excited participation in this contest really show- to not only learn about the world around would be an understate- cases their ability to experiment and them but also to think about and express ment. She had just learned develop an idea thoroughly as well as what this world means to them. The that four of her students work independently. I'm so proud of RAVSAK Art Contest was an incredible Thad won awards in the 2014 Ravsak their efforts.” opportunity for our students to showcase Judaic Art Contest, which received more So was Akiva Principal Daniella their reflections on an ancient text and to than 400 entries from Jewish day schools Pressner, who announced the news about truly make sense of these texts in the 21st around the country. century,” Pressner said. “We are thrilled The winners – Iris Hanai, Grace that so many of our students participated Cleveland, Davi Wolf-Dubin and and that many of their entries are now a Ilanit Sedek – each submitted entries part of a global conversation.” c based on this year’s Ravsak theme, “creating together.” “I am so pleased that our students tried their hand at such a wide range of media for their contest entries. Not only did we have drawings and paintings – even an oil painting – but also had stu- “My painting is called The Journey. The paint- ing is about a moment in Devarim, when Moses takes too long on Mount Sinai so the people become fearful and out of control. I have cut out words that describe these types of situations from magazines. It is a paint- ing/collage. In my eyes, everything happens When G-d created Adam, G-d led him for a reason. These reasons can be good and around all the trees in the Garden of Eden. bad. Would this world be as amazing as it is G-d said to him, ‘See how beautiful and if we didn’t have any struggles? For example, praiseworthy all of My works are? the Nation of Israel had so many struggles Everything I have created has been created on their journey to make it to the Promised “My sculpture is about the creation of the for your sake. Think of this, and do not cor- Land, yet they made it there to see it in its universe and the world. I used bake clay and rupt or destroy my world; for if you corrupt entire splendor. It is amazing that asteroids gumballs to make the base. Then I made a it, there will be no one to set it right after hit earth every so often, yet we live our daily ton of figures of what was created. Next I you.’ When I read this it made me think lives not focusing on this fear. While Moses “The seven days of the week of creation are painted it to make the bottom look like the about whether or not we are doing what was creating splendor in writing the Torah visible on the pages of this caterpillar time- universe and the middle and top to look like Hashem asked and how the living things in with G-d, the Jewish people were fearful and line. The bright colored pages are fun ways to half of the earth rising out of the universe. the world feel about us. Do the animals and needed to create something magnificent to learn of creation. So I present to you a cater- Lastly I put the figures on top. I made it look fish feel like they have a clean place to live? replace their fears. My painting reflects both pillar timeline full of pictures of the 1st, 2nd, this way to represent how the earth rose up Sometimes I think we do a good job, like the the splendor and fear in the creation of this 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th days of creation.” from the darkness and to show how much pretty half of my project, but sometimes I one moment in time: the creation of the  Davi Wolf-Dubin ‘18, 3rd place, sculp- was made in six days.” think we could all do a better job.” Torah.” ture/3-dimension, elementary school  Grace Cleveland ‘15, 2nd place, sculpture/3-  Iris Hanai ‘16, 1st place, sculpture/3-  Ilanit Sedek ‘14, 3rd place, visual arts, mid- division dimension, elementary school division dimension, elementary school division dle school division Akiva students building real world skills – and a tree house

By SHAI RICE, MATTHEW to put all of that knowledge into practice that we wanted to actually build some- house. It is also fun! We can’t wait to KAPLAN, SIDNEY BRADDY – to actually build a tree house for their thing. So, our classes are building a tree have our tree house come to life and be andYAHEL YEMIN school? house for the sixth grade’s graduation gift able to present the tree house, at our Akiva School integrates math and to the school. graduation ceremony in May, to the here is nothing unusual science skills with the study of architec- We’ve learned a lot more than Akiva community to enjoy. about fifth and sixth ture. After drawing scaled drawings of math, science and architecture! This If you are interested in learning graders studying geometry, our classroom, learning about form and project is helping us learn life skills such more about our project, or would like to decimals, physics and pro- function, calculating the volume of as giving presentations to the school help us in some way (donations of labor, portions. But how many three-dimensional shapes and learning board, staff and Akiva students, working supplies or money), we would love to fifth and sixth graders get about different house styles, we decided with budgets, drawing plans, sending and hear from you. Just email our teacher, T analyzing surveys and planning fundrais- Rena Malkofsky-Berger, at rena@aki- ers. We, the students, are in charge of vanashville.net. c each meeting, event and fundraiser. Working with real architects, we are The writers are all sixth graders at the even drawing up the plans for the tree Akiva School and will graduate in May.

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The Observer is online. Fifth and sixth graders at the Akiva School pose on the spot where they will construct a tree Go to www.jewishobservernashville.org house. The Observer April 2014 9 Elect Mark PODIS JUDGE Davidson County General Sessions Division II Paid for by Mark Podis 615-364-5666

www.MarkPodisForJudge.com

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Mark Podis for Judge, Cynthia Podis, Treasurer

10 April 2014 The Observer Fifth and sixth graders at the Akiva School pose on the spot where they will construct a tree house. The Observer April 2014 11 Lynch Tree Service: No job too big or too small

Since 1991 Lynch Tree Service, we are committed to providing all phases of qual- ity, professional tree services in Middle Tennessee at competitive prices. Whether it's removal of a small shrub or removal of a hazardous 150-foot oak tree or anything in between, we are experienced and equipped to handle all of your tree care needs. Trimming, pruning, stump removal, land clearing, crane work and more! We are BBB accredited and fully insured, and we accept all credit cards. Let us earn your business. Call today 615-444-4676. Earl Zei’s E-Z Kitchens: Turning old kitchens into dream kitchens for 26 years

E-Z Kitchens has been turning old kitchens into dream kitchens for more than 26 years in the Nashville area. We have completed over 2,300 jobs. We do total cabinet “If you have a leaning tree, replacement with both custom and stock cabinets, custom cabinet re-facing, entertain- ment centers, home offices, built-ins, custom closets, butler’s pantries and more. We also you need to call me!” install countertops, offering laminate, granite, quartz, solid surface and concrete. I started out working in cabinet shops in the Chicago area and wound up being a finish carpenter and eventually a re-facing installer. Friends in Nashville kept telling us what a great city it is, and how much building and remodeling was going on. After vis- iting and discovering that there was no one doing re-facing, we decided to start our Complete Tree Care own shop and moved here in 1987. I worked out of our Inglewood home for the first year until finding the shop in Madison that we are still in to this day. My wife, Gayle, joined the team and has been Stump Grinding our designer and consultant for over 20 years. Her official title is “Problem Solver” – it’s actually on her card! We build our cabinets out of solid woods and plywoods (no particleboard) and do Licensed & Insured beautiful custom finishes – truly custom whether all new or a reface. Please call to set up a free consultation. Mention our ad in the Observer and enjoy a 15% discount on your project. We would love to be your cabinet company! Over 25 Years Experience Nashville Holistic Pet: Designer beds, convenient crates and more for your pet

Pet beds should be as beautiful as the rest of your home. Nashville Holistic Pet 615-444-4676 carries a nice line from Jax and Bones that are upholstery weight fabrics and will com- plement your own décor. The liners are completely washable and zip off easily for cleaning. We can also special order beds and crate pads from their complete line of beautiful fabrics, so you can get just the size and pattern that will make your pet’s FURniture just as nice as yours. Have you ever struggled with getting the pet crate door open? Do you hate having it open and in the way all the time? An Ovation crate is the answer. The door opens

Advertise in the Observer Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way to reach a loyal repeat audience! Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail [email protected]

12 April 2014 The Observer easily with one hand and lifts vertically to tuck away on the top of the crate rather than suited to the middle Tennessee climate, and even some heirloom vegetables. swinging out as most crates do. Add a luxuriously ‘soft as a lamb’ crate pad and your HSN was formed in 1973 to promote the knowledge, use and delight of herbs. dog will love its home. With a dynamic membership of almost 100 active participants, HSN has exceeded What’s a dog to do when nature calls or they just want to go out and enjoy the early expectations. The members maintain two public herb gardens. One, behind the spring weather? Poochie Bells are the answer to pet training. With fun and whimsical Art Center at Centennial Park, is a favorite for small weddings and informal events. ribbons, the bells at the door are an easy way to train your pup to to let you know they The second, the Herb Study Garden at Cheekwood, consists of a series of creatively want to go outside. planted beds that enchant and inform visitors. Nashville Holistic Pet has two convenient locations. Our store in Belle Meade is HSN’s commitment to promote knowledge of herbs goes far beyond the gardens. at 73 White Bridge Road in Paddock Place and our new store is in Cool Springs at 330 Members give talks in the community, guide tours at Cheekwood, and even sponsor a Mayfield Drive just off Carothers Drive. Nutrition consultations are always available scholarship for one lucky college student. c in both stores, as well as full service pet grooming. Franklin Pargh: His experience takes the Buying, Selling, or Investing stress out of buying and selling a home Residential Real Estate is What I do!

Franklin has been selling homes and investing in Nashville since late 2007. He is a sixth generation Nashvillian who loves his city and community. “There really is no speed limit in this business,” says Franklin, who always puts his Ask my Daddy, clients needs first. “Timing is everything. In this market you have to be aggressive but not in a hurry.” Buying and selling homes can be a very stressful and emotional process. Franklin takes pride in making the experience fun and definitely one to remember. When you use He’s the BEST! Franklin for your real estate needs, you don't just get a Realtor, you get a friend for life. Follow Franklin on twitter @franklinpargh. Herb Society of Nashville’s annual sale set for April 12

Add a pinch of just the right herb to an otherwise ordinary sauce and your taste buds will sing. Find the ideal herb to companion with your favorite vegetable, and you’ll feel like a plant ecology rock star. Blend a potpourri of dried herbs, and you will have a signature aroma that can soothe or invigorate. These are only a few of the reasons that members of the Herb Society of Nashville (HSN) are passionate about all things herbal. Stop by our herb sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 12 at Tennessee Fairgrounds Sports Arena to find out more. But be fore- warned, the love of herbs is contagious! The herb sale is by far HSN’s biggest community event. Over ten thousand plants typically are sold, including hard-to-find herbs, herb varieties that are particularly well FRANKLIN PARGH REALTOR Garden Girl tells Akiva students: C: 615-351-7333 O: 615-371-2424 “Get your hands in the dirt!” franklinpargh.com

f you've heard your ing. She is a certified master children mention a gardener for the state of The Observer’s Annual “Garden Girl” and Tennessee, and was excited wondered what in the by the invitation to start a world they were talk- gardening club with Akiva ing about, now you School students that meets at Ican put a face to the name. 7:45 a.m. on Tuesdays. Health & Lynn Becker, a.k.a. “Miss Plans are underway for a Lynn the Garden Girl,” beautiful vegetable garden grew up on a farm in east this spring and summer. Tennessee but has lived in “Gardening is important Beauty Nashville since 1991. because kids need to know She normally works as Lynn Becker, the food they eat doesn't just an actress and spokesperson the “Garden Girl” come from a store. It comes for television, but a couple from the ground,” says Miss Issue of years ago realized she missed that Lynn. “Get your hands in the dirt, and “farm life” and decided to start garden- see what you can grow!” c is Coming!

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Belle Meade Deadline for ads is April 15, 2014 Contact: Carrie Mills, 73 White Bridge Rd., Nashville Advertising Manager 615.352.1958 615-354-1699 Cool Springs e-mail: [email protected] 330 Mayfi eld Drive, Suite D3, Franklin fax: 615-352-0056 615.236.9164 www.nashvilleholisticpet.com

The Observer April 2014 13 israel @66

Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration

Featuring a performance by the Israeli band

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

14 April 2014 The Observer The Observer April 2014 15 Coaches association makes accommodations so Jewish basketball star Goodman can demonstrate practice device in Nashville

hen he was a star attending the WBCA convention. demonstrations while he’s in Nashville. basketball player Goodman is also looking for experi- Anyone who is interested can email him for a small enced basketball players to help with at [email protected]. c Talmudic academy outside Baltimore, Tamir Goodman’s Wdream was to play for a big time college A Gala Celebration program and then professionally. People told him he was foolish. The basketball world would never accommodate an Orthodox Jew who would not play on the Sabbath. But the 6-foot-3 Goodman, once dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated, was able to carve out a nice basketball career, playing first for Towson University and then profession- ally in Israel until injuries forced him to retire in 2008. Now a 32-year-old entrepreneur, Tamir Goodman, the “Jewish Jordan,” will be Goodman said he is still “representing in Nashville this month to demonstrate his the Jewish people through basketball.” new training device during the NCAA Women’s Final Four. He will be in Nashville this month to demonstrate a training device he “I’m so grateful that they were will- invented at the annual convention of ing to accommodate me. It’s a Kiddush the Women’s Basketball Coaches ha-Shem,” Goodman said in a telephone Association, which coincides with the interview. women’s NCAA Final Four. And as was His device, called the Zone190, the case during his playing career, he’s allows a basketball player to practice found that some people are willing to drills that replicate game situations accommodate his religious faith. from any position on the court. The Flanked by Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel and Rebbetzin Esther Tiechtel, Jim Schmitz, president The WBCA originally scheduled a device has been on the market for a of Regions Bank in Middle Tennessee, accepted the Community Leadership Award on courtside demonstration of Goodman’s year, and Goodman said his company behalf of the bank at a March 4 Gala Celebration and Awards Banquet at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life. About 250 people attended the event, which celebrated Chabad’s device for April 5 – a Saturday. That has sold them to programs at all lev- 15th anniversary in Nashville. Six other people were also honored. Tommy Bernard would have been a deal breaker for els from high school through the received the Jewish Community Leadership Award; Seth Yazdian received the Young Goodman. When the WBCA learned of pros. His 45-minute courtside Leadership Award; Michael and Linda Doochin received the Ball Shem Tov Award, and Dan the conflict, it re-scheduled the demon- demonstration in Nashville has the and Eva Marx received the Gemilut Chesed Award. The event was chaired by Dianne Berry stration for Sunday, April 6. potential to reach 2,000 coaches and Karen Yazdian.

16 April 2014 The Observer Hall of Fame songwriter Bettis happy to be part of April 12 benefit for Get Connected

By CHARLES BERNSEN Hand” by the Pointer instant connection to their Nashville and those in our Sisters. He has been nomi- people, their history. John’s Partnership2Gether region, Hadera- ohn Bettis knew nothing about nated for Grammy, Oscar music was a perfect match Eiron. In addition to touring Israel, the Get Connected, The Israel Teen and Golden Globe awards, for this. Nashville teens will spend several days in Tour when he was approached and he’s won two Emmys, “I couldn’t get his hit the homes of Israeli families. Shortly about doing a benefit concert for including one for “One song Top Of The World out after their return, they get to host some the program that fosters relation- Moment in Time.” of my head without thinking of the Israeli students for a taste of life in ships between teenagers in “When I got word of my daughter, last year, Nashville. JNashville and Israel. that John had generously hiking to the top of Masada “Get Connected is grateful for the But the Emmy-winning songwriter agreed to do this event for at 4 a.m., with 30 other continued support of The Jewish was happy to do a favor for his friend and Get Connected, I melted,” Nashville teens, to watch Federation of Nashville and Middle musical partner, guitarist Jerry said Diane Kimbrough. the sunrise. To have been Tennessee,” Kimbrough said. “However Kimbrough, whose wife, Diane “One Moment In Time blessed with an artist of the success of the program is dependent Kimbrough, is a Get Connected board just had to become the John Bettis John’s stature for this event upon continued community support member and co-chair of the benefit. Now theme for this event is unbelievable. It is beshert.” through fundraising. Attending the that Bettis knows about the life-changing because of that breathtaking moment Although Get Connected is mod- benefit offers a great way to support this experience this program offers Nashville when our kids step off the airplane and eled after the Birthright program, it is life-changing program.” teens, he’s even more excited about per- their feet touch the soil of Israel, their unique in that it fosters lasting relation- For ticket information, contact forming at the April 12 fundraiser. Jewish homeland, for the first time – that ships between Jewish teenagers in Diane Kimbrough at 615-804-8438. c “It’s such a wonderful thing for the youth,” said Bettis, “and it has given me the opportunity to craft a special set of my material to the theme of the evening – some of the songs will be familiar, but oth- ers will not.” The benefit is called “One Moment in Time” after the song that Bettis co- wrote with Albert Hammond and Whitney Houston recorded as the theme for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. The event begins at 8 p.m. at Congregation Micah. In addition to the music, it will include wine, hors presents a screening of d’oeuvres and a silent auction. Performing with Bettis will be Jerry Kimbrough, cantorial singer Lisa Silver and a children’s chorus. “I stipulated that I wanted a chil- The GATEKEEPERS dren’s chorus and they were nice enough to accommodate me,” Bettis said. He described Kimbrough as his “fast friend” and musical collaborator, noting that he asked Kimbrough to accompany him in the performance three years ago during his induction into the National Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York City. Bettis’s songwriting career began 45 years ago with the debut album of Richard and Karen Carpenter. Since then his songs have been performed by a variety of top artists in many genres, including “Human Nature” by Michael Jackson, “Crazy for You” by Madonna and “Slow

See what’s happening in the community. Go to www.jewishnashville.org The Observer April 2014 17 There’s a “new normal” for Sam Perlen after election as AZA grand aleph godol

By CHARLES BERNSEN orary position. Perlen will postpone for a year his plans to attend college in order am Perlen’s family has always to travel North America and the world, been active in AZA, so there promoting BBYO’s goal of engaging was never a question about more Jewish teenagers and creating whether he would become a meaningful Jewish experiences for them. member of Athens of the “I am very focused on relationships South, Nashville’s AZA because I know personal connections Schapter. are what engage people and make them “I knew it was right for me,” he said. want to come back,” Perlen said. “I recognized from the Noting how his older beginning that AZA could brother, Will, encouraged give me an experience that and guided his involve- no one else could offer, ment in AZA, he added, “I and I knew it would want to be able to do the change my life.” same for others, and this is Okay. Maybe he did- a great role to do it in.” n’t know it would change Perlen described the Sam Perlen (left) and the other four candidates for grand aleph godol show their camaraderie as they await the outcome of the initial vote for grand aleph godol. Perlen, a senior at the his life this much. process of running for the University School of Nashville, won the top post in AZA International in a subsequent runoff Perlen, the son of top position in AZA as vote during BBYO International convention in Dallas. Maxine and Joe Perlen, was “intense.” Just to become elected the 90th grand one of the five candidates, minutes came the announcement that are beginning to return to normal – or aleph godol (or president) he had to write a vision he had won. at least to what Perlen acknowledges is of AZA International in statement and a compose a “Walking back to my seat was a a new normal. “I always remember that Sam Perlen February at the BBYO set papers outlining his feeling I can't really describe,” he said. there is an extra eye on me now from International Convention in Dallas. priorities for the coming year as well as “Having my friends from my region members world-wide and that people When the 18-year-old senior at the create a video explaining why he meet me in the aisle to congratulate me are looking at me to be the example,” University School of Nashville (and grad- wanted the position and was qualified was an incredible feeling. It was awe- he said. “I have recognized what I do uate of the Akiva School) takes office in for it. For the convention, he put some to see how much they cared, and now on social media is looked at more August, he will become the co-leader of a together a platform statement and it meant a lot.” by people and that people do notice pluralistic Jewish youth group with 42,000 gave a six-minute speech before about When he turned on his cell phone what I am saying.” members worldwide in grades 6 through 700 delegates. after the results were announced, he Perlen also recognizes that his elec- 12. (Amanda Freedman of Ontario, “The time waiting after giving my found about 100 text messages. Then he tion will likely have an impact on his life Canada was elected n’siah of BBG, the speech was very tense and sort of stress- called his parents. “I will not lie and say I long after his term as grand aleph godol equivalent position of AZA’s sister-organi- ful,” he said. The initial vote resulted in didn't cry because I did,” he said. “When ends in 2015. He has always enjoyed zation in BBYO International.) a runoff between Perlen and a candidate you get to a level like this, election results playing and especially talking about Leading AZA is not simply an hon- from Virginia Beach, VA. After 10 tense are very emotional for everyone.” sports. For as long as he can remember, When he returned to Nashville, a he’s wanted to be a sports broadcaster. group of his friends from Athens of the “But I know this upcoming year will South and Music City BBG greeted him completely change my life. I am prepared at the airport. His non-Jewish friends at to re-evaluate my future and see if I school were excited for him too, even if potentially want to look at a career in they did not fully understand just what a politics or business. My goal no matter grand aleph godol is. what is to make someone else better and JUDGE CAROL SOLOMAN After a “surreal” few weeks, things to positively affect people.” c 8TH CIRCUIT COURT Nashville attorney humbled by Hadassah’s “Supreme Experience” very year thousands of “Although I was sworn in as a Jewish lawyers receive a certificate American citizen, representing to practice before the Hadassah, I felt humbled that I have nation’s highest court. But been given the continuing responsibility earlier this year Haddasah’s to help those, regardless of their race, National Attorneys Council religion, sex or national origin. I encour- Eturned this typically routine matter into age all Hadassah attorneys to participate a memorable experience for Nashville in this once in a life-time experience,” lawyer Robert Alan Lenter and his wife, he said. Fran Lenter. The Supreme Court bar has more Along with 11 other lawyers and than 200,000 members, although the their guests, the Lenters were treated to a vast majority will never actually prac- dinner discussion with Adam Liptak, who tice before the court. Many apply and reports on the U.S. Supreme Court for get their membership certificate by mail The New York Times. The next day they without ever entering the court's mar- were sworn into the Supreme Court bar ble building. Others are inducted in before all nine of its justices. Afterwards, groups coordinated by law schools and they watched oral arguments before the professional organizations. court, had lunch with the court clerk and Hadassah’s “Supreme Experience” is marshal and then met informally with open to licensed attorneys who are life Justice Elena Kagan. The day concluded members or associates of the organiza- with a tour of the court library. tion and who qualify for admittance to As he was being sworn in, Lender the Supreme Court bar. The cost is $400 said he recalled the principles of freedom and includes three meals and local trans- and equality enshrined in the U.S. portation. For information contact attor- Declaration of Independence. [email protected]. c

Paid for by Friends of Carol Soloman, Joyce McDaniel, Treasurer. See what’s happening in the community. Go to www.jewishnashville.org 18 April 2014 The Observer JFS Chesed Dinner will honor Mimsye and Leon May for decades of service

ewish Family Service’s 2014 Temple Sisterhood. She also served as ing vital for the agency’s support of the Chesed Dinner on May 1 will the chair of the Women’s Division of the Jewish community – one child, one honor Mimsye and Leon May for Jewish Federation of Nashville and adult, one family at a time. The agency’s their decades-long involvement Middle Tennessee. core missions include adoption services, in many Jewish service and reli- Leon May served on the JFS board case management, counseling and psy- gious organizations. from 1990-1996. In addition to being chotherapy, emergency financial assis- J “Jewish Family Service is so active at The Temple, where he has been tance, a volunteer match program for pleased to be honoring Mimsye on the board and served as board presi- seniors, and family life and community and Leon,” said JFS Executive Director dent, Leon is an ardent Zionist served as enrichment activities, including pro- Pam Kelner. “When we spoke with Leon president of the local district and even- grams for teens. for the first time about being honored, tually national president of the Zionist In response to the economic down- his humbleness relating to their contri- Organization of America. Just as his Mimsye and Leon May turn, JFS has added new services: butions to the community spoke volumes family was involved in rescuing Jews kosher food boxes, school supplies and about the people that he and Mimsye from Germany during the Nazi era, so the meal at 7 p.m. The co-chairs for the a job network to link employers with are. They can be counted on to be there Leon served on the JFS board during the event are Dianne Berry, Nancy Flexer, job seekers. JFS also administers the for the community because it is the right period in which it was deeply involved in Rae Hisrch and Leslye Lapidus. To find Gesher Fund, which was created by the thing to do. This is the true essence of the resettlement of Jews from the former out more about JFS and the Chesed Jewish Federation of Nashville and the word chesed – loving kindness.” Soviet Union. Dinner, call Kelner at 354-1644 or visit Middle Tennessee through the generos- Over the years, Mimsye May has The Chesed Dinner begins at 6:30 the JFS website at at www.jfs.org. ity of Raymond and Etta Zimmerman been active in Hadassah, the National p.m. with a reception at the Gordon Along with the JFS annual cam- to aid families affected by the econom- Council of Jewish Women and The Jewish Community Center followed by paign, the Chesed Dinner provides fund- ic downturn. c Temple’s spring fundraiser has new theme – food ant to know how variety of venders such as Green Door Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Friday after Shabbat evening servic- to bake challah or Gourmet, Nashville Toffee, Savory with donation bins placed throughout es. It will include traditional Israeli create your own Spice Shop, The Peach Cobbler Factory, the marketplace. food, music and dancers. The cost is family cookbook? and Wilkes Wings. The weekend includes activities for $25 ($10 for children 3 to bar or bat Curious about how “We wanted to create an event all ages and interests. The classes and mitzvah age, and no charge for chil- to cook with that would be unique and community- meals have a wide range of price points, dren under 3). Wchocolate? Or if chocolate is not your oriented, as well as one that The and some are free.  A Young Adults Night Out will be thing, how about a lesson on how to Temple can build off of for years to  The Local Marketplace will be open held at 6 p.m. on Saturday at Flyte. make quick simple vegetable dishes? come,” said Chris McPherson, who 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-4 p.m. The cost is $45. You can do all of that and more this chairs the event. Saturday, and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.  The weekend concludes with pop-up month at The Temple’s annual fundrais- The event is important not only as a  There will be cooking classes and restaurant Mangia coming to The er, which is getting a new name and fundraiser for The Temple, but also as a demonstrations on baking challah, Temple at 6 p.m. on Sunday for an theme. Replacing The Temple Arts way to reach out to the congregation and Tuscan cuisine, quick vegetable dish- evening of gourmet Italian cuisine Festival of previous years is The Temple the community at large, said McPherson, es, cooking with chocolate, heart- and lively entertainment featuring to Table Food Fest, which will be held adding, “The universal love of good food healthy eating, Passover desserts, Mangia’s creator, Nick Pellegrino. Friday-Sunday, April 11-13. always seems to be a great way to bring cupcake and apron decorating for The cost is $125 a person. It will include two festive meals people together.” tots, and “scavenger cooking” (or For more information about events and a wine tasting, nine cooking classes The new Food Fest will also provide how to prepare a meal from random and sponsorships (which range from and demonstrations and a “local mar- an opportunity for the community to ingredients in the fridge and pantry). $300 to $1,800), visit The Temple web- ketplace” where patrons can browse observe the mitzvah of tikkun olam by The costs vary from free to $40. site at www.templenashville.org, or call among and purchase goodies from a including a food drive for the Second  Israeli Family Night begins at 7 p.m. the office at 352-7620. c Jewish mogul Vadim Rabinovich running for Ukraine presidency JTA Report and worsened an already acute finan- became involved in Jewish causes after Ukrainian weekly. Rabinovich says he cial crisis. he turned 40. was jailed on “trumped-up charges,” but krainian Jewish busi- According to newsradio.com.ua, “I made a discovery that there is a the United States still bars his entry as nessman Vadim Rabinovich submitted his candidacy for thing called Torah,” he said. “It led me a result, he confirmed to JTA. Rabinovich is running the May 25 elections at the Central in all kinds of new directions.” Following his release in 1991, for president of Ukraine Elections Committee and spoke to In the 1980s, Rabinovich was Rabinovich amassed a fortune as a met- in the May elections. reporters outside the building. arrested and sentenced to 14 years in als dealer. He has donated millions of Rabinovich, 61, In an interview with prison for black market ventures, but dollars to Jewish causes, including Uthe owner and co-founder of Jewish newsradio.com.ua, which he later wound up serving only seven years, bringing the Limmud Jewish learning News One and co-chair of posted on his Facebook according to Korrespondent, a festival to Ukraine. c the European Jewish page, Rabinovich said he Parliament, said Ukraine wanted to “debunk the should become a neutral myth that Ukraine is anti- nation, with a small pro- Semitic, which is being fessional army based on spread throughout the the Swiss model and a world,” an apparent refer- regional administration ence to allegations by similar to the German fed- Russian President Vladimir eral system. Putin that the revolution “There is no need for that toppled Ukraine’s for- Vadim Rabinovich 26 areas,” he said in refer- mer pro-Russian president ence to the regions that make up was being led by anti-Semites and Ukraine. Rabinovich also called for neo-Nazis. canceling value added taxes, which he “I’m probably the best candidate. said “turned into a tool for power to We need union, and I am the unifying feed itself.” candidate. I have no particular lust for He also said transparency in gov- power, I just want to help the country,” ernment would encourage investments Rabinovich said. that would help Ukraine recover eco- Rabinovich, founder of the All- nomically following months of politi- Ukrainian Jewish Congress, told JTA cal turmoil that began in November during an interview in October that he

The Observer April 2014 19 OPINION The Rabbis’ Corner “All Who Are Hungry, Come and Eat” By RABBI YITZCHOK while sitting at the din- and to connect to G-d. But our soul is erty. Don't just sit there – enter into the TIECHTEL ner table, the only peo- sometimes trapped, surrounded by obsta- Passover experience with your entire ple hearing it are those cles to its being free – scars from the past being. Read the story of the Exodus, taste assover is here again. The who are already there. that cripple us, fears that prevent us from the matzah, the food of faith, and drink Passover Seder, cherished by What is the point of opening our hearts, bad habits that waste in the wine of freedom. Jews of all backgrounds, is making grand invita- our time and divert our energy, toxic The Seder night is more than just a observed much like a person- tions when the truly relationships that we have become commemoration of miracles of the past; al family miracle – a “thanks- Rabbi Yitzchok needy can't hear it? dependant on, negative attitudes that it is a personal experience, the exodus of giving” – from year to year. Tiechtel I recently came darken our vision, egotism and compla- the soul. The same spiritual energies that PWe read the haggadah, pause to recall across the following cency that stunt our growth. brought about the miracles long ago are where we began and offer gratitude for explanation, which is profound and per- We are stuck in our own inner reawakened. Freedom is in the air. On how far we have come. sonal. Egypt, with these internal slave-masters Passover long ago we left Egypt; this The exodus from Egypt is when the The invitation we make at the holding us back from becoming who we Passover we can free ourselves from our Jewish people became a free nation Seder is not intended for outsiders. We are supposed to be. Like Pharaoh of old, own slavery. under G-d. It is difficult to imagine what are inviting ourselves and the people our ego doesn't want to let us go. Even as We can rush through the haggadah our people – and the world – would be around us to really be present at the we sit down to the Seder to read the to get to the main course. Then our souls like if the events that Passover com- Seder. While we may be sitting at the story of the Israelite exodus from slavery, remain trapped. Rather let's take our memorates had not occurred. With this table, our minds can be miles away. But we are still slaves. time, allowing the eternal story of free- in mind we have a Seder with family and then we may miss out on the most pow- So at the beginning of the Seder we dom sink in and become a part of us. friends to celebrate this 3,323-year-old erful spiritual journey - the Seder. invite ourselves to really come to the Let yourself go – free your soul. c journey of becoming a free people. Each one of us is hungry, and we are Seder and experience freedom. Don't let I have always been puzzled by the all needy. We have a soul that hungers yourself be enslaved to your Egypt any Yitzchok Tiechtel is the rabbi at beginning of the Haggadah, where we for nourishment and inspiration, and we longer. “Whoever is hungry, come and Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad. The declare, “All who are hungry, come and all feel a profound need for our inner self eat. Whoever is needy, come and cele- Rabbis’ Corner is a monthly column that eat; all who are needy come and cele- to be freely expressed. Our soul yearns to brate Passover.” If you hunger for inspira- rotates among Nashville’s nine congrega- brate Passover.” Being that this is said love, to give, to contribute to the world tion, come and absorb the message of lib- tional rabbis.

Countering the BDS assault on Israel’s legitimacy

By JERRY SILVERMAN and horrific human rights records, instead of international and domestic concerns The 247 (and counting) universities and STEVE GUTOW singling out the world’s only Jewish — was the JFNA’s obvious partner. colleges that have denounced academic state, often based on false or misrepre- One principle that guides this work boycotts generally — and academic boy- NEW YORK (JTA) — Leaders of sented information. is that we should understand our audi- cotts of Israel specifically — are just the boycott, divestment and sanctions A tipping point for the Jewish com- ences. And when we speak with others, such validators. movement say they are protesting munity’s response to BDS came in 2009 we should do so with a respect for the It is not enough to only expose the Israel’s policies in the West Bank. They when a number of anti-Israel groups sensitivities of that constituency so that true goals of the boycotters and their are doing far more than that. called for a boycott of the Toronto our important messages are authentical- allies. Israel’s supporters must also go on BDS advocates routinely oppose a International Film Festival because one ly heard. Whether on a campus, in a the offensive and drain the swamps of two-state solution and seek to delegit- of its themes was Tel Aviv’s 100th church or speaking with an LGBT ignorance that allow the poisonous ideas imize the sovereign, Jewish State of anniversary. The Toronto and Los group, we should always be clear that we of the Jewish state’s opponents to incu- Israel. In some cases, BDS becomes the Angeles Jewish federations joined forces stand as partners, sharing the goal of a bate. Thus, we are taking the initiative latest form of anti-Semitism. and, with the involvement of major fig- future with peace and security — not to inoculate vulnerable politically pro- The BDS movement aims to isolate ures in the entertainment industry, fash- one of conflict and BDS. gressive sectors, presenting a more factu- and punish Israel, using the same tech- ioned an effective response. Experience and research demon- al perspective on Israel and taking niques applied to apartheid South With calls for BDS escalating in the strate that what works best with these prominent leaders to the region to see Africa. Not hesitating to misrepresent mainline Protestant churches, on col- audiences — mostly made up of politi- the real situation firsthand. facts and ignore context, these Israel lege campuses and elsewhere, Jewish cal and religious progressives — is not The Israel Action Network, of bashers take advantage of ignorance and community leaders realize that the situ- an all-good-vs.-all-bad characterization course, does not work alone in this naïveté within civil society circles, ation calls for more than an ad hoc of Israelis and Palestinians. Instead, a arena. On a daily basis, numerous mostly in Western Europe, to advance approach: Local communities need a more nuanced narrative is the one that organizations stand up for Israel. their anti-Israel agenda. strategic approach with national support is likely to defeat the one-sided and Through the IAN, our organizations Advocates of BDS view the situa- and coordination. hostile stance of those seeking to dele- are working together to convene tion in the West Bank through a one- In 2010, the Jewish Federations of gitimize Israel. around a common strategic planning way lens. They cite, for example, the North America, representing more than This means honestly conveying table our affiliates as well as a range of security checkpoints that make life diffi- 150 local federations, allocated signifi- the situation’s complexity, expressing other North American, Israeli and cult for Palestinians but conveniently cant resources so that the Israel Action empathy for suffering on both sides European groups. The purpose is to overlook the reasons for those check- Network could serve this purpose. The (without implying moral equivalency) share best practices and coordinate our points. They ignore the fact that hurting Jewish Council for Public Affairs — and offering a constructive pathway to collective resources in confronting this Israel’s economy would also hurt with its 16 national member organiza- helping the parties move toward peace global danger. Palestinians who earn their livelihoods tions, including all four of the religious and reconciliation based on two states There is no imminent threat to the from Israeli-owned businesses. movements, and 125 Jewish community for two peoples. critical and broad North American sup- BDS backers don’t bother to relations councils, which work with Whether we are dealing with a boy- port for Israel. But American support protest the many countries that have non-Jewish coalition partners on a range cott of Israeli academic institutions for Israel is not something to be taken adopted by the American Studies for granted in light of the organized Association or an attempt to remove campaign we now face. While should Israeli products from a Brooklyn food not be panicked, we cannot be compla- Gems and Jewels Appraisal Services co-op, the most effective opponents of cent either. We pledge to continue to Antique and Fine Jewelry Appraisals these initiatives are the people who work hard to prevent any erosion of travel in those circles. that support. c While we in the organized Jewish Bryana Lavery, G.G., GIA Graduate Gemologist community should not remain silent in Rabbi Steve Gutow is president and the face of Israel’s de-legitimization, we CEO of the Jewish Council for Public 615.925.9172 should strongly support and accentuate Affairs. Jerry Silverman is president and [email protected] | www.bryanalavery.com the efforts of these third-party validators CEO of the Jewish Federations of North Excellent community references | Personal, in-home consultations who share our values and viewpoints. America. 20 April 2014 The Observer Jackie and Marty Lipsitz of St. Louis. Indianapolis, IN and Lindenwood . . . to the family of Julius Aden is a sixth grader at University College in St. Charles, MO. Suzy Shemin, 84, who died last month. He School of Nashville. He is an avid chess moved to Nashville in 1940 after mar- was preceded in death by his parents, player and enjoys soccer, tennis, and bas- rying Louis Leftwich, Jr., who died in Doris and Albert Shemin, and his lifecycles ketball. He loves to read, cook, and 1960. In 1962, she married Phil Glazer, brother, Saul. He was married to spend time with friends and family. who died in 1997. Lillian for 58 years. His three chil- B’nai Mitzvah For Aden's mitzvah project, he has A wonderful people person who dren, Randy (Kim), Robert and been baking and bringing challah to sen- never met a stranger, Suzy was known Rochelle (Scott) Isaacs, and grand- Joshua Ryan Levine was called to iors in the Jewish community. He will be for her caring spirit and extraordinary children, Doran and Alexander, were the Torah as a bar mitz- making a donation to PJLibrary and will passion for laughter and life. She had all joys in his life as were his nieces, vah on March 29 at The set up a Little Free Library at West End many friends of all ages, touched many nephews and their children. Temple. He is the son of Synagogue. Aden has also created a B’nai people in her life and was always young Julius spent his first 20 years in Laura Brassell and Tzedek Fund with the Jewish Foundation at heart. She was an active volunteer for the Bronx, NY. He graduated from Jeffrey Levine and the of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. many organizations including Girl New York University at the age of 20. grandson of Mike and Scouts of America, The Red Cross, the Upon completing his Korean War Maddy Turk of Vernon, Elijah Aaron Beyer will be called to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and St. service in the U.S. Army Finance CT and Joan Levine the Torah as a bar mitz- Thomas Hospital. Corps, he got his first and only “real” and the late Bernard Joshua Ryan vah on May 3 at A funeral service was held on Feb. job with Fruit of the Loom Corp., a Levine of Memphis. Levine Congregation Micah. 28 at The Temple, Congregation Ohabai job he loved for the next 40 years. He Joshua is in the seventh grade at Ellis He is the son of Stacy Sholom with burial in The Temple started as a sales trainee in New York Middle School. His interests include and Bruce Beyer and Cemetery. Active Pallbearers were with subsequent sales position stops reading, soccer, playing the French horn the grandson of Evelyn William Rosenberg, Paul Cohn, Jae in Little Rock (eight years) and and Mindcraft, and being outside. For his Beyer of Indian Land, Waters, Louis Glazer, Mike Cole, Bryan Memphis (18 years), where he mitzvah project, Joshua raised money for SC and the late David Benjamin, Ben Rosenberg, Ken Glazer became a regional sales manager. He the Save the Manatee Club. Beyer, and the late Elijah Aaron and Steve Small. eventually moved to Nashville in Martin and Edyth Beyer The family wishes to thank the 1979 as his career culminated with Jolie Zara Diskin will be called to Zuckerman. many people who cared for and made a the title of executive vice-president the Torah as a bat mitz- Elijah enjoys playing the violin, difference in Suzy's long life, including of sales in the corporate headquarters vah on April 5 at piano and trombone. He runs cross devoted companions, Cheryl Phillips in Bowling Green, KY. Congregation Micah. country for Harding Academy, where he and Belinda Brown; Drs. Edwin He served on the Board of She is the daughter of is in the seventh grade. He also enjoys Anderson, Mark Glazer, Michael Trustees of Synagogue Agudath Hilary and Adam drawing, computers and electronics, cre- Christie and Ellie Stiegelfest and the Achim in Little Rock and Beth Diskin and the sister of ative writing, reading, science experi- staff at Deaconess Home Health. Sholom Synagogue in Memphis. Hannah. Her grandpar- ments, being with his family and friends Contributions may be made to St. After retirement, he was a substitute ents are Joani and Craig and hanging out with his dog, Banjo. Thomas West Health Foundation, P.O. teacher in Metro Nashville Public Diskin Saran of Seattle, Jolie Zara For his mitzvah project Elijah is rais- Box 380, Nashville, TN 37202, or to the Schools system, was elected to Junior Harold Diskin of blessed Diskin ing money and awareness for Heifer charity of the donor’s choice. Achievement Hall of Fame and was memory, and Toby and Herb Spiegel of International, which provides farm ani- an active member of SCORE Las Vegas. mals and farm technology to families in . . . the family of Martin “Don” (Service Corps of Retired Jolie is a seventh grader at The need around the world. He has already Brandes, 83, who died on March 15 at Executives), mentoring entrepre- Ensworth School, where she is on the raised $1,000. Alive Hospice after a short illness. He neurs and initiating various seminars Headmasters List for academic excel- was preceded in death by his parents, and motivational group sessions. lence. She loves to dance and dances Floyd and Peggy Burke Brandes. He is He led a full, good and rewarding daily at Bellevue Dance Center. When Sympathy survived by his wife, Suzanne S. life and asked that his appreciation she can, Jolie also loves to travel and go Weinstein Brandes; daughters, Nancy be extended to family, friends and . . . to the family of Maurine ‘Suzy’ to the beach. Jolie is a bright and ener- Brandes Hubbard (Mike) and Valerie associates who helped him achieve Potlitzer Glazer, 97, who died on Feb. getic girl who gives 100 percent to every- Weinstein Fisher (Jeff); son, Chip his life's goals. This is especially true 26. Suzy was preceded in death by her thing she does. She loves hanging out Weinstein, and grandchildren, Brandon for his dear friends known collective- parents, Hattye and James Potlitzer; hus- with friends, as well as being with family Hubbard, Natalie Fisher, Casey Fisher ly as the Bagel Boys, who for the past bands, Louis Leftwich, Jr. and Phil and her two Australian labradoodles, and Jamie Fisher. many years have enjoyed the cama- Glazer, and sister, Lynette Potlitzer Udi and Charlie. Don was an active member of raderie at their weekly luncheons. Morris. She is survived by her loving Jolie is passionate about Jewish sum- Congregation Micah and Temple The family wishes to thank Dr. daughter, Suzy Leftwich Tessier of mer camp. For her mitzvah project, she Ohabai Sholom having served on their Steve Abram, St. Thomas Hospital Nashville; granddaughter, Tracy Towers has started a scholarship fund at Camp boards of trustees. Don was born October West and Medical Group, Alive (Peter) of Colchester, VT; grandsons, Solomon Schechter in Olympia, WA, 15, 1930 in Atlanta and moved to Hospice, A Grandmother's Wish, the Christopher Tessier of San Diego, CA which is named for her late zaidy, Harold Nashville after being honorably dis- Rudy and Sarah Cannon Cancer and Glenn Tessier of Louisville, KY; Diskin. This fund will help children who charged from the U.S. Navy. He had Centers, Life-Links Geriatric Care great-granddaughter, Ellen Towers, and don’t qualify for any other scholarship three careers, Chayburkes Furs, Levy's Management and all of the doctors, cherished nieces and nephews. and need help attending a Jewish sleep- Men Store and as a Realtor. nurses, and caregivers for their kind- Suzy was born on July 5, 1916 in away camp. Jolie, her sister Hannah, Services were held on March 18 at ness, compassion and skill. Pittsburgh, KS and moved to St. Joseph, and her cousins in Seattle, are the third Congregation Micah. Donations may be Graveside were held March 23 at MO at a very young age. She was a grad- generation in the Diskin family to attend made to Alive Hospice or the charity of Congregation Micah. uate of The Park/Tudor School in Camp Solomon Schechter, and it is her the donor’s choice. hope that any child who wants this enriching experience can have it regard- less of their families finances. Aden Barton will be called to the Business Card Directory Torah as a bar mitzvah on April 12 at West End Synagogue. He is YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES the son of Nancy Lipsitz and Kirk Barton, the AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. brother of Ben and PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, Talia, and the grandson 615.356.3242 EXT. 299 of Lynn and David THEY’RE THE BEST! 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www.hamptoninn.com/hi/nash-greenhills 37205 Tennessee Nashville, 4522 Harding Road A Rochford Hotel Group Property 615.354.1699 fax 615.352.0056 Bellemeadejewelry.com 615-269-3288 The Observer April 2014 21 Describing himself as “the aggressive gift cards and more. progressive,” he is one of 11 candidates Proceeds will benefit programming in the June 10 Democrat primary in for Athens of the South, the local AZA Virginia’s Eighth Congressional District. chapter. Each year, Athens AZA also around the town The winner will be favored in the heavi- donates money to BBYO’s International ly Democratic district, a suburban area Service Fund (ISF), which helps Jewish just outside Washington D.C. teens in the United State, Europe, Israel WES Religious NCJW accepting Levine is the son of longtime and South America experience fulfilling School graduation applications for Nashville residents Larry and Carolyn Jewish heritage and cultural events. The Levine. He graduated from Ensworth ISF also provides scholarships and subsi- set for Saturday, interest-free college School in 1980 and University School of dizes BBYO’s events allowing these teens April 19 loans Nashville in 1984 and attended religious to attend, no matter where they are school at West End Synagogue, where he located. West End Synagogue’s 2014 gradu- The Scholarship Loan Fund of the became a bar mitzvah. He was active in The fundraiser also benefits the ation class will celebrate the culmina- local section of the National Council of the Jewish community as a youth, receiv- Program Endowment Fund (PEF), which tion of 13 years of Jewish learning at 8 Jewish Women is accepting applications ing both the Simon Ghertner and Ralph allows Jewish teens in the Cotton States p.m. Saturday April 19. The communi- for the 2013-2014 academic year. Shepard Awards. Region (Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, ty is invited to join us for ma’a’riv serv- Interest-free loans are granted to Levine graduated from Harvard Arkansas, and Mississippi) to attend ices, havdalah and a program written by qualifying students who need assistance University with a degree in economics regional Jewish and leadership events, our students titled What “Being Jewish in paying the tuition for their undergrad- and then got a law degree at Yale where they can interact with other Means To Me.” uate or graduate school education. To University. He practiced law in Jewish teens, strengthen their Jewish The services and the program will request an application, call Esther Cohn California until 2000 when he moved to identity, and learn skills to grow into be led by the 11th grade students. The at (615) 383-1856 or Nancy Flexer at the Washington area and became the future Jewish leaders. Nathan Davis Award will be presented (615) 352-6004. Applications may also chief legislative counsel to former The cost of the event is $10 in to the outstanding graduation class stu- be requested by email at Democratic representative Barney Frank advance, $13 at the door, or $35 for a dent. A dessert reception will hosted [email protected]. of Massachusetts. After the murder of his family of four. For advance tickets, email by the parents of our graduates. Completed applications must be sister, Janet Levine March, in 1996, Taylor Asher at taylor.asher16@mont- Members of the class are Taylor submitted by June 10. Levine drafted laws on grandparent visi- gomerybell.edu, Jonah Neuman at jon- Asher, son of Jody Mattison and Jordan tation and protection for victims of [email protected], or Boaz Asher; Julia Tamar Cohen, daughter of domestic violence and their children Kelner at boaz.kelner17@montgomery- Renee and Jonathan Cohen; Noah Nashville native that remain part of Tennessee code bell.edu. Athens members will also be Benjamin Crowley, son of Helen and Mark Levine running today. selling tickets periodically at the GJCC Jason Crowley; Iris Burns Engel, daugh- His campaign’s Web address is before the event. If you are not able to ter of Kaaren Engel and William Engel; for Congress in LevineforCongress.com. attend, donations will gladly be accept- Rebekah Celia Boggs Greenberg, Virginia ed. daughter of JoAnn and Robert Get your chamatz Greenberg; Noah Isaac Isenstein, son Nashville native Temple will hold of Linda Nathenson and Joel Isenstein; Mark Levine is running fix before Passover Lisette Rebecca Liss, daughter of for a seat in the U.S. at AZA spaghetti forum for Juvenile Angela and Ira Liss; Jonah Daniel Congress from Virginia. Court Judge Neuman, son of Ann and Andy Levine is a lawyer supper on April 13 Neuman; Briley Jane Newell, daughter who frequently appears candidates of Amy and Scott Newell, and Jeremy as a guest political com- Clean your home of chamatz and Eli Samson Seloff, son of Diane and mentator on national then come to the local AZA chapter’s The Temple will hold a forum for Herbert Seloff. television networks. Mark Levine annual spaghetti supper fundraiser this the two candidates in the May 6 primary month to get your last fix before election for Davidson County Juvenile Passover. Court Judge. This year’s supper will be at the The event begins at 7 p.m. Both I like to come here, Franz. As I have for nearly twenty years now. Gordon Jewish Community Center from candidates in the Democratic primary, 5:30 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 13 – the incumbent Sophia Crawford and chal- evening before Passover begins. Joe lenger Sheila D.J. Calloway, have indi- And the rose bush has turned into a lovely little tree. Perlen will again serve as head chef. In cated they will attend. The winner will addition to the food, the evening will be unopposed in the August general include a silent auction of sports tickets, election.

Hunt Memorials, Inc. I never had such a green thumb as you did, Franz. Probably you helped me there a Quality and Craftsmanship Since 1928 little bit, don’t you think? And if one of the roots reaches down to you, 4807 Gallatin Road • 1000 Lebanon Road then that means a little bit of you is in the blossoms and you can 262-1313 • 254-1206

see the summer every year.

The people who run the cemetery said that the rose bush can stay when the lease on the plot runs out. ClassifiedClassified Ads Ads

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The Observer April 2014 23 Pre-school Purim Parade West End Consecration Class

The first graders at West End Synagogue celebrated the official beginning of their formal Jewish education in a Consecration Ceremony on March 2. The children, who have been learning about the Torah and the Hebrew alphabet this year, shared what they learned in a skit. The class includes Jacob Evan Grady, son of James Grady and Beth Thompson; It’s one of the most cherished traditions at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. Every Spencer Cole Gribben, son of Erin and Benjamin Gribben; Ariela Rose Lowen, daughter year, the staff and members (along with a lot of parents, of course) gather to watch as cos- Debbie and Peter Lowen; Miah Rivkah Roberts, daughter of Michelle and Jason Buchanan; tumed children from the GJCC pre-school parade twice through the building. The chil- Thomas (Tommy) Yitzchak Roberts, son of Michelle and Jason Buchanan; Isadore (Izzy) dren also make and deliver personalized baskets with hamentashen and other goodies to Macaulay Rose, son of Joanna Brichetto and Michael Rose, and Tristan Colby Schneider, son those who work at the GJCC. of Emily and Justin Schneider.

Parkinson’s study will look at Ashkenazi Jewish genetic mutation

(JTA) — A study sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research will investigate a genetic mutation found more often in Ashkenazi Jews. The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, a large-scale bio- marker study, is expanding to study indi- viduals with genetic mutations associat- ed with Parkinson’s disease. Among those mutations is the LRRK2, which accounts for a greater number of Parkinson’s cases among cer- tain ethnic populations and families, notably Jews of Eastern European descent. The study will enroll 250 people with the LRRK2 mutation and Parkinson’s and a like number with the mutation but without Parkinson’s. Genetic mutations account for 5 percent to 10 percent of all Parkinson’s cases, but a study of these individuals may reveal disease traits that apply to all Parkinson’s patients. The Fox Foundation has secured 15 industry partners and co-funding spon- sors for the initiative. They include Abbott Laboratories, Biogen, BMS, Covance, Eli Lilly, GE Healthcare, Genentech, GSK, Merck, Pfizer and Roche. The study will take place at 32 clin- ical sites around the world. c

See what’s happening in the community. Go to www.jewishnashville.org

24 April 2014 The Observer