the Jewish bserver www.jewishobservernashville.org Vol. 81 No. 1 • January 2016 20 Tevet-21 Sh’vat 5776 2016 Annual Campaign Kickoff Werthans “fell in love with Former Ambassador Ross will talk Judaism” through study about his book on U.S.-Israeli relations

of texts and tradition By CHARLES BERNSEN Make a difference: Volunteer for Tzedakah Tzunday on Feb. 14. Details on Page 3 By CHARLES BERNSEN n his new book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.- Israel Relationship from Truman to Obama, an important strategic and ideological ally. As a t wasn’t that Libby and Moshe Werthan weren’t commit- Dennis Ross pulls back from specific contro- result, Ross says, U.S. policy has whipsawed back and ted Jews as young adults living in Nashville, where they versies – the Iran nuclear deal, for example, forth as one president seeks to recalibrate the posi- grew up, met, married and raised four children. and the Israeli-Palestinian peace process (or tion of his predecessor. Continuing the tradition of their families, they became lack thereof) – and instead provides a wide But this balancing act is based on a false prem- supporters and leaders of their synagogue as well as other Iangle meta-narrative of American Middle East poli- ise, argues Ross, a former ambassador who helped local Jewish institutions like the Gordon Jewish cy over the past 70 years. shape the policy for four of the administrations he ICommunity Center and the Jewish Federation of Nashville and writes about and is now a fellow at the Washington Middle Tennessee. Institute for Middle East Policy. The reality is that But something happened when they made aliyah in 1990 the outlook of Arab regimes is more practical than and began not just living in a Jewish society but also immersing ideological: Primarily concerned about their own themselves in Jewish history, texts and traditions: They fell in security and survival, they will overlook U.S. ties love with Judaism. with Israel if there is a security advantage in doing so. “I can’t say I really loved Judaism until then,” Moshe said. Likewise, pressuring Israel doesn’t necessarily “But now I do.” improve the U.S. position with Arab regimes. Their desire to see other Jews experience the same joy Ross will be in Nashville on Jan. 31 to talk explains why the Werthans’ philanthropy has a special focus on about his new book and answer questions at the Jewish education. They believe that knowledge of the Jewish kickoff event for the annual campaign of the tradition – or as Libby puts it, “knowing who they are, where Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle they came from and what their tradition is based on” – can ignite Dennis Ross (center), a key foreign policy advisor in four Tennessee. His 7:30 p.m. presentation in the the same passion for Judaism in others that it has in them. U.S. administrations, will speak in Nashville on Jan. 31. He Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Pargh The Werthans will be recognized on Jan. 31 at the annual is shown here in 2012 with President Obama, U.S. Auditorium will follow the annual Bonim Society dinner of the Federation’s Bonim Society on Jan. 31 at the Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro, then Secretary of Dinner for major donors. The cost is $10 a person State Hillary Clinton and special Middle East envoy and includes a dessert reception. Gordon Jewish Community Center, where President Carol George Mitchell. Hyatt will present them with the 2016 President’s Award. It’s the His appearance is part of the Federation’s push to Federation’s most prestigious honor and is given each year to Each of the past 12 U.S. administrations has in build community and enthusiasm in advance of individuals who have a long record of exemplary commitment to one way or another assumed that its approach to the Tzedakah Tzunday on Feb. 14, when dozens of vol- the Jewish community in Nashville and around the world. The Middle East must try to balance a tension between unteers will participate in the annual phone-a-thon dinner will be followed by a presentation by former ambassador being too close to Israel, which risks exacerbating the seeking support for the Federation’s 2016 annual Dennis Ross that marks the kick off of the Federation’s 2016 enmity of its Arab neighbors and losing influence in campaign, which funds more than 70 programs for annual campaign. a strategically important region, and leaning toward Jews here and around the world. Continued on page 2 the Arab nations, which risks the security of Israel, Continued on page 3 Visit by Israeli educators deepens Jewish Nashville’s connection in Hadera Eiron By CHARLES BERNSEN Israelis, the innovative ideas he learned was part of a visiting delegation of Israeli while visiting local public, private and educators that also included Mili Makov hen high school Jewish schools, and his surprise at finding and Hadas Hayman-Tam, teachers at principal Lior so much natural beauty in an urban area. Alona Elementary School in Amikam. Aviman tells his Or he might just sing the chorus to The three were in Nashville last friends and family the song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” month as part of an annual exchange pro- Federation Planning and Partnership2 in Israel about his one of several bluegrass tunes he learned gram that brings educators from the Gether Director Harriet Schiftan (from left) recent trip to during his eight-day stay in Music City. Hadera-Eiron region of Israel to Nashville enjoys a traditional holiday meal with Israeli Nashville, he’ll likely talk about the “There’s so much good music in and sends local educators to Hadera- teachers Hadas Hayman-Tam and Mili Makov W on the last night of Chanukah and their warmth of the Jewish community here Nashville,” said Aviman, principal at Eiron. The teacher exchanges are part of exchange trip to Nashville. Photo by Dr. Jack Koch and the love it showed for Israel and Haklai High School in Pardes-Hana. He Continued on page 3

A Publication of the The awe of Who said it, Simchas & Chanukah: Yoda or a Jewish Simchas & Celebrations Celebrations A photo collage sage? Take the issue of Nashville quiz on page 11 celebrations. page 17 page 6

WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG Werthans Continued from page 1 The Werthans support for the Nashville Federation and their involve- ment in its leadership stretches back half a century, continued during the 24 years they lived in Jerusalem, and has remained stead- fast since their return to Nashville in 2014. During an hour-long interview last November in their home, which abounds with Judaica and the works by Jewish artists, the couple reminisced about their youth – they met on a hayride when they were 12 – and about coming of age in a relatively small Nashville Jewish commu- nity that was nevertheless warm and nur- turing and afforded them a chance to get involved in leadership at an early age. Moshe and Libby Werthan (second and third from left) participate in a study session during the 2014 Global Day of Jewish Learning in Nashville. Libby recalls the heady days in the Jewish education transformed their own relationship with Judaism, which is why it is such an important component of their philanthropic and volunteer endeavors. 1970s when, not yet 40, she was given a position on the Federation board and When asked about their own philan- each November for the past four years. cidence: His family, which had immi- helped organize a huge rally at the thropic legacy and their hope for the future, “As we’ve learned and seen the grated to Nashville from Germany just Tennessee State Capitol in support of the the Werthans inevitably turn to the impor- power of [Jewish education],” it’s natural after the Civil War and built a successful right of Jews to emigrate from the Soviet tance of Jewish education, for which their that that’s where much of our resources business enterprise, established the Union. The couple once hosted an event support has been remarkably broad – both go,” Moshe said. Werthan Foundation in 1945 to support in their home for the Israeli ambassador to international and local in scope, academic While Jewish education is most a variety of philanthropies. It wasn’t the United States that raised more than and cultural as well as religious in focus. important to them, the Werthans’ phi- until about 20 years ago, however, that $1 million for Jewish causes in a single day. They support and have served on the lanthropy and involvement extends to a the family discovered by chance that “I was in this rarified place which I boards of the Akiva School, Nashville’s wide range of institutions and organiza- their German ancestors had come from probably wouldn’t have been if the Jewish day school for children in kinder- tions, non-Jewish as well as Jewish – the the Bavarian town of Rothenburg. Nashville community hadn’t given me garten through sixth grade; the Pardes Vanderbilt University Medical School On a trip to Rothenburg, Moshe and the opportunity,” Libby said. Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem, and Children’s Hospital, United Way, Libby found that although the town no In an era when American Jewry is whose non-denominational courses on the Second Harvest Food Bank and, of longer had any Jewish residents, it had becoming more diverse and mobile, the Jewish texts and tradition attract thou- course, their synagogue, Congregation created and maintained a small Jewish Werthans are firm believers that the sands of adult learners around the world, Sherith Israel, to name just a few. museum. And there in the museum was a vitality of Jewish life in North America and the Jerusalem College of Technology, In explaining their commitment to ledger in which it was recorded that in depends on local federations maintain- a unique higher education institution that philanthropy, particularly Jewish philan- 1887, Moshe’s great-great uncle had also ing their unique role as “big tents” that trains students in Jewish studies as well as thropy, both cite the influence of family. established a charitable foundation to can represent the various interests of a science and technology. The couple also Moshe recalls his older brother Bernard provide assistance to “needy Jews and community and leverage its resources. supports a number of yeshivas and has recruiting him as a youngster to solicit non-Jews.” It operated until a few years “If we’re going to harness the power of played a key role in the Federation-spon- donations door to door for the old before World War II. Its name: The the Jewish community, we need an overar- sored Global Day of Jewish Learning activ- United Givers Fund, the precursor of Werthan Foundation. ching organization like the Federation to ities in Nashville by underwriting the local United Way of Nashville. “So I guess the whole issue of phi- pull it all together,” Moshe said. appearance of a Pardes Institute scholar He also relates this remarkable coin- lanthropy is in the genes,” Moshe said. • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Co-Sponsored by the Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, and the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Nourish Your Mind series

Lunch Counters and Sit-Ins: Nashville’s Civil Rights Movement

Monday, January 18 11:30am-1:30pm $12 includes lunch and program (pay at the door)

RSVP by Monday, January 11th to Alex Leff: [email protected] or 615.354.1623

2 January 2016 The Observer Jewish for granted,” he said, echoing Educators what one of his students told him after Continued from page 1 an exchange visit to Nashville last year. Partnership 2Gether, a project of the “I had to come to Nashville to find out Jewish Agency for Israel creating connec- how much Judaism means to me.” tions between specific regions in Israel All three educators said that one of and communities in the Jewish diaspora. the most moving experiences of their Asked what she’ll remember most visit was the morning they visited the about her visit, Hayman-Tam, who cele- Civil Rights Room at the Nashville brated her 40th birthday in Nashville, Public Library and then had lunch at Vanderbilt Hillel, where they heard Betsy said, “The love – and the dedication of the Israeli principal Lior Aviman (right) said he Jewish community here to Israel and the Chernau share personal reflections about heard a lot of great bluegrass music while people of Israel. Nashville is such a warm growing up in the segregated South and staying for four nights at the home of coming of age during desegregation. Federation Executive Director Mark S. place – we really felt like we belonged.” Freedman Photo by Ron Galbraith Though she had been told before- Because their visit coincided with reception that included their host fami- hand to expect a warm reception and a Chanukah, the Israeli educators spent a lies and others who had played major life-changing experience, Makov said lot of time celebrating the Jewish holiday. roles in their visit. she was so overwhelmed by the trip that On the final night of their visit, they were The three Israeli educators exchange gifts “It was a great, great week,” Aviman with Betsy Chernau after she shared her it was difficult to express how she felt. the guests of honor at the Gordon Jewish said. Noting that the Federation’s big reflections about growing up Jewish in “They prepared us [for the visit] but what Community Center’s annual Chanukah Fest, where they helped lead about 200 commUNITY mission to Israel in March Nashville during the era of desegregation. they told us wasn’t even close,” she said. The educators said it was one of the most will be visiting their schools, he then “I am not the same person.” celebrants in singing the blessing over the moving experiences of their eight-day added, “We will be waiting to welcome exchange visit to Nashville. Funded through the Jewish Federation candles and enjoyed latkes and sufganiyot. our Nashville family.” • Photo by Charles Bernsen of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, the Afterwards they took part in a local P2G program has been sending Nashville teachers to Israel and hosting Israeli teachers here for more than 10 Ross For example, Ross writes that while criticisms of Israel, where conservatives years. A number of the Nashville teachers Obama cares deeply about the safety and have in the past called him a “self-hat- Continued from page 1 who had been to Israel through the P2G security of Israel, the President believed, ing Jew.” His major critique of Israel is Ross, after serving as director of Near teacher exchange program – Rachel Koch, mistakenly in Ross’s view, that in order to that by refusing to make clear to U.S. East and South Asian affairs for President Corye Nelson, Nancy Flexer, Shanna reach out to Muslims, the administration officials what its bottom line would be Ronald Reagan’s National Security Wilons, Freya Sachs and Tara Lerner – had to create space between itself and in a negotiated settlement with the Council staff, became a key Middle East hosting one of the visiting educators in Israel. Thus Obama publicly described Palestinians, it creates a sense of mis- policy expert for 12 years during the their homes or facilitating on a school visit. Israel’s West Bank settlements as illegal, trust with its most important ally. administrations of both George H.W. Other host families included Federation pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Ultimately, Ross is pragmatist who is Bush and Bill Clinton, helping to facili- Executive Director Mark S. Freedman and Netanyahu to freeze them, and declined difficult to pigeonhole either ideologi- tate the 1994 Israel-Jordan peace treaty, his wife, Leslie Klein; Suzy and Stewart to visit Israel immediately after his his- cally or politically. His book criticizes the 1995 Israeli-Palestinian Interim Perlman, and Ceci and Ed Sachs. toric “New Beginning” speech in Cairo missteps of both Republican and Agreement and the 1997 Hebron Accord. “The P2G program is all about lay- in 2009 – all moves that Ross opposed. Democratic administrations and, in gen- More recently he served as a special ering relationships – creating new con- Raised in a non-religious home by a eral, advances the view of the Middle assistant to President Barack Obama and nections and then strengthening those Jewish mother and Catholic stepfather, East as an immensely complicated region senior director for the National Security connections each year with what is real- Ross embraced Judaism as an adult and where relative stability – if not actual Council before spending a year as a spe- ly our family in Hadera Eiron,” said has been accused by some in the pro- peace – is nevertheless achievable cial advisor to Secretary of State Hillary Harriet Schiftan, the Federation’s plan- Palestinian camp of carrying water for through the clear-eyed, non-ideological Clinton. ning and Partnership2Gether director. the Israelis. Yet his book also includes pursuit of mutual self-interest. • As its title implies, Doomed to With the aid of Liron Finkelstein, the Succeed argues that despite its ups and Nashville community’s shlicha (Israel downs, the U.S.-Israeli relationship is emissary) and Faith Haber Galbraith, 2016 Annual Campaign Kickoff not in danger and, in fact, is much chair of the Federation’s P2G commit- What: Presentation by former Ambassador and Middle East expert stronger today than in its early years. tee, Schiftan coordinated the Israeli con- Whatever his criticisms of Obama, Ross Dennis Ross* tingent’s activities during their visit. acknowledges that the current adminis- When: 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31 The educators’ itinerary included tration’s strategic and military support some of the sightseeing you might Where: Gordon Jewish Community Center, Pargh Auditorium for Israel has been unprecedented. expect – they visited historical sites Cost: $10 per person (includes dessert reception) In an interview last year with Gary like the Carnton Plantation in Contact: Naomi Limor Sedek, campaign director for the Jewish Rosenblatt, editor of The Jewish Week, Franklin, toured the First Amendment Ross said his primary reason for writing Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, (615) 354-1642 or Center at Vanderbilt University and the book was to provide the next admin- [email protected] the Country Music Hall of Fame, and istration “an understanding of some of attended a performance of the Grand * The presentation will follow the annual Bonim Society Dinner. Those the key assumptions embedded” in U.S. attending the dinner are invited to stay for his presentation. Signed Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium Mideast policy that “go back decades” copies of Ross’s book, Doomed to Succeed: The U.S.-Israel Relationship and an NHL hockey game at and “are not rooted in reality.” from Truman to Obama, will be available for purchase. Bridgestone Arena on the Nashville Predators’ Jewish Heritage Night. But most of their visit was spent learn- ing about local schools and getting to know To volunteer on Tzedakah Tzunday, the Nashville Jewish community. Aviman spent two days at University School of the only thing needed is a desire to make Nashville, for example, while Makov and Hayman-Tam were visiting Akiva School, Nashville’s K-6 grade school. One evening a difference in the Jewish community they each visited mid-week Hebrew or reli- ou don’t need any special school students to services for seniors to training to prepare callers to speak with gious school classes at one of the local skills to participate in next counseling and emergency financial family and friends about the Federation Jewish congregations, where they talked month’s Tzedakah Tzunday assistance through Jewish Family and the programs it funds. with young students about how Israelis cel- fundraiser – only a willingness Service. The annual campaign also sup- If calling prospective donors is not ebrate Chanukah, planned joint projects to donate a little time to make ports dozens of programs and services for your thing, there are other ways to help on with local religious school educators or dis- a big difference in Jewish life Jews in Israel and around the globe. Tzedakah Tzunday – providing food for cussed Jewish responses to ethical dilemmas Yin Nashville and around the world. “Every year I’m amazed and touched volunteers, serving in limited spots sorting with local Jewish teenagers. The next day The daylong annual phone-a-thon by all the people who come together to pledge cards, updating telephone numbers they visited two public schools – Currey is the biggest fundraising event of the serve their Jewish community with such and writing letters and thank you notes. Ingram Academy and Julia Green year for the Jewish Federation of a sense of purpose and camaraderie,” said The easiest way to volunteer is online Elementary. Nashville and Middle Tennessee. It typi- Naomi Sedek, the Federation’s annual at www.jewishnashville.org, the Federation’s Aviman said he got “all kinds of cally reaches as many as 1,000 people campaign director. website. You can also call Andrea Crowe at ideas” during the visit that he plans to and accounts 20 percent of the individ- Tzedakah Tzunday is on Feb. 14 at (615) 354-1641 or contact her via email at introduce at his school. But he said the ual gifts to the Federation’s annual cam- the GJCC. Volunteers are needed to staff [email protected]. most striking thing he learned during his paign, which helps fund more than 75 one or more of three 2½-hour shifts There will be refreshments for vol- visit was how diligent Jews outside of projects and institutions ranging from between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., plus two unteers as well as babysitting for those Israel have to be in creating and main- programming at the Gordon Jewish 2-hour follow up shifts from 7-9 p.m. on who register in advance by contacting taining their Jewish identities. Community Center and local syna- Tuesday, Feb. 16 and Thursday Feb. 26. Barbara Schwarcz at (615) 354-1630 or “In Israel we tend to take being gogues to scholarships for Jewish day Each shift is preceded by 30 minutes of [email protected]. • The Observer January 2016 3 From the Campaign Trail To mark new year, resolve to help improve the Jewish community By LISA PERLEN As empires faded and civilization earn and to save. To give tzedakah, par- need in order to integrate into Israeli grew, the focus of looking to the state for ticularly anonymously, is to give with- society, that those in need in Nashville t is hard to believe that 2016 has renewal waned. New Year’s resolutions out seeing how that gift helps those have kosher food boxes. By resolving to arrived; we have recounted the top became more personal and self-directed. served, without hearing thank you from help the annual campaing through your stories of 2015 and toasted the A resolution was more about how to those benefited, without a touch, hug, participation in Tzedakah Tzunday, you New Year full of hope and ambi- improve oneself – resolving to not eat or handshake. It is giving something are helping others share in your resolu- tion. We have made resolutions – chocolate (or to enjoy it daily!), to exer- more than money; it is giving a piece of tion and experience the heartwarming to lose weight, to be a better per- cise regularly, to read more. yourself and reaffirming your connec- mitzvah of tzedakah. Ison, to exercise more, to There is a way, however, to do both tion to humankind. Your resolution to give generously to spend more time with – to embrace a resolution that serves the By resolving to make your first the annual campaign follows the long- the spouse/kids/ parents. community and that improves oneself. pledge or your increased pledge to the standing traditions of self-improvement But how many of us Give tzedakah for “tzedakah is not about annual campaign of the Jewish and of reaffirmation. Resolve to make have looked back at our giving; tzedakah is about being.” (Rabbi Federation of Nashville and Middle your pledge today. • resolutions from 2015? Bradley Shavit Artson). Tennessee, you are helping ensure that Did we attain the lofty Jewish donors are reputed to be Jews in the former Soviet Union have Lisa Perlen chairs the 2016 annual (or not so lofty) goals Lisa Perlen among the most generous in America. food and medicine, that Ethiopian immi- campaign of the Jewish Federation of we set for ourselves 12 Human nature compels us to succeed, to grants to Israel have the services they Nashville and Middle Tennessee. months ago? If we did attain them, did they provide the satisfaction or benefit we desired? And why do we make resolu- tions anyway? The history of New Year’s resolu- MLK Day event at GJCC will tions dates back to the Babylonians who, at the New Year, made promises to return borrowed objects and pay their debts in focus on lunch counter sit-ins hopes that they would have a prosperous year. They would also crown a new king n observance of Martin Luther More Powerful,” that looks at Rev. James As in years past, this program kicks or reaffirm allegiance to the current King Jr. Day, the Gordon Jewish Lawson’s efforts to teach non-violence off the GJCC’s Nourish Your Mind leader. Similarly, in Rome, the New Year Community Center will hold a techniques to African American college series. It is co-sponsored by the became the time for public officials and program this month focusing on students. Called “the teacher of the civil Community Relations Committee of the soldiers to take an oath of loyalty to the the Nashville lunch-counter rights movement,” his students’ lunch Jewish Federation of Nashville and emperor. In these observances, the sit-ins. counter sit-ins in Nashville garnered Middle Tennessee. Babylonians and Romans were looking IThe program will be from 11:30 a.m. national publicity and were instrumental The program, which includes a to external factors, such as oaths and to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 18. It will in the desegregation of the city. After the lunch catered by Goldie Shepard, is affirmations, to make a fresh beginning. begin with a 25-minute film, “A Force film, the audience will hear from mem- $12, payable at the door. Please RSVP bers of the Nashville community who by January 11 to Alex Leff at experienced the events first-hand. [email protected] or (615) 354.1623. •

c c STAFF c c See what’s happening in the community. Publisher Mark S. Freedman Editor Charles Bernsen Go to Advertising Manager Carrie Mills www.jewishnashville.org Layout and Production Tim Gregory Editorial Board Frank Boehm (chair), Barbara Dab, Greg Goldberg, WHEN PUSH COMES TO SHOVE Scott Rosenberg, Liz Foster Editorial Submissions Policy IT’S NO LONGER LOVE and Deadlines Telephone 615/356-3242 Fax 615/352-0056 The Jewish Observer welcomes the sub- A dating abuse program focusing on E-mail [email protected] mission of information, news items, fea- ture stories and photos about events rel- healthy relationships and awareness evant to the Jewish community of for Teens in Grades 9-11 ‘The Jewish Observer’ (ISSN Greater Nashville. We prefer e-mailed 8750-5290) is published monthly for $25 th submissions, which should be sent as Sunday, January 10 , 2016 per year by the Jewish Federation of Word documents to Editor Charles 9:15 a.m. - Noon Nashville and Middle Tennessee, 801 Percy Bernsen at [email protected]. @ GJCC Auditorium Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205-4009. Photos must be high resolution (at least Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, TN. Brought to you by 300 dpi) and should be attached as jpegs POSTMASTER: Send address changes to to the e-mail with the related news item Jewish Family Service THE JEWISH OBSERVER, 801 Percy or story. For material that cannot be e- Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 mailed, submissions should be sent to Charles Bernsen, The Jewish Observer, Facilitated by This newspaper is made possible by funds 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102, Samara Orkin Elkins raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Nashville TN 37205. Photos and copy Campaign. sent by regular mail will not be returned Alan Mazer 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 ***This Program was developed by Jewish Women International*** and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. edit submissions.

NO CHARGE for attendance. While The Jewish Observer To ensure publication, submissions must Contact Teri Sogol, LCSW @ JFS: 615-354-1662 makes every possibly effort to accept only arrive by the 15th of the month prior to reputable advertisers of the highest quality, the intended month of publication. we cannot guarantee the Kasruth of their products. For advertising deadlines, contact Carrie Mills, advertising manager, at The Jewish Observer Founded in 1934 by 615-354-1699, or by email at JACQUES BACK [email protected].

4 January 2016 The Observer In talk at The Temple, Haslam praises “startup nation” and its people

By CHARLES BERNSEN are not afraid to fail, an important char- acteristic for business innovation. lthough he has been But Haslam was clearly impressed back from his trade mis- by more than Israeli business and tech- sion to Israel for only a nology. During a visit to Yad Vashem, few months, Tennessee he participated in a wreath-laying cere- Gov. Bill Haslam is mony and said he was struck by how already planning a well the Israeli Holocaust memorial Areturn visit. and museum has been able to make per- During an appearance last month at sonal the mass murder of millions of The Temple, where he was invited to people by telling the stories of individ- speak about his impressions of the uals. He repeatedly referred to Jewish state, the governor told several Jerusalem as the City of David and sev- hundred members of the Nashville eral times mentioned the immensely Jewish community that he is planning a important history that lies in virtually private trip to Israel late this year with every corner of the country. Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam spoke at The Temple last month about his recent trade mission to his sons. “If you don’t come away touched by Israel. His visit came on Dec. 8, the third night of Chanukah, and he helped light the candles along with (from left) Rabbi Shana Mackler, Judith Varnai Shorer, the Israeli consul general to “It will be a guys’ tour,” said Haslam, this land and this people, then you have the Southeast, and Arthur Perlen, chairman of the Community Relations Committee of the who wants his son and two stepsons to missed something,” he said. • Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Photo by Rabbi Michael Shulman have the same moving experience meet- ing the land and people of Israel that he and his wife and daughter did during the Aug. 28-Sept. 4 mission. Even before he became the first sit- ting Tennessee governor to visit Israel in 20 years, Haslam said, he knew a trade mission to a nation with such historical and political significance was a “perfect fit” for someone who not only has worked as both a politician and business- man but has a deep interest in history. “It was fascinating to learn about a country I’ve always been interested in,” THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF NASHVILLE the governor said. Organized by the state Department INVITES THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO THE of Economic and Community Development and Conexx, an Atlanta organization that promotes business 2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF ties between Israel and the U.S. Southeast, the trade mission included WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER several members of the local Jewish community, including Bernard Pargh, AMBASSADOR DENNIS ROSS who introduced the governor at The Temple, and Arthur Perlen, who asked a few questions after Haslam concluded HONORING PRESIDENT’S AWARD RECIPIENTS his remarks. The trip focused on developing ties LIBBY AND MOSHE WERTHAN with Israeli tech and medical enterprises. Haslam has said that there already have been follow up contacts, though he has HOSTED BY THE BONIM SOCIETY MEMBERS not identified any specific deals or com- panies that might be involved. LISA PERLEN, CAMPAIGN CHAIR The theme of the trip was “startup nation,” and Haslam theorized during his remarks about what drives Israel’s entre- SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 2016 preneurial energy. “The most striking thing is that the entire country is on a mission,” he said. 7:30 P.M. “Everyone seems to be living for a bigger purpose than the personal … working for GJCC something bigger than themselves.” $10 PP Certainly some of that has to do with the pressure of Israel’s precarious political situation and its concentration on security, which has been a major PLEEASE FIND YOUR INVITATION source of technological innovation, Haslam said. Another factor behind Israel’s entre- INSERTEDNSERTED IN THTHIS ISSUE preneurship, Haslam noted, is that Israelis OF THE OBSERVER

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ashville began its Chanukah celebra- tions on Dec. 5 with a Tot Shabbat featuring holiday music, stories andN latkes and ended on Dec. 13 with the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s annual Chanukah Festival attended by more than 200 people. Along with the Page One photo from It took a group effort to light all 90 of the the GJCC event taken by Ron candles on the 10 chanukiot at the GJCC’s Well-known Jewish musician Marc Rossio, aka The Marvelous Toy, and Jack Simon, the GJCC’s Galbraith, this collage offers a Chanukah Festival on the last night of holi- director of children’s programming, lead the singing of the candle blessing at the GJCC’s day. Photo by Dr. Jack Koch Chanukah Festival on the last night of Chanukah. ssisting them were three Israeli educators glimpse of the holiday activities. • from Hadera Eiron, whose Partnership2Gether exchange trip to Nashville coincided with Chanukah, along with Jewish Federation staff members and volunteers who assisted in their visit. Photo by Dr. Jack Koch

A team of cooks worked for several hours to cook enough latkes to feed everyone at the GJCC Chanukah Festival. They are (from left) Sy Trachtman, Franklin Pargh, head cook Bernie Pargh, Kids from Congregation Sherith Israel made a Chanukah excursion to Krispy Kreme to see how Alyssa Trachtman, Carla Rosenthal, Emily May and Mark Robin. Photo by Charles Bernsen donuts are made. By saying, “Happy Chanukah,” they got free donuts. Photo courtesy of Congregation Sherith Israel).

Among the Chanukah festivities at West End Synagogue was a performance by Beit Miriam ninth graders called “The Macabees: Then and Now” under the direction of Jenny Nissenson. Photo courtesy of West End Synagogue

Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and Chabad Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel light the chanukiot in front of the Metro courthouse. Photo courtesy of Chabad of Nashville

Celebrating Chanukah at Congregation Micah are board President Jeff Landman, Rabbi Philip Rabbi Shana Mackler gets into the spirit with a dreidel hat at The Temple’s latke oneg dinner Rice, cantorial soloist Lisa Silver, visiting Israeli educator Lior Aviman, and Mark S. Freedman, following the Chanukah service. With her are (from left) Amy Smith, Nina Pacent and Renee executive director of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Photo courtesy of Kasman. Photo courtesy of The Temple Congregation Micah 6 January 2016 The Observer Hillel releases annual guide on where Jews are going to college

illel, the Jewish campus Ohio (275 Jews or 17 percent of its organization, released total), the University of Chicago (800 its annual fall college Jews or 14 percent of its total) and guide earlier this month Earlham College in Indiana (130 Jews or — complete with rank- 11 percent of its total). None of the col- ings of “The Top leges in the top 60 are public. HSchools Jews Choose.” The figures are 6. The University of Michigan estimated by individual Hillel campus offers 120 Jewish courses — twice as groups. You can read the guide online at many as Brandeis. Michigan offers the http://issuu.com/hillelintl/docs/hillell_fa third-most Jewish college courses in the ll_2015_final.pdf_1120/1?e=0/31784870 country, behind only Yeshiva University But here are seven takeaways: (138 courses) and Jewish Theological 1. The University of Florida has Seminary of America (150) — which both have 100 percent Jewish student Students at Yale University has a higher percentage of Jewish students than any other Ivy the most Jewish students of any North League school. American college. With 6,500 Jewish bodies. McGill University in Ontario undergrads (out of 33,720 total), Florida and The Ohio State University are tied McMaster University, a school in University of Western Ontario and York edged out other heavily Jewish public for fourth, with 100 Jewish courses each. Ontario with the official motto “All University each have 3,000. McGill colleges like the University of Maryland 7. McGill isn’t the top Canadian things cohere in Christ.” McMaster ranks fourth among Canadian schools, and The University of Michigan. Two of destination for Jews. That honor goes to boasts 3,500 Jewish undergrads; with 2,500 Jews. • the top three and four of the top 20 pub- lic colleges are in Florida. The private college with the most Jews is New York University, with 6,000 out of a total of 24,985 students. 2. Barnard College is the most- Jewish school that it not officially Jewish. Barnard , a women’s liberal arts college in New York affiliated with Columbia University, has a higher per- centage of Jewish students than all but four colleges: Yeshiva University, Jewish Theological Seminary, American Jewish University and Brandeis University — all of which have Jewish missions. The first three colleges are 100 percent Jewish; Brandeis is about half Jewish. Thirty-three percent of Barnard’s undergrads are Jewish (800 out of 2,400 undergrads) — more than the 31 percent at runners-up Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania (750 out of 2,440 undergrads), and Goucher College in Townson, Maryland (450 out of 1,471 undergrads). 3. Yale University is the most- Jewish Ivy, but Cornell University has the most total Jews. Yale’s undergrad student body is 27 percent Jewish (1,500 Jewish undergrads out of 5,477 total). Percentage-wise, it narrowly beats out its Ivy League rival Harvard University, which is 25 percent Jewish (1,675 out of 6,694 undergrads). But Cornell University and Columbia University both have more Jews in total — 3,000 and 1,800, respectively. 4. Jews love the Big Ten Conference. Six of the top 10 most- Jewish public colleges are part of the Big Ten Conference, the oldest athletic con- ference in the United States, with schools spanning the Midwest and East Coast. Those six colleges, in descending rank by number of Jewish students, are: Rutgers University (6,400), the University of Maryland (5,800), the University of Michigan (4,500), Indiana University (4,200), the University of Wisconsin, Madison (4,200) and Pennsylvania State University (4,000). The other Big Ten schools among the top 50 are Michigan State University (3,500), the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (3,000) and The Ohio State University (2,500). 5. Fifty-five of the 60 most-Jewish colleges are on the American coasts. The five inland outliers are Tulane University in New Orleans (2,250 Jews or 27 percent of its total), Washington University in St. Louis (1,750 Jews or 24 percent of its total), Kenyon College in The Observer January 2016 7 CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS @ Congregation Sherith Israel Jan. 24 dinner will honor all 42 past presidents

arking its 110th year Appleson (now in Chicago), Bernie of service to the Tucker, Alex Limor, Carl Koch, Bob Nashville communi- Begtrup, Michael Miller, Lenn ty, Congregation Goodman, Brian Biesman, Roberta Sherith Israel will Goodman, Coby Hanai, Shelly Lutz, and honor all of its 42 past immediate Past President Evelyn Koch. Mpresidents at a gala dinner this month. “I was surprised and delighted that For Pam Kelner, chairing the big we have 17 living past presidents,” Koch fundraiser has been a real history lesson. said. “Having served as president, I can Working with videographer Mike attest to the time, energy, and commit- Mayhan, she has been interviewing the ment it takes to lead a congregation, and living former presidents for a special I appreciate all of the past presidents video that will be shown during the who helped ensure the Shul’s future for event, which is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. the next generations. I look forward to Sunday, Jan. 24 at the synagogue at 3600 celebrating with the other past presi- West End Ave. dents and their families at the dinner.” “Discovering what each past presi- There will also be a commemora- dent has contributed to the fabric of the tive book at the dinner in which shul makes one truly appreciate how descendants of the past presidents can Sherith Israel has evolved into the great identify their family connection with institution that it is today,” said Kelner. these great community leaders, and oth- “We look forward to honoring them at ers can leave messages of greetings and Sherith Israel’s major annual fundraiser appreciation with ads in this historic which supports the shul that each past- book. Listings in the book may be as president has described as ‘home.’” large as an entire page or as small as a Cost of the dinner, to be catered by name-only listing – and all sizes in Bobbie Limor, is $125 per person for between. Old photos and bits of family Gene Heller (center), a past president of Congregation Sherith Israel, gets ready to record an those who make reservations before Dec. trees may be included in the message. interview that will be part of a video shown at the Jan. 24 dinner honoring all 42 of the congre- 31; $140 thereafter. For more informa- Costs for the listings range from $36 up gation’s former presidents. With him are Pam Kelner, chair of the event, and Mike Mayhan, who is videotaping interviews for the video. tion or reservations, call Janet at the to $10,000. Photos will be scanned by Sherith Israel office at 615-292-6614 or the printer and returned. To reserve Ben Schklar, Maurice Weinberger, Manas, Henry Foyer, Bob Appleson, go online at www.sherithisrael.com. space for an ad with your message, Morris Zager, Abe Cohen, David Bubis, Bernie Tucker, Alex Limor, Carl Koch, Forty-two men and women have led please email [email protected] . Morris Cohen, Nathan LIff, Harry Bob Begtrup, Bernie Schreiber, Maxie the congregation as its president, and The past presidents since the syna- LIghtman, Sol Stern, Charles Berss, Biener, Michael Miller, Lenn Goodman, many of the 17 living past presidents will gogue’s official charter as Sherith Israel Dave Martin, Louis Lipschutz, Eugene Brian Biesman, Roberta Goodman, be on hand to celebrate. They include in 1905 include: Emanuel Weise, Heller, William Schlanger, Ben Walter, Coby Hanai, Shelly Lutz, and Evelyn Louis Lipschutz, Gene Heller, Ben Abraham Kirshner, Lewis Hershkovitz, Bernard Sanderson, Ahron Lucas, Ferd Koch. Roberta Goodman is now serving Walter, Martin Levy, Henry Foyer, Bob Fred Kirshner, L.H. Small, Harry Stern, Engel, Martin Levy, Morris Kraft, David her second term as president. •

@ West End Synagogue 2016 Concert “A Tribute to Music City” will feature 8 prestigious local artists

est End Synagogue has brought performers from all over the Amen” for Randy Travis and “Some will present a con- country to Nashville and has even fea- Beach” for Blake Shelton. cert in March fea- tured an award-winning Broadway play. Frederiksen’s hits include “Jaded” for turing five award- This year the concert is a bit of a depar- Aerosmith and Carrie Underwood’s winning Nashville ture and aims to honor the rich music “Undo It.” Howard, a country artist, has singer/songwriters legacy that resides right here in Nashville. won two Grammy Awards and her songs Was part of its annual Concert and Performers will include Elisha Hoffman, have been recorded by Trisah Yearwood, Cultural Series. Even Stevens, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Martina McBride, Clay Aiken and Jon “A Tribute to Music City” will be at Paul Overstreet and Marti Frederiksen. Michael Montgomery among others. 7 p.m. on March 6 at the newly remod- Their work covers several genres of popu- Along with Hoffman, Frederiksen and eled Musicians Hall of Fame at 401 Gay lar music and spans decades. Suzie McNeil, Howard is part of the St. Tickets start at $49.50 with several Stevens is a recent inductee into the band Loving Mary. patron level opportunities. Patrons will Musician’s Hall of Fame and a BMI Hoffman, a member of West End be invited to a special party scheduled Songwriter of the Year. Among his hits Synagogue, has been instrumental in for March 3. For tickets and more infor- are “When You’re in Love With a bringing together this group of musi- mation, visit westendsyn.org or call Beautiful Woman” for Dr. Hook and “I cians. He has had a long working rela- (615) 269-4592. Love a Rainy Night” for Eddie Rabbit. tionship with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Now in its fifth year, the West End Overstreet is a two-time Grammy Award wrote Faith Hill’s “Give in to Me” for the Synagogue Concert and Cultural Series Winner who wrote “Forever and Ever soundtrack to the film “Country Strong” and has worked with artists from ZZ Top to the Dixie Chicks. “This year’s concert is unlike any See what’s happening in the community. West End Synagogue Member Elisha we’ve done in the past,” said West End Hoffman has helped put together the lineup Go to www.jewishnashville.org President Barbara Dab. “It features for the annual WES concert featuring five Nashville’s homegrown talent and will be local singer/songwriters. In addition to To access the community calendar click on “Calendar.” an unforgettable evening. We are excit- Hoffman, the other performers will include ed to share this historic program with the Even Stevens, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Paul Overstreet and Marti Frederkiksen. greater Nashville community.” • Photo courtesy of the artist 8 January 2016 The Observer CONGREGATIONAL EVENTS @ Congregation Beit Tefilah/ Chabad of Nashville Expect to laugh and be moved as Rabbi Nesenoff visits Chabad

ilmmaker, musician and The following day Rabbi Nesenoff Nashville, Rabbi Nesenoff will share starting Jan. 20. author Rabbi David Nesenoff will present the sermon. After the serv- details about the Thomas interview along The course was designed by the will be the scholar in resi- ice there will be a lunch where Rabbi with his relationship with the Divine, the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute, and dence at Chabad of Nashville Nesenoff will give a talk called “From world media, Israel, anti-Semitism, and Rabbi Tiechtel described it as experien- on Friday and Saturday, Jan. Chopped Liver to Liverpool," sharing the story of his personal journey, which tial rather than philosophical. 8-9 for a weekend of spiritual- inspiring stories about both his includes cyber-hatred and “It does not attempt to prove the Fity, meditation, mystical melodies – and physical journeys to 400 Jewish danger but also humor. existence of a soul nor of the afterlife,” a lot of laughter and fun. communities and his personal Rabbi Nesenoff’s appear- he said. “Instead, it shares the intuitive “His speeches, given from Santa Cruz spiritual journey. ance is made possible by a truths that have inspired generations of California to Sydney Australia, and from There will be a musical grant from the Jewish Jews to live more fully and to face death Yale to Oxford University, have received Humzitz Havdalah at 7 p.m. Federation of Nashville and fearlessly. It explains how those who left rave reviews for being incredibly funny,” Satruday followed by a Melava Middle Tennessee, and there this world are not lost to us, nor us to said Chabad Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel. Malkah – a Mediterranean din- is no charge for any of the them. It allows us the opportunity to ”Thousands of inspired audience mem- ner to escort the Shabbat events, including the resolve what death has left unresolved bers have walked away with a smile and Queen for a blessed week. This Shabbat dinner, Saturday and, thereby, to find peace and closure.” with a reenergized spirit and purpose. will be an evening of Jewish lunch, and Saturday night Lessons will examine a range of clas- Rabbi Nesenoff’s Jan. 8 appearance humor and stories told though Rabbi David Nesenoff Mediterranean dinner. RSVP sic Jewish sources, drawing extensively will begin with a Shabbat Service that old folk Yiddish and Hebrew is requested by going to from the Talmud and Kabbalah. will include song and dance, followed by music. www.chabadnashville.com. Soul Quest is designed for all people a sit-down dinner. Rabbi Nesenoff will Rabbi Nesenoff gained notoriety for For more information, call (615) 646- regardless of Jewish knowledge. The present a lecture on “Looking Over the his interview with former White House 5750 or go to www.chabadnashville.com. seminar is open to the public, and atten- Mechitza: A Unique Perspective on correspondent Helen Thomas in which dees need not be a member of any par- Women in Judaism.” Guests will learn she told him that Jews should “get the hell Also this month at Chabad… ticular congregation. The $40 fee how to enhance their relationship with out Palestine… and go home… to Poland Rabbi Tiechtel will lead a seminar includes all four sessions and the text- G-d and with their spouses and family, and Germany!” Last year he completed a “Soul Quest: The Journey through Life, books. Register at www.chabad- while being true to themselves. 150-city worldwide tour. In his visit to Death, and Beyond” on four Wednesdays nashville.com or call (615) 646-5750. •

@ The Temple @ Congregation Micah

Visiting Rabbi Glickman will Special Shabbat will feature discuss Cairo Genizah documents a capella group from Yale and

abbi Mark Glickman, a Fascinating Tale of a Little Room in U.S. Special Forces officer popular speaker on Cairo” Judaism and modern life, • Chevre Torah, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. ongregation Micah will ice. After service, there will be a potluck will be the scholar in resi- 23: “Indiana Jones Meets the Da Vinci have a special Shabbat dinner during which congregants may dence at The Code in an Old Egyptian service on Friday, Jan. 8 ask questions. Temple Jan. 21-24 Synagogue – The Story of the filled with music by The service is at 6 p.m. with the din- Rwhen he will give several talks on Cairo Genizah” Magevet, a Jewish- ner afterward. Those who plan to attend the Cairo Genizah and its trove of • Sunday, Jan. 24, for themed a cappella group the dinner are asked to RSVP at (615) more than 300,000 Jewish manu- 9th- and 10th-grade families at Cfrom Yale University, along with a talk 927-2394 or office@congregationmic- scripts dating back to the 9th cen- religious school: “Indiana Jones by guest speaker, Command Chief ah.org by Jan. 4 tury. Meets the Da Vinci Code in an Warrant Officer Steven Mellar. Rabbi Glickman’s schedule Old Egyptian Synagogue – The Magevet is known for its sweet Also this month at Micah … blend of voices, unique arrangements of and topics include: Story of the Cairo Genizah” The community is invited to a Rabbi Mark traditional, modern, and original • Lunch with the Rabbi, noon, Glickman Rabbi Glickman is rabbi of Shabbat Shirah Service at 6 p.m. on melodies, and lighthearted sense of Thursday, Jan. 21: “Stolen Congregations Kol Ami and Kol Friday, Jan. 22 that will feature special humor. Its members are as diverse as Words: The Nazi Plunder of Jewish Shalom, both in Washington state. He music from the Christ Church their music: engineers and historians, Books” writes a regular religion column for the Nashville Choir. Jews and Gentiles, New Yorkers and • Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. Seattle Times and has been featured in The Christ Church Choir is recog- Floridians – all united by camaraderie 22: “Glimpsing the Genizah: The other books and journals. • nized locally and worldwide through its and a love of singing. concerts, recordings and television Mellar of the 5th Special Forces appearances; they will add their voices in Group (Airborne) will share his insights honor of The Sabbath of Song. • Discussions will focus on Rabbi on geo-political matters during the serv- Sacks’ book on religious violence Support Our Advertisers! he Temple will hold two Also this month at discussions of Rabbi The Temple: Let them know you saw their ad in the Observer! Jonathan Sacks’s new • Get Organized: Girls Night Out with book, Not in God’s name: with represenatives from The Home Confronting Religious Edit, 7 p.m. Jan. 21. For more infor- “I've been very happy with the results Violence, at 7 p.m. on Jan. mation call. (615) 352-7620. T20 and 27. • Social Action Shabbat, 6 p.m. Jan. 29 of advertising in the Observer.” The January 27th session will with musical group Nashville in include a panel discussion by rabbis from Harmony, Tennessee’s only musical The Temple, Congregation Sherith arts organization specifically created Dr. Jim Kirkconnell Israel, Congregation Micah and West for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgen- End Synagogue. der people – and their straight allies. • Bellevue Eye Center

The Observer January 2016 9 Liebowitz will become ninth president of Brandeis University

NEW YORK (JTA) — Brandeis sents a precious compass for an institu- Brandeis is looking to move past the University named Ronald D. Liebowitz, tion of higher education in the 21st cen- rocky times that marked the five-year the former president of Middlebury tury. And its Jewish heritage and roots tenure of its previous president. College in Vermont, as its ninth president. reflect a learning environment commit- Although Lawrence helped stabilize Liebowitz will take over on July ted not only to critical thinking but to Brandeis’ finances in the wake of the 1from interim president Lisa Lynch, the self-criticism as well.” 2008 financial crisis, his fundraising first non-Jew to lead the Jewish-spon- Liebowitz, a political geographer failed to measure up to that of his long- sored nonsectarian university. She was who specializes in Russian economic and time predecessor. Lawrence also imposed the school’s stopgap choice following the political geography, spent 31 years at austerity measures while his own com- resignation of its previous president, Middlebury, first as a professor, then as pensation rose, making him unpopular Frederick Lawrence. provost and president. A native of New among some faculty. “I am deeply honored,” Liebowitz York, Liebowitz, 58, earned his bache- Lawrence was seen as having made said in a statement. “The university’s lor’s degree from Bucknell University several administrative missteps and founding, based on the premise of offer- and his doctorate from Columbia stumbled through numerous controver- ing an education to those who had been University. He stepped down in June sies. In 2014, the university announced excluded from the finest universities, is after 11 years at Middlebury’s helm, and it would award an honorary degree to inspiring. Its commitment to social jus- he lives in Newton, Massachusetts, with Somali-born feminist activist Ayaan tice, as espoused by its namesake, repre- his wife and three children. Hirsi Ali but then backtracked when Ronald Liebowitz critics noted anti-Muslim statements she had made. Insiders noted that the whole Marna Whittington, Middlebury’s affair could have been avoided had board chair, called Liebowitz “a transfor- Lawrence’s office simply conducted a mational leader.” Advertise in the Observer Google search. Larry Kanarek, the Brandeis board During Liebowitz’s tenure at trustee who chaired the presidential search Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Middlebury, the college surpassed its goals committee, said Liebowitz met every one Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way in a campaign to raise $500 million in of the committee’s search criteria. capital, added 120 endowed student “He has exceptional, transferable to reach a loyal repeat audience! scholarships and 16 endowed faculty posi- leadership experience and a proven tions, launched a school of Hebrew and record of advancing academic excel- Call Carrie Mills, Advertising Manager opened the Center for Social lence,” Kanarek said. “He is financially Entrepreneurship, according to a Brandeis savvy and a superb fundraiser. And he is Phone 615-354-1699 or e-mail [email protected] news release. In 2009, Liebowitz was a straight shooter who is comfortable in named one of America’s Top 10 college his own skin and eager to engage all parts presidents by Time magazine. of our community.” •

FIGHTING RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM: PLEASE JOIN A PANEL OF NASHVILLE’S RABBIS FOR A CANDID AND HONEST DISCUSSION OF RABBI JONATHAN SACKS’ NEW BOOK,

NOT IN GOD’S NAME: CONFRONTING RELIGIOUS V IOLENCE

WEDNESDAY, J ANUARY 27TH ~ 7:00 PM AT T HE T EMPLE

“SACKS CAN’T BE ACCUSED OF SHIRKING THE BIG ISSUES. I N NOT IN GOD’S NAME HE CONSIDERS A SUBJECT THAT BELIEVERS OF ALL FAITHS HAVE A HUGE DIFFICULTY EXPLAINING: W HY DO SO MANY INSIST ON ADVANCING THEIR BELIEF IN GOD AS A JUSTIFICATION FOR VIOLENCE? IT IS AS THE BRIEFEST SURVEY OF THE HEADLINES WILL CONFIRM, A TIMELY INQUIRY. S ACKS, UNSURPRISINGLY, REJECTS THE SUGGESTION THAT RELIGION ITSELF IS WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM, THOUGH HE DOES BELIEVE THAT IF IT IS TO BE SOLVED, THEOLOGY MUST PLAY A PART” - THE GUARDIAN

West End Synagogue 5015 HARDING PIKE ~ (615) 352-7620

10 January 2016 The Observer Simchas & Celebrations

JANUARY 2016

The Observer January 2016 11 Realtor Lorna Graff: Plan your wedding CONSIDERING A MOVE? your future Allow me to guide you through the process. With your and enthusiasm and my expertise, we can accomplish your goals! What could be more exciting than being in love and planning the “perfect wed- ding”? It is an event which people dream about for years. But have you considered all the ramifications of those decisions? In addition to the details of that special day, per- LORNA M. GRAFF haps you should think about some long range goals. Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI It is possible to plan a beautiful and memorable wedding experience and make some Lifetime Member, Gold Award of Excellence financial decisions that will be a great advantage in the future. We Realtors are always Office: 615.794.0833 delighted to help young people buy their first home. All too often, we find their enthu- Cell: 615.351.5343 siasm is dampened when they realize that they do not have enough money to purchase E-mail: [email protected] the home they want. We frequently hear, “If only we had spent less money on the wed- Web: Lornagraff.com ding and saved some for a home.” We build our families and our financial security. It all starts with that lovely wed- ding and a serious life plan. These are some of the important building blocks to con- sider for a successful future. It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect home for your budget. Call me at (615) 351-5343 or email me at [email protected]. RED Spirits & Wine offers a brief on Israel fine wine

Wine is culture, history and celebration and nowhere more than Israel. Israel has been called the cradle of the wine world and has recently embraced this title as much as ever. Once only producing regionalized kosher and sacramental wines, Israel has moved to production of boutique and internationally recognized bottles. In comparison to other major fine-wine producing countries, Israel produces small quantities; however, the quality is now exceptional and considered on par with those of Europe and America. The ancient history of wine making in this region is fascinating but the modern era started with France’s Baron Edmund de Rothschild building Rishon Le Zion and Zichron Ya’acov in the 1890’s. These wineries were later donated to the cooperative We Offer The Finest in CIGARS FROM called Carmel that still remains a major producer in Israel. A. FUENTE, ASHTON, CAO, COHIBA, Cigars, pipes, tobaccos, DAVIDOFF, MONTECRISTO, PADRON, This century has seen boutique wineries and fine wines continue to grow in pro- humidors & cigar accessories. TATUAJE, ZINO, & MANY MORE... duction and popularity in the major regions of the Galilee, Samson and Judean Hills. Mon.-Sat. 9am-8:30pm Producers are experimenting with grapes and using modern techniques that have been Sunday 12pm-6pm embraced by Israel’s new wine culture and export countries like the United State. Though many producers are still making kosher wines such as Golan Heights Winery, Belle Meade Plazza 4518 Harding Rd. Nashville, TN Galil Mountain and Yatir, the emphasis has shifted to the art of wine. If you have never 615-297-7963 tried fine wines from Israel, they are worthy of your consideration. Many selections are premium cigars www.bellemeadecigars.com available in Nashville, and RED Spirits & Wine is committed to keeping them avail- able to you.

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12 January 2016 The Observer Phillips Toy Mart: A family business serving families for more than 70 years

Phillips Toy Mart has been serving the Nashville area for more than 70 years. Our family is the second generation serving third and fourth generations of children who have made our store a family destination. It’s a rare thing to find a family-owned store that has been providing quality and value throughout the Southeast since the 1940's. We have been voted the best toy store for 21 years in a row. Take your kids to Phillips Toy Mart to play and have some fun with the toys on dis- play, check the huge selections of puzzles, games, dolls, hobbies, music toys, arts and crafts, including science toys. Let them interact with the large train set, climb to the tower, and just walk through the amazing selection. Kids of all ages always have fun at Phillips Toy Mart. Located in Belle Meade with a real Lionel running train display and a train tower to view the whole store! It’s truly a toy store for all ages. When you walk in the door you will feel like a kid again. The Embassy Suites at Vanderbilt: Convenience and comfort

Located in the heart of Midtown and Music Row, less than two miles from down- town, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville at Vanderbilt is within walking distance to more than 30 restaurants and venues. All rates include complimentary wifi, compli- mentary made to order breakfast each morning and a complimentary evening reception featuring cocktails, beer, wine, sodas and light snacks. Each suite features a separate bedroom and living room area along with a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker and sleeper sofa along with complimentary shuttle with- in two miles of the hotel, based upon availability daily. Nominal parking fees apply. All suites will be renovated by March 2016 with new beds, furniture, drapes, wall coverings and all king suites with larger, ceramic tile walk in showers. The Embassy Suites Vanderbilt specializes in catering meeting and social events for up to 100 guests. It’s the perfect location for your next rehearsal dinner, bridal brunch, bat mitzvahs, bar mitzvah or holiday party. Your guests can also enjoy our indoor sauna and whirlpool. We offer a “romance package” at a nominal fee that includes chocolate covered strawberries, a champagne split and late checkout. Mention this ad and receive up to 20% off best available rates for groups of 10 rooms per night or more. Based upon availability at the time of booking, some black- out dates may apply. Plan your next event by calling (615) 277-4965. Chelsea Drummings our Sales Manager will be pleased to assist you. & Continued on page 14 Franklin Lana Pargh c:615.351.7333 c:615.504.2685 [email protected] [email protected]

Buying and selling a house is a very My AArchitecturerchitecture bbackgroundackg emotionalnal process, and I aallowsllows mmee ttoo uunderstandnder love beingeing able to helhelpp the desidesigngn and structurestru guide cclientslients through of a house alonalongg wwith its one of the bibiggestggest eengineering.ngineering. MMerginge milestonesones ooff my architecturalarchite their lives.ves. backgroundbackgroun and If you cancan my lovelo for dream itit,, real eestate,s I we cann finfindd will useu my it, sell iit,t, experexpertise to renovateate iitt oorr ffindind you nnoto only help youou the home yyouou love, design yyourour but the best ppossibleo dream homehome.. home for your nneeds.

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The Observer January 2016 13 Continued from page 13 I value the Goldie Shepard Catering: “I love my customers” friendships Goldie Shepard has been serving the Nashville Jewish community for 26 years and I’ve made cooking if you ask her about her business, she says, “I love my customers. I especially love the seniors. I love the students at Vanderbilt Hillel. Most of all I love watching my bar and bat mitzvah kids grow up.” for other people When it comes to Goldie Shepard Catering, there is no event too small. She will always accommodate a bris or shiva even if it is last minute since occasions such as this and the joy are very important to her. If you ask anyone whose event was catered by Goldie, and there are many, you will you bring to me. always hear, “She’s the best!” There’s a reason her business has been thriving for so long and why she is still mak- ing a lot of kugel! Carrie Mills: Customized fashion art for GOLDIE SHEPARD your special occasion CATERER Carrie Mills, fashion designer, illustrator and Parson School of Design alumni, will create for you a customized piece of fashion art to commemorate your special occasion. Make your special day even more memorable with an original work of art highlight- Catering ing your special fashion moment. It makes for a truly original great wedding, bar or bat mitz- for all vah gift or any special occasion gift. For more information visit www.carriemillsdesign.org. your occasions Belle Meade Wine & Spirits: A great selection of kosher wine

Belle Meade Wine & Spirits is the best kept secret location in Nashville. We are 356-2472 down in the heart of Belle Meade Plaza. Although our official address is 4556 A Harding Pike, we can be found in the heart of Belle Meade Plaza, down in the lower level to the right of Kroger and the left of the main plaza building. We are in the cellar, or which makes us the official Wine Cellar of Belle Meade. More importantly, we are here to serve you with all of your beverage needs. We 305-9438 have a great selection of kosher wines. We have old fashion traditional service. You are our business, and your patronage is sincerely appreciated. Please let us know how we can better serve you in your Kosher and other beverage needs. Thank you.

Make Your Mother Happy... Eat and Enjoy!!! Dine-In, Carry Out & Cateringg

(((As Voted by readers of the Nashville Scene)))ene))) sST0LACE "EST"REAKFAST Great Selection of Kosher Wines s6OTEDBest DeliFORYEARS ‡7KH:LQH&HOODURI%HOOH0HDGH3OD]D ‡.QRZOHGJDEOH+HOSIXO6WDII sND0LACE Best Bloody Mary ‡:LQH6SLULWV&RUGLDOV%HHUHWF sND0LACE "EST0LACETO$INE!LONENE Conveniently located next to Kroger - Down in the Heart of Belle Meade Plaza sBest Kids Menu +DUGLQJ3LNH s7RITERS#HOICE"EST#HOCOLATE3HAKEHAKE 1DVKYLOOH71 BELLE MEADE  WINE & SPIRITS Carrie

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14 January 2016 The Observer SOVA Catering: A sophisticated kosher cuisine with international flair

Specializing in kosher cuisine, SOVA Catering is the premier kosher caterer in Nashville and the Middle Tennessee area. In Hebrew, SOVA means “fulfilled and con- tent” and it best describes the cooking philosophy of our Sova Executive Chef Kevin Yitzhak Alexandroni. Born and raised in Israel, Chef Alexandroni learned to cook from an early age and was greatly influenced by family cooking techniques. Growing up and spending time in South Africa as well as Israel, he learned to have a diverse culinary palette. Israel is such Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs a melting pot for different cuisines that Mediterranean flavors often influence the culi- nary style of SOVA. In South Africa he developed a carnivorous appetite but with the refinement of the European cuisine. Weddings After receiving kosher training and cooking in Israel, he came to the United States to fine tune his skills at the Culinary Institute of America in New York State. SOVA Catering has been catering Jewish holidays, family occasions and many cele- Private Pares brations in Nashville since 2003 using our chef’s Jewish heritage and extensive knowl- edge of cooking. Our menus are hand crafted to suit your taste, while taking the event you are plan- ning into account. We also have a passion for completing the overall event vision down We meet all your needs, In- to each stylized touch. Together with our sister company, Take Away Catering, we are a proud member of the Nashville business community. Contact us today for your next cluding: Linens, Decoraons, event or occasion. Flowers, Custom Cakes & Zeitlin and Co., Realtors: Dedicated to More helping you with one of life’s most 615-383-0777 important decisions ƐĂůĞƐ@sovafood.com As you celebrate big milestones, your housing needs may change, and we are here to assist you. Zeitlin and Co., Realtors is Nashville's premier real estate company. Whether you are moving across the country or across the street, to a downtown loft or a suburban dwelling, our team of professional associates can ease the transition with their extraor- dinary knowledge and customer service. The real estate transaction is one of the most important decisions you make from two perspectives: quality of life and financial reward. So we are intently focused on max- imizing both aspects for every buyer and seller. This requires a commitment to respon- sive service for the client’s present needs, while building a lasting relationship that will allow us to be there for you, your families and colleagues for life. Visit us online at www.Zeitlin.com.

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The Observer January 2016 15 To access the Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.” Every community Birthdays, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, event is listed elebrWeddings, Babies, t ! and everything in between... for your convenience. CaeCelebrate all of life’s special occasions! Katy’s is your destination for all things PRETTY & PAPER. The best selection of invitations Bobbie Limor Catering Bobbie Limor has unique and varied menus to help you plan is right around the corner! your special occasion. Her client-friendly service will help assure the success of your simcha. In addition, Bobbie can help with flowers and linens. Belle Meade Plaza Trust your event to Bobbie from a Simple Kiddush, Bar/Bat Mitzvah aty’s 4500 Harding Road Luncheon, Wedding or Elegant Multi-course Banquet. K Nashville, TN 37205 615.383.1422 356-4045 Nowkatysgifts.com online!

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16 January 2016 The Observer Yoda or a Jewish sage: Who said it?

(JTA) The character of Yoda is not knowledge.” featured in the new “Star Wars” movie, 2) “Accept the truth you must from since he passed away peacefully at age 900 whatever source it comes.” in the 1983 film “The Return of the Jedi.” 3) “On three things the world stands – But the small green Jedi master has on judgment, on truth and on peace.” lived on in pop culture and beyond for his 4) “Do or do not. Try there is not.” eternal wisdom — which, in some ways, 5) “Truly wonderful, the mind of a child resembles that of past Jewish sages like is.” Maimonides and Hillel the Elder. 6) “For myself if I am not, for me who In honor of the release last month of will be?” “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the sev- 7) “Size matters not.” enth film in the franchise, we offer a quiz: 8) “Preferable the risk of a wrong deci- Try to figure out whether each of the fol- sion is to the terror of indecision.” lowing quotes was uttered by Yoda in one 9) “Wicked do not be in one’s own of the previous “Star Wars” films or by a eyes.” Jewish sage of centuries past. 10) “At the flask look not, but what is Fool you not, we aim to: In order to therein.” make the quiz appropriately difficult, 11) “Once you start down the dark path, modified we have the quotes from the forever your destiny it will dominate; ancient rabbis to conform to Yoda’s syn- consume you it will.” 12) “Great wars do not make one.” tactical tendencies, which primarily con- Yoda, in a screenshot from YouTube, and Maimonides, in an image from Wikimedia Commons sist of reversing the order of subjects and 13) “A master assume for yourself, a verbs or adjectives. Think of it as friend acquire for yourself, and every 15) “A man you must strive to be in a Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to “Yodish.” man to the side of merit should you place where no men are.” hate. Hate leads to suffering.” May the force be with you. judge.” 16) “Always there are two, no more, no 18) “That which is hateful to you, to your 1) “In a dark place we find ourselves, 14) “Luminous beings we are, this crude less – a master and an apprentice.” neighbor do not.” • and lights our way does a little more matter not.” 17) “Fear is the path to the dark side. Answers on page 22 For Jimmy Carter’s chief of staff, being Jewish was an unspoken family secret

By SARAH WILDMAN and in his own life [was] realizing that he was the victim of persecution at age 20. WASHINGTON (JTA) — Standing at that gravesite and realizing Hamilton Jordan, President Jimmy that his family was Jewish and that was a Carter’s wunderkind adviser and chief of secret — and it was a secret for a reason. staff, discovered at age 20 that his family’s Did he have an inkling? After he story wasn’t a straightforward Southern sees the gravesite, did he ask family Christian experience. At the cemetery members? service for his maternal grandmother, He asks his mother about this three Helen, Jordan was puzzled to discover her times. First she says, ‘Later. It’s too plot was nestled alongside that of a Jewish much.’ [Eventually she says] ‘Hamilton, family. They weren’t strangers; they were I’ll never talk of this.’ his ancestors. Before my dad died and when he was A bit of digging revealed that his working on the book, it blew our minds beloved grandmother was herself Jewish. that he wasn’t going to ask his uncle She had married his about it. It was 2006 or Baptist grandfather in 2007, and we said, “Are the years immediately you kidding? You have preceding the 1915 the chance to hear his lynching of Leo Frank — stories and feelings of a Jewish man who was persecution he experi- framed for a murder he enced — or even mar- President Jimmy Carter with his chief of staff, Hamilton Jordan, on July 19, 1979. (Keystone/Hulton did not commit. His own ginalization.” Archive/Getty Images) mother would never Did learning he could die of cancer. The book explains them together into a common mission. speak of her Jewish roots. was Jewish inform the how he got to be a politician and how he Tell me about the cover art. It’s a Jordan died in 2008 way your father thought came to formulate opinions. But when I Confederate flag and your dad as a boy. at the age of 63. That we about the world? took it on, it was partially a choice of It’s a jarring image. know this story is thanks Absolutely. He grief. We were sad. My brother worked People often ask if it was a tough to his daughter spent the rest of his life on it for six months and did research decision, especially after the [deadly Kathleen, now 27. A trying to connect with interviews. It’s a family affair. shootings at a black church] in South Comedy Central and the Jewish community. The book is detailed about his Carolina. We discussed it. It is the per- Hollywood scriptwriter, He was baptized childhood — and a bit less about his fect symbol for his journey. He is stand- Kathleen edited the Baptist. We grew up time serving in the White House. Did ing there blissfully unaware of the sym- unfinished 300-page Episcopalian. But cul- you have a consciousness about that era bol, and he has no sense of its meaning. manuscript her father had left behind. It turally he was drawn to it. And it had an as a kid? Did you speak about, say, I think that slowly through the book he was a labor of love, a way to process her impact on his relationship to the civil Camp David, the historic summit begins to understand that it is symboli- grief and an exercise in embracing her rights movement; I think it made it per- where President Carter managed to cally his choice to hold the flag. own Southern identity. sonal for him. It made civil rights even wrest a peace treaty out of the Israelis How did working on the book She sat down recently with Sarah more personal. There are two watershed and the Egyptians? change your own Southern identity? Wildman in Washington, D.C for a con- moments for him: seeing his maid My dad’s story in a lot of ways is I had a lot of shame associated with versation about the recent memoir A marching with [Martin Luther King Jr.] President Carter’s story — the slow open- being from the South. But in working on Boy from Georgia: Coming of Age in the in downtown Albany [Georgia] and ing of his eyes to human rights. It drew this book, I have realized that not claim- Segregated South. thinking, ‘What am I doing?’ and realiz- them together throughout their relation- ing your past is kind of a form of erasure. JTA: The book seems to be very ing that everyone he loves and respects ship. They had this common background It is denying the bad and burying the much about the evolution of American was a segregationist. of growing up where segregation is passed good. And he didn’t run from it. thinking about race and ethnicity. Did you see this as a legacy project? generation to generation, and it falls into It was politically important for my Jordan: It’s largely tracking his I think that this book started as an your lap and you realize you have a dad, and being from the South was one moral journey in the context of race. I oral history, and he wanted his stories to choice … and that is a thread. And that of the main points of his identity. Now I think a linchpin moment in the book live on and he was always aware that he empathy and human rights thread tied would say it’s the same for me. • The Observer January 2016 17 A soldier in Roim Rachok, Hebrew for Seeing Far, an Israeli army program that drafts and trains people with autism. Photo courtesy of the Israel Defense Forces Deciphering satellite photos, soldiers with autism take on key roles in IDF

By BEN SALES In the past, T.V. said, these children at 18 would enter the IDF and be given TEL AVIV (JTA) — Sitting in front menial, frustrating jobs. THEY SEE of a computer at the center of Israel’s Participants in Roim Rachok largest army base, a soldier stares at the attend a three-month course at the screen, moving pixel by pixel over a Ono Academic College near Tel Aviv, satellite photograph, picking out details where they receive training for their FREE SWIM. and finding patterns. army service and an introduction to The soldier, N.S., has autism, and army life. Along with photo analysis or just a few years ago he thought the Israel optics, trainees learn about following Defense Forces wouldn’t take him. N.S., orders, staying on schedule and work- YOU SEE who like other soldiers could not give his ing with a team. name due to IDF protocol, spent his After three additional months of childhood in mainstream classroom set- training on base, participants are drafted tings, where he had focused on studying and placed within Unit 9900 — some- FRIENDSHIP. film and Arabic, but expected to miss times as the only soldier on the team with out on being drafted — a mandatory rite autism. Before they arrive, their fellow of passage for most Israeli 18-year-olds. soldiers and commanders receive training Now, more than a year into his army on working with people with autism, and service, N.S. is a colonel who spends every team meets weekly with a coun- eight hours a day doing what few other selor to discuss the group dynamic. soldiers can: using his exceptional atten- N.C., another soldier with autism, tion to detail and intense focus to ana- said he goes out to eat regularly with his lyze visual data ahead of missions. fellow soldiers. D., a second lieutenant Soldiers with autism can excel at this who commands another Roim Rachok WE SEE work because they are often adept at soldier, said her team usually works detecting patterns and maintaining focus smoothly. But when D. first replaced the ONE HAPPY CAMPER. for long periods of time. previous commander, the change caused “It gave me the opportunity to go his work to decline. 6WDUW\RXUFKLOG¶V³VXPPHURIDOLIHWLPH´DW-HZLVKRYHUQLJKW into the army in a significant position “He was very close to his previous where I feel that I’m contributing,” he FDPS)URP]LSOLQHVWRZDWHUVNLLQJWRVLQJLQJXQGHUWKHVWDUVDW commander,” D. said. “It was very hard said. “I’m really swamped. I’m a perfec- for him, so he regressed. I had stressed FDPS\RXUFKLOGFDQGLVFRYHUZKRWKH\DUHZKLOHKDYLQJDWRWDO tionist. I want everything to be perfect.” him out, so he was less concentrated, not EODVW&DPSHUVDUHEXQNPDWHVDQGWHDPSOD\HUVDUWLVWVDQG N.S. is among some 50 soldiers and sure who to take commands from.” DWKOHWHVFUHDWLYHSUREOHPVROYHUVDQGEORVVRPLQJOHDGHUV trainees in Roim Rachok, Hebrew for After their discharge, Roim Rachok GHYHORSLQJLQGHSHQGHQFHDQGFRPPXQLFDWLRQVNLOOVWKH\FDQ Seeing Far, a program aimed at drafting soldiers will face new challenges in find- XVHWKHLUHQWLUHOLYHV some of the estimated 1 percent of Israeli ing jobs that suit their abilities. But army children diagnosed with autism. Based in service will have given soldiers with )LQG\RXUSHUIHFW-HZLVKFDPSWRGD\DQG\RXPLJKWEHHOLJLEOH the IDF’s Intelligence Unit 9900, which autism experience in overcoming obsta- IRURIIZKHQ\RXHQUROO maps and analyzes visual data, the sol- cles like coping with a changing envi- diers of Roim Rachok decipher aerial ronment or strategizing to complete a 7KH-HZLVK)HGHUDWLRQDQG)RXQGDWLRQRI1DVKYLOOHDQG reconnaissance photos to provide infor- complex assignment. 0LGGOH7HQQHVVHHLVSOHDVHGWRRIIHU2QH+DSS\&DPSHU mation to soldiers ahead of combat mis- “The soft skills people learn in their LQFHQWLYHJUDQWVIRUTXDOLILHGFDPSHUVWKURXJKWKHJHQHURVLW\ sions. Other tracks train candidates to be service are no less important than the RIWKH)RXQGDWLRQIRU-HZLVK&DPS6KHOO\DQG7ULVK army electricians, who deal with devices profession itself,” said Benjamin Hazmi, .UL]HOPDQDQGRWKHUORFDOGRQRUV4XHVWLRQV"&RQWDFW+DUULHW like night vision goggles, or optics tech- academic director at Beit Issie Shapiro, 6FKLIWDQDWRUKDUULHW#MHZLVKQDVKYLOOHRUJ nicians, who work with binoculars. an Israeli disability activism organiza- “There’s an agenda to show people tion. “The army is people’s first OneHappyCamper.org on the spectrum have abilities and can encounter with authority, with a sched- do things,” said T.V., a former Defense ule.” Ministry official who co-founded Roim N.S., the soldier from Roim Rachok, Rachok in 2012. “A big part [of the says he wants to be a film editor after the work] is to notice changes and a certain army. In the meantime, he said he feels routine repetition.” privileged to be a part of what most Autism diagnoses are rising in Israel. Israelis his age consider an obligation. According to the Israeli Society for “The day I enlisted, I got very excit- Autistic Children, about 10 times more ed,” N.S. said. “I was really like, I’m an Israeli children than adults have autism. inseparable part of Israeli society.” • 18 January 2016 The Observer Reese Witherspoon producing film on the Barbie doll’s Jewish creator (JTA) — Academy Award winning 2002, was the youngest of 10 children actress Reese Witherspoon is co-produc- born to Polish Jewish immigrants. ing and possibly starring in a film in the Handler was a breast cancer survivor works about the Jewish woman who cre- who, aside from her toy business inter- ated the Barbie doll. ests, created Nearly Me, a producer of Witherspoon, who was raised in breast prostheses. Nashville and still has family here, is “Ruth Handler’s inspiring true story partnering with Bold Films on an adap- reveals the triumphs and struggles of the tation of the 2010 book “Barbie and genius businesswoman behind the cre- Ruth: The Story of the World’s Most ation of Barbie, the most iconic doll in Famous Doll and the Woman Who the world,” Bold Films chairman Michel Created Her,” Variety reported last Litvak told Variety. month. Witherspoon, 39, won the Oscar for The Barbie doll, which debuted best actress in 2006 for her performance in 1959, was the brainchild of Ruth as June Carter Cash in “Walk the Line.” Mosko Handler, who founded the Among her other well known films are Mattel toy company with her hus- “Legally Blonde,” “Pleasantville” and band, Elliot. Handler, who died in “Sweet Home Alabama.” • Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon is doing a film about Ruth Handler, the Jewish woman who created the Barbie doll. (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic via Getty Images) Two Holocaust-themed films make Oscar the first cut for an Oscar

LOS ANGELES (JTA) — So much ghastly task, he thinks he recognizes his “The Brand New Testament” “Mustang” (France), which explores the for Holocaust fatigue. son among the bodies, unexpectedly (Belgium), an irreverent satire in which alternately joyful and repressed lives of Two films about the Holocaust and clinging to life for a few extra minutes. everything in the Bible turns out to be five orphaned sisters growing up in a its aftermath have made the cut to com- With the Sonderkommando men plan- wrong; “Embrace of the Serpent” Turkish village; “Viva” (Ireland), set in a pete for best foreign-language film. They ning a rebellion, Saul vows that he will (Colombia), in which two scientists and Havana nightclub, a gay son struggles were selected from among entries from save the child’s body from the flames and an Amazonian shaman search for a rare against his macho father. 80 countries, according to an announce- find a rabbi to say Kaddish at a proper sacred plant; “AWar” (Denmark), about a The list will be winnowed down to ment by the Academy of Motion Picture burial. The film is also nominated for a soldier who serves in Afghanistan and the five that will be announced Jan. 14. The Arts and Sciences. Golden Globe Award. impact on his family at home; “The awards ceremony is on Feb. 28 and will Both entries, “Son of Saul” and “Labyrinth of Lies,” submitted by Fencer” (Finland), in which a fencing be televised to more than 225 countries “Labyrinth of Lies,” are among the crit- Germany, is set in the post-war 1950s, a instructor evades the Soviet secret police; and territories across the globe. • ics’ favorites to garner an Academy time when many Germans preferred to Award — indicating, once again, that deny or ignore the Holocaust. The film the Shoah retains its grip on the minds focuses on a young German prosecutor and souls of both international filmmak- determined to bring the Nazis who ran ers and the members of the academy who Auschwitz to trial before a German cast their votes. court. Last year, the foreign-language In historical retrospect, the subse- Oscar went to the Polish movie “Ida,” quent trial is seen as a turning point in which followed the path of a devout forcing Germans to face the reality of the young woman about to take her vows as Holocaust. a nun when she learns that her parents Both the Israeli submission, “Baba were Jews who perished in the Holocaust Joon” — a Farsi-language film — and the and sets out to rediscover her roots. Palestinian film “The Wanted 18,” failed In Hungary’s “Son of Saul,” winner to make the Oscar cut, leaving Jordan’s of the Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes “Theeb,” set during World War I, when Film Festival, Saul Auslander is a mem- the Ottoman Empire ruled the Middle ber of the Sonderkommando at East, as the region’s only entry to place Auschwitz-Birkenau, forced to cremate among the final nine. the bodies of fellow prisoners gassed by Rounding out the list of nine semi- the Waffen SS. As he goes about his finalists this year are:

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The Observer January 2016 19 OPINION

“Statement of Solidarity” letters to the editor

To the editor, matory and discriminatory rhetoric targeted against Muslims, because it violates our most cherished val- We are taught in the Torah, the sacred text of ues as Americans and as Jews. the Jewish people, that "a stranger you shall not Speaking for the entire committee, we stand by oppress, for you know the heart of a stranger, for you our mission to foster constructive relationships in were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Exodus 23:9) order to promote a just, democratic and pluralistic The Jewish people came to this country seeking American society. safety and religious freedom, and so we dedicate our- selves to repaying our debt by welcoming people of Sincerely, all faiths and cultures. The Community Relations Arthur Perlen, Community Relations Rabbi Mark Schiftan of The Temple shakes hands with attorney Committee of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Committee chair Gregg Ramos at a gathering last month of faith and community Middle Tennessee stands firmly opposed to inflam- Abbie Wolf, community relations director leaders on the steps of the Metro courthouse to show solidarity with the Muslim community. Schiftan and Ramos were among seven speakers at the event organized by the Metro Human Relations Commission. Described as “a community statement in Submisson Policy solidarity with our Muslim neighbors,” the event drew about 60 The Observer accepts original opinion pieces and letters from Nashville area residents on topics of inter- people, including several rabbis and members of the Community est to the Jewish community as long as they have not been published or submitted for publication else- Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. It was held in response to a rising tide of anti- where. Submissions should be sent by the 15th of the month prior to publication to Editor Charles Muslim rhetoric in the wake of recent terrorist attacks, including a Bernsen at [email protected] or 801 Percy Warner, Suite 102, Nashville 37205. The Observer call by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to bar all reserves the right edit all submissions for clarity, length and style. Muslims from entering the country. Photo by Judy Saks “May The Force Be With Jew” by Yoni Glatt [email protected] • Difficulty Level: Medium • Solution on page 22 1234 56789 10 11 12 13 Across Down 1. Asher ___.... 1. Balak's curser 14 15 16 5. Schindler of "Schindler's List" 2. Grande who practices Kabbalah 10. Word before Yisrael 3. What Israel did in 1967 (land-wise) 17 18 19 14. False god of war 4. Hero in a Sam Raimi film and TV 15. Didn't dine in the Sukkah series 20 21 22 16. Jewish frat 5. Sinai springs 17. Weapon for an Israeli Jedi? 6. Guy in need of a shiduch, maybe 23 24 25 26 27 19. Scotch not used for kiddush 7. Grill item 20. Ian Kinsler played at this level, once 8. El Al, e.g. 28 29 30 21. Fit for David or Achashverosh 9. Makeup for Estee Lauder? 22. How Michaels' show is broadcast 10. Gush ___ 31 32 33 34 23. Esau felt it for Jacob 11. Unlike matzoh 25. Bounty hunting Prime Minister? 12. Many Jews have one on 11 Tishrei 35 36 37 38 28. "___ Monday", tune by Susanna 13. What Diodotus Tryphon did to gain Hoff's band Jonathan Maccabee's trust 39 40 41 29. Letter that can be long 18. Israel has made several with neigh- 30. Long in Ben Younger's "Boiler Room" boring lands 42 43 44 45 46 47 31. Farmar, once 22. Jeremy who played with Casspi 33. Sight for Eilat divers 24. Short-lived job for Ben Stiller in 48 49 50 51 34. Seconds, in Israel "Zoolander" 35. Frum part of the Force? 26. ___ up (starts looking like 52 53 54 55 39. ___ Yikra Goldberg) 56 57 58 40. Make like Moses hitting the rock, e.g. 27. Yiddish pops, for short 41. ___-mo, effect used by Kubrick 32. Former Adam Brody show 59 60 61 42. In a ___, might need some tzedakah 33. Itzhak Perlman gift 43. Wrap in Nichols' "The Birdcage" 34. The Negev, e.g. 62 63 64 44. Where Warren Buffet bought 35. "The greatest thing in the world...”, chametz from Rabbi Jonathan Gross according to Billy Crystal's Miracle 48. Wookie of the tribe? Max 51. Rabbi Weil of the OU 36. It's prepared before shabbat 52. It's the least anti-Semitic country in 37. Piece of Talmud the world, according to the ADL 38. What some might call really slow 53. NYU arts name cantors 55. Like the Rova 39. Nickname Jonas Salk could have 56. (Just a) bissel shared with Julius Erving ClassifiedClassified Ads Ads 57. Lord of Passover? 43. Some Stern degs. 59. Like Shabbat after about 25 hours 45. ___ Zara 60. Best group in the IDF, perhaps 46. Female foe of Daniel in the "Harry 61. Savior of many a Jew during WWII, Potter" films ASSISTING e.g. 47. Garfield on screen Interested in assisting the elderly 62. You might need one's help for this 49. Get on an Israir flight with chores and errands. Available puzzle 50. Buenos ___, home of a kosher ADVERTISE TODAY 63. Kind of question asked before a McDonald's morning to mid afternoons. l'chaim celebration 51. Joe who's a yutz Excellent references. e-mail Carrie Mills [email protected] 64. Clarinetist Artie 54. Marvel(ous) Lee Ronnit Keha 917-531-2755 56. Particle studied by Bohr 57. Jewish beginning at night? 58. They work on this publication, briefly

20 January 2016 The Observer Adina Tova Shuman will celebrate was an avid reader. She volunteered at a-kind needlepoint and crocheted artwork becoming a bat mitzvah the library and for many years helped the she made by hand. She also happily sewed surrounded by family, Temple with donations. She truly her children’s clothes and crocheted gor- friends and community enjoyed all types of music. She liked to geous sweaters, scarves and hats for her lifecycles Saturday, Jan. 16 at solve puzzles, played mahjong, and trav- grandchildren. The Schlangers also sup- Congregation Sherith eled to many parts of the world, includ- ported numerous charities in the United B’nai Mitzvah Israel and also the next ing China, Australia, Mexico, Europe States as well as Israel. day, Sunday, Jan. 17, at and Hawaii. She flew across the United The last few years of her life, Gertrude Toby Rose Averbuch was called Congregation Beit States many times to Oregon to visit her was living with Alzheimer’s disease and Tefilah Chabad. In Adina Tova daughter and grandchildren. She was an was moved to an assisted living facility in to the Torah as a bat Shuman mitzvah on Saturday, preparation for her bat artist, prolific with her handwork. She Memphis, where one of her daughter’s Dec. 19 at West End mitzvah ceremony, Adina has been inten- created quilts, Afghans, sweaters, scarves lived. Despite the disease’s unfortunate Synagogue. She is the sively studying Torah with her father and and needle points, each perfectly ramifications, she could still beat anyone daughter of Jessica and her sister every week for more than two stitched. Her generosity throughout her in a game of gin right up until the end. Sam Averbuch, sister of years. She plans to deliver an extensive life is an inspiration. A graveside service Aron, her loving husband of 53 Dusty Averbuch, and Torah discourse on each week's corre- was held at the Temple Cemetery. years, passed away in 1999, due to com- granddaughter of Dr. sponding portion at the two synagogues. plications from hepatitis he contracted in and Mrs. Larry Toby Rose Adina is the daughter of Brad and … the family of Gertrude WWII. Even with some of her memories Averbuch of Nashville Averbuch Erika Shuman. She is a younger sister of Jakubovitz Schlanger, 90, a longtime sadly taken by the dementia, she never and Dr. and Mrs. Leslie Pearlstein of St. Malka and Rivka and big sister of Yaacov, Nashville resident who died on Nov. 30 forgot her dear husband or the atrocities Petersburg, FL. Avi and Leora. Adina is a 6th grader at in Memphis, where she had been living they suffered in the camps. Gertrude is Toby began her education at Akiva Akiva School. She loves spending time in an assisted living facility. Born on Feb. survived by two daughters, Hilda School and is a seventh grader at with family and friends, reading, sports 25, 2015 in Sobrance, Czechoslovakia, Schlanger Golden (Richard) of Highland University of School of Nashville. She and other creative projects. Mrs. Schlanger survived for a year and a Village, TX, and Dina Schlanger Romeo loves gymnastics, running, ultimate fris- half as a teenager in the concentration (Steve) of Memphis; six grandchildren, bee and playing guitar. This summer will Jacob Andrew Fish will be called camps, including Auschwitz. Upon liber- and 10 great-grandchildren. be Toby’s fifth at Camp Ramah Darom in to the Torah as a bar ation, she and her childhood friend and The family would like to thank all of Clayton, GA. In her spare time, Toby mitzvah at 9:30 a.m. on fellow Holocaust survivor, Josef Aron her caregivers in Nashville and Memphis loves to spend as much time as possible Saturday, Jan. 30 at Schlanger, traveled to a displaced per- who helped make her final years better. The with her friends. West End Synagogue. sons camp in Turin, Italy, where they family politely requests that any memorial Toby chose to run to raise money for Jacob is the son of were married May 25, 1946. donations be sent to Congregation Sherith Renewal House as her mitzvah project. Jordanna Fish and Gertrude and Aron sailed to the Israel in Nashville, the Tennessee Renewal House is a non-profit organiza- Michael and Devora United State4s.S. in 1948, where they first Holocaust Commission or the United tion that provides housing and support Fish. His grandparents lived with an uncle in Connecticut before States Holocaust Memorial Museum. for women who suffer with addiction and are Charles and Sandra Jacob Andrew moving to Ridley, TN to open a grocery Fish for their children. Toby has grown up Fish of Johnson City, store and fuel station. Struggling to make … to the family of Richard M. around this organization and has been TN and Marilyn Paru of Baltimore, MD. ends meet, the Schlangers still selflessly Morin, 79, who died on touched by the women’s struggles and Jacob is a seventh grade student at gave tzedakah by offering free food to the Dec. 17 of natural caus- successes. She raised more than $1,000, Bellevue Middle School. He is an avid local townspeople in need. Their never es. He is survived by his allowing her to adopt 19 women and trombone player, magician, and Batman wavering generosity was learned from the wife of 57 years, children for the holidays. enthusiast. For his mitzvah project, Jacob values of the Torah, which they held so Cynthia Morin; his visits The Meadows Nursing Home every dear, and was fortified even more from children, Jennifer and Elinor Horn will become a bat week and performs magic tricks to bring their tragic experiences in the Nazi death Matt Cassell of Dallas mitzvah on Jan. 1 at 6 smiles to the residents. camps. Wanting their two young daugh- and Andrew Morin and Richard M. p.m. at Congregation ters to grow up in Jewish Community, Allison Cutler of Morin Sherith Israel. Elinor is Sympathy receive a Jewish education and be afforded Nashville, and his grandchildren, Sam the daughter of Adam more opportunities, the family moved to and Mitch Cassell and Isabel and Josh and Ilana Horn and the … to the family of Shirley Silverfield Nashville just a couple of years later. Aron Morin. He was preceded in death by his sister of Naomi and Gold, 90, who died on Nov. 24. Born in and his brother William purchased a suc- parents, Israel and Edythe Roth Morin, Judah Horn. Her grand- Nashville on Jan. 13, 1925 to Elizabeth cessful scrap metal yard, and the whole and his sister, Roberta Morin Aronowitz. parents are Paula and Schwartz and Julian Silverfield, she attend- family was soon immersed in Nashville’s A native of Worcester, MA, Richard Michael Ungar of Palos Elinor Horn ed Hillsboro High School. She married Jewish community. Everyone became graduated from Boston University with a Verdes, CA and Laura and Michael Paul Gold in 1941, who preceded her in active members of Congregation Sherith bachelor-of-science degree and earned a Paster of Walnut Creek, CA and Eugene death after 50 years of marriage. She is sur- Israel, and Gertrude served in the shul’s master’s degree in religious education from Horn (z’’l) and Steven Seidel (z’’l). vived by her son, Bruce H. Gold of sisterhood for more than 40 years. the Scarritt-Bennett Center. A life-long Elinor is a seventh grader at J. T. Nashville; daughter, Joan Gold Cypress Gertrude, also known as Momma and Jewish educator and a warm and engaging Moore Middle School. She plays clarinet and son-in-law, Marvin Cypress, of Eugene, Bubby Giti, became the heart of the com- individual, he enriched his Jewish home in the school band and volunteers as a OR, grandson, Adam Cypress of munity. Using her superb skills, she and his Jewish community. He spent his Reading Buddy at Percy Priest Carnation, WA, granddaughter, Dawn and cooked and baked for the shul, friends and time, his talents and his affection to make Elementary School. Elinor enjoys writ- her husband Troy, of Eugene; sister, family, and hosted countless events at her everyone around him feel included in his ing, drawing manga, ceramics and mak- Suzanne Brandes of Nashville, and her dear home. The immaculate Schlanger home, circle of family and friends, making a dif- ing stop motion animation films. friend, Louis H. Brooks Jr. of Nashville. which had an open-door policy, was ference in the lives of those he touched. Shirley enjoyed a good long life. She adorned with numerous pieces of one-of- Richard was a member of the Congregation Micah board, an alumnus of Leadership Nashville, a member of the executive committee of the Davidson County Democratic Party and a diehard Business Card Directory Boston Red Sox fan. He was director of Jewish education at The Temple Ohabai Sholom. He managed human resources YOUR GUIDE TO FINE BUSINESSES training for Nashville Mayor Richard Fulton, was a director of Metro Head AND SERVICES AROUND MUSIC CITY. Start, served as executive director of National Association of Temple PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, 615.356.3242 EXT. 299 Educators and registrar for the Reform THEY’RE THE BEST! Jewish Educators Certification Program. The funeral service and internment was on Dec. 20 at Congregation Micah. Pallbearers were Lynn and David Barton, әLJxÓää Bob Cooper, Sandy and Lewis Goldstein, ÓäääÊ7>Àvˆi`Ê ÀˆÛi Julie Greenberg, Lynn and Ron Heady, œÀ˜iÀʜvʈÃLœÀœÊ,œ>`Ê>˜`Ê Marvin Kronenberg, Jon and Elaine 7>Àvˆi`Ê ÀˆÛiÊLi ˆ˜`Ê- i Levine, Sally Levine, Rebecca and " Ê-/"*Ê*
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/" - tion to the Richard M. Morin Education Fund at Congregation Micah. The Observer January 2016 21 grapes, olives, wheat and barley. per person or $180 for a couple. For non- In addition to containing the seven members it is $120 per person or $210 species, the dishes must either be parve or per couple. Childcare is available, and dairy. Immediately following the space is limited to the first 20 who regis- around the town potluck, Hadassah will hold an installa- ter. For more information or to register, tion ceremony for its new board led by call the ECLC at 354-1640 or email Cheekwood, environmental awareness. The event is Shannon Martindale, the young women [email protected]. from 10 a.m. to noon. co-chair of the Southern Region Board. Federation, PJ Thanks to Cheekwood’s and the For more information, contact Nili Work by Henry Library team for Federation’s generosity, entrance to Friedman at [email protected] or Cheekwood is free for participants who (615) 498-4564. Jones, Michelle special Tu B’Shevat RSVP in advance for the program. Without an RSVP, entrance to the pro- Trachtman and program for kids gram will be free with cost of admission GJCC planning to Cheekwood. ECLC preschoolers PJ Library, the Jewish Federation of Love & Logic early For more information or to register, Nashville and Middle Tennessee and the on exhibit at GJCC contact Sara Hanai, Nashville PJ library parenting seminar Cheekwood Botanical Garden are part- coordinator at [email protected] in January nering to present a Tu B’Shevat program or Liron Finkelstein, community shlicha The Early Childhood Learning for children this month. (Israel emissary) at liron@jewish- Center at the Gordon Jewish The Gordon Jewish Community On Jan. 26, Cheekwood’s regular nashville.org or 615-354-1632 Community Center is offering a five- Center’s August art exhibits will feature “Tuesday for Tots” event will feature a week seminar beginning next month on the work of Henry Jones, Michelle special story time as well as arts and early childhood parenting. Trachtman and students at its Early crafts that focus on the Jewish holiday Hadassah will hold The sessions will be held from 6- Childhood Learning Center. The nicknamed “The New Year for Trees.” Tu B’Shevat Seven 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday from Feb. 3 exhibits will run from Jan 4-31. Celebrated on the 15th day of the through March 2. They will be based on Coinciding with Martin Luther Hebrew month of Shevat, the holiday Species Potluck and the “Early Childhood Parenting Made King Day, Jones’s exhibit, “Like a River, traditionally marks the cut-off date for board installation Fun” curriculum of Love & Logic Our Freedom Struggle,” includes color- calculating the age of fruit-bearing trees Institute, a 38-year-old Colorado-based ful abstract paintings of African and is now associated with nature and Americans that he describes as a tribute Hadassah’s Nashville chapter will company that provides parenting materi- als, curricula and seminars. The local to the Civil Rights Movement and other host its Tu B’shevat Seven Species freedom movements. Potluck Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at seminars will be led by Omid Yamini, a certified Love & Logic facilitator. A Nashville native who moved back Crossword solution the Gordon Jewish Community Center. to her hometown in 2013, Trachtman Those who attend are asked to bring Participants will learn techniques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 has always been involved in some sort of B A R A O S K A R K L A L a dish containing one or many of the aimed at making parenting fun rather 14 15 16 artistic, creative “project” that demon- A RES A TE I N A EP I “seven species,” the main foods con- than frantic. Topics that will be dis- 17 18 19 strates bright colors, vibrancy, edge and L IGHTSABRA T APE sumed in the land of Israel during the cussed are: 20 21 22 personality. A AA R EGAL L IVE biblical period: dates, figs, pomegranates, • Handling misbehavior without break- 23 24 25 26 27 The art of the ECLC’s preschool A NIMUS B IBIFETT ing a sweat 28 29 30 students, which will be on display in the M AN I C N UN N IA • Teaching children to listen – the first 31 32 33 34 Sig Held Gallery, includes both individ- N ET E EL B ETS Answers to Yoda or time 35 36 37 38 ual and collaborative pieces that T H ESHTARKS IDE Jewish Sage quiz • Avoiding power struggles 39 40 41 Director Terri L. Katzenstein says reflect D ROR E RR S LO • How limits create happier parents, 42 43 44 45 46 47 from page 17 the creativity of the preschoolers’ hearts R UT B OA O MAH A happier children and happier families 48 49 50 51 and minds. J EWB ACCA S TEVEN 1) Yoda, 2) Sage, 3) Sage, 4) Yoda, • What to do when your children leave 52 53 54 55 The reception for the artists at 7-9 L AOS T ISCH O LD 5) Yoda, 6) Sage, 7) Yoda, 8) Sage you speechless 56 57 58 p.m. on Jan. 6 will include live music by I OTA D ARTHSEDER 9) Sage, 10) Sage, 11) Yoda, 12) Yoda, ECLC teachers were offered Love & 59 60 61 DJ Spun Counterguy along with compli- O VER A TEAM D ANE 13) Sage, 14) Yoda, 15) Sage, 16) Yoda, Logic training, and Director Terri 62 63 64 mentary food and wine to accompany N ERD Y ESNO S HAW 17) Yoda, 18) Sage Katzenstein said, “The combination of learning verbal, emotional and physical the event. For more information, con- language to communicate effectively has tact call (615) 354-1699, or email cura- been immensely beneficial.” tor Carrie Mills at I like to come here, Franz. As I have for nearly twenty years now. The cost for GJCC members is $100 [email protected], •

And the rose bush has turned into a lovely little tree. MARSHALL-DONNELLY-COMBS FUNERAL HOME 327-1111

For Over 150 years, our dedication to service and personal attention has made us the premier choice of families in our community. Our staff is dedicated to compassionately supporting your family before, during and after the loss of your loved one. I never had such a green thumb as you did, Franz. Probably you helped me there a 201 25th Ave North (at Centennial Park) Nashville, Tennessee 37203 little bit, don’t you think? And if one of the roots reaches down to you, then that means a little bit of you is in the blossoms and you can To access the Community Calendar, see the summer every year. go to www.jewishnashville.org The people who run the cemetery said that the rose bush can and click on “Calendar.” stay when the lease on the plot runs out.

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22 January 2016 The Observer PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS CARE GIVER MUSICIANS AND DJs REAL ESTATE con’t Cathy Werthan, CPA, PFS FAMILY STAFFING SOLUTIONS, INC BLUE TONE MUSIC CPA Consulting Group, PLLC Stay Independent*At Home*In Charge® Jewish Wedding Ceremonies Providing traditional tax and accounting ‘Personal Care Assistance At Its Best” The Nashville Blue Tones Party Band services in a non-traditional way 2000 Richard Jones Road DJ Services. 615-352-6358 109 Kenner Ave., Suite 100 Nashville, TN 37215 www.BlueToneMusicUSA.com (615) 322-1225 • www.cpacg.com 615-383-5656 208 Uptown Square OPHTHALMOLOGIST ADVERTISING Murfreesboro, TN 37129 615-848-6774 HOWARD ROSENBLUM, M.D. The Observer Carrie Mills 119 McGrew Street, Suite A Eye Physician & Surgeon The best use of your advertising dollar. Shelbyville, TN 37160 Nashville Eye Center 801 Percy Warner Blvd. 356-3242 x299 931-680-2771 St. Thomas Hospital • Ph. 386-9200 309 North Jackson St. Patricia Straus, MBA, Broker, CRS APPLIANCES Tullahoma, TN 37388 OPTOMETRIST RE/MAX Elite 931-222-4080 Marketing Real Estate to a Global Clientele ELECTRONIC EXPRESS now 109 Holiday Court, Suite C-8 DR. MICHELE SONSINO www.PatriciaStraus.com carries a full line of home appliances as Franklin, TN 37067 Optique Eyecare & Eyewear [email protected] well as consumer electronics! We have 615-472-1563 2817 West End Ave., Nashville O: 615.661.4400 the brands you know and trust: www.familystaffing.com 615-321-4EYE (4393) M: 615.305.8465 Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, General Electric, Frigidaire, and LG. Count on Electronic Express to help HOME IMPROVEMENT ORTHODONTISTS you make the best choice. Nobody beats YOUR HOME HANDYMAN A. JOEL GLUCK, DDS, MS our prices. Free basic delivery and Rich Adler, Small Job Specialists. JONATHAN GLUCK, DDS, MSD pick-up of your old appliances with Specialist in Orthodontics Free estimates, Excellent references. www.Zeitlin.com this ad. Available at any of our 16 615-646-4900 or 615-972-3093 cell Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics stores. Visit us on the web at [email protected] Green Hills 269-5903 Residential & Relocation Specialists www.electronicexpress.com 2002 Richard Jones Road, Ste. A-200 for a location near you. www.drgluck.com JESSICA AVERBUCH INSURANCE Managing Broker, ABR, CRS, ePRO HERMITAGE LIGHTING GALLERY 383-0183 (bus.) • 294-9880 (cell) FRIDRICH, PINSON & ROTHBERG PHYSICAL Your Total Design Center [email protected] Lighting • Appliances • Kitchens Jamie Rothberg THERAPISTS Adam Rothberg www.jessicaaverbuch.com Baths • Hardware • Plumbing THERAPY IN MOTION, P.C. 3825 Bedford Ave. Suite 203 LORNA M. GRAFF 615-843-3300 Dr Michael J. Malawey, PT www.hermitagelighting.com Ph 327-9105 Dir 277-1483 Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR [email protected] Dr Cindy M. Malawey, PT - Orthopedic disorders of the Neck, 371-0185 (bus.) • 351-5343 (cell) Back and Extremities including post surgery [email protected] ATTORNEY ROBINS INSURANCE www.lornagraff.com Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; - Stroke and Brain injury recovery MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY Tom Loventhal; Marsha Jaffa, CIC; - We bring the clinic to your home NAN SPELLER Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate Van Robins, CIC - 40 years of combined experience Broker, GRI, ABR Fifth Third Center Auto, Home, Life, Health, Therapy in Motion, P.C. 383-0183 (bus.)• 973-1117 (cell) 424 Church Street, Ste. 2250 Business Insurance Call 760-224-3081 or 760-715-4789 [email protected] Nashville, Tennessee 37219 30 Burton Hills, Suite 300 (615) 256-5661 Ph. 665-9200 • www.robinsins.com PROPERTY www.martinsirlaw.com MANAGEMENT ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. Julian “Bud” Zander, Jr., CIC GHERTNER & COMPANY BALLOON DECOR Jeffrey J. Zander, CIC Homeowner Association and Michael Weinberger Condominium Management PARTY ANIMALS Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Full Service and Financial Management Balloon Decor & Entertainment Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection Property Management since 1968 615-941-3177 212 Oceola, Nashville, TN 37209 255-8531 www.PartyAnimalsTN.com 356-1700 www.zanderins.com www.ghertner.com Franklin Pargh Synergy Realty Network PSYCHOTHERAPY & FranklinPargh.com COUNSELING C. 615-351-7333 IRA HELDERMAN, LPC/MHSP Licensed Professional Counselor SPORTING GOODS Individual, Adolescent and Couples Counseling TEAM NASHVILLE For consultation please contact: Your Running/Walking 615-473-4815 Swimming Headquarters or [email protected] 3205 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 Advertise in our REAL ESTATE (615) 383-0098 Professional Services Directory TUTORING OMEGA LEARNING BELLE MEADE K – 12 Tutoring and Test prep Reach thousands of readers in the Nashville and Middle Email: [email protected] Tennessee area by taking advantage of this cost-effective way Phone: 615-678-1927 to reach a loyal repeat audience!

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24 January 2016 The Observer