Jewish Scene Magazine December 2008

Transcription

Jewish Scene Magazine December 2008
Hot Chanukah Finds • Rabbi David W. Skopp
Jewish Education Across the South
EIGHT MODELS
UNITED BY
A STUBBORN
REFUSAL
TO COMPROMISE
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OF MEMPHIS
© 20 07 Lexus of Memphis. All rights reserved.
What Is A
Donor Advised Philanthropic Fund?
JUÖT!BO!FBTZ!XBZ!UP!NBOBHF!ZPVS!DIBSJUBCMF!
HJWJOH!BOE!TVQQPSU!UIF!KFXJTI!DPNNVOJUZ
Ftubcmjti!b!Epops!Bewjtfe!Gvoe! xjui!b!epobujpo!up!uif!Kfxjti!Gpvoebujpo!pg!
Nfnqijt/!Dpotjefs!ju!zpvs!Ódibsjubcmf!difdljoh!bddpvouÔ/!Dipptf!ipx!zpvs!gvoe!jt!jowftufe!jo!
boz!pof!pg!pvs!gpvs!jowftunfou!tusbufhjft!ps!b!npofz!nbslfu!gvoe/!Boe-!uif!gvoe!hspxt!uby.gsff/!!
Nblf!ejtusjcvujpot!pg!uif!jodpnf!boe!qsjodjqbm!up!rvbmjßfe!dibsjujft!uispvhipvu!uif!zfbs!bu!
ujnft!uibu!bsf!nptu!dpowfojfou!gps!zpv/
“We created a Donor Advised
Fund at the Jewish Foundation
two years ago and have been
pleased and impressed with how
easy it is to direct our charitable
donations. There are numerous
benefits to a donor advised fund,
not the least of which is simplicity.
The initial tax deduction was
taken when we created the fund.
When we make additional
contributions those will be tax deductible as well. We have enjoyed being able to
discuss and involve our children in the process of choosing where to give. It feels
like we have our own family foundation.”
--Connie, Mike, Leah and Zach Sherman pictured on a recent trip to Israel
Npsf!uibo!311!Kfxjti!gbnjmjft!ibwf!uvsofe!up!uif!Kfxjti!Gpvoebujpo!pg!
Nfnqijt!bt!uifjs!qbsuofs!jo!dibsjubcmf!hjwjoh/!Pvs!bssbz!pg!qijmbouispqjd!
tfs wjdft! dbo! cf! ubjmpsfe! up! nffu! uif! joejwjevbm! offet! boe! btqjsbujpot!!
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for more information contact Laura Linder at the jewish foundation of memphis.
9 0 1-3 74 - 0 4 0 0
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December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
WINTER
HOLIDAY
SALE
Farmington Centre – Farmington & Exeter
Germantown, TN – 901•754•0018
Contents
6
Home and Garden
O
pen Areas and Cheerful Colors Transform
House to Home
12 T
ravel – Sail Regent Seven Seas
Cruises in Alaska
13 H
ealth & Fitness
H
ow to Finally Lose at Least 10 Pounds in
12 weeks and Keep It Off
14 Senior Living
Communities Offer Welcomed Benefits
15 Beshert: True Stories of Connection
The Coins
16 Agency Highlight
Institute of Southern Jewish Life Supports
Jewish Education Across the South
22 T
he Scribbler
H
ow the Schminskites Invented the
Chanukah Dreidel
23 Dollars and Sense
Time to Consider Year-End Investing Moves
24 Feature
The PJ Library
25 Estate Planning – What is up with
All Those Initials After His Name?
26 From the Kitchen
of Extreme Events
W
arm Up Your Winter Holidays with
Fabulously Scented Desserts
27 L’Chayim
Party Size Wines – Good Value or Plonk?
Editor/Publisher
28 Hot Chanukah Finds
Art Director 29 A Mentor to Many,
a Friend to All
Rabbi Cantor David W. Skopp Made His
Mark on Memphis
Art Assistant
30
31
Jennifer Lefkowitz
Dustin Green
Arts & Entertainment
Reviews and Critiques
David Miller
Rebecca Miller
Arts & Entertainment Editor
Calendar & Scrapbook Editor
Linda Schlesinger
On the Sidelines
Where Are They Now?
Editorial Contributors
32 Agency Listing
Advertiser Listings
33 Coming Attractions
BE SCENE
18 BSSS, Temple Israel
19 Memphis Jewish High School, MHA/
FYOS, MJCC, Baron Hirsch
20 ASBEE, Beth Israel, Gulfport, MS;
Memphis Torah MiTzion Kollel
21 Memphis Jewish Home and Rehabilitation
Center, Artist Ascending Series, Beth
Israel, Jackson, MS; Young Israel
22 Beth Sholom
Lawson Arney
Gary Burhop
Shoshana Cenker
Ari Glogower
Gary Hawkins
Mark Hayden
Joseph Kennedy
Jennifer Lefkowitz
Howard Manis
Harry Samuels
Linda Schlesinger
Ted Roberts
Debbie Rosenthal
Tonya Tittle
Account Executives
Bob Drake
Bari Eiseman
Larry Nieman
Chief Financial Officer
Don Heitner
Business Manager
On the cover:
Alice Drake
Untraditional desserts for a traditional holiday.
Photo: Susan Nieman / Effects: David Miller
Jewish Scene is dedicated to creating awareness among the Jewish community; and promoting and supporting the
religious, educational, social and fundraising efforts of Jewish agencies and organizations.
26
Susan C. Nieman
19
6
Editorial Assistants
Bettye Berlin
Emily Bernhardt
Alice Drake
Volume 3 Number 4
December 2008
Kislev/Tevet 5769
Jewish Scene magazine must give permission for any
material contained herein to be copied or reproduced in
any manner. Manuscripts and photographs submitted
for publication are welcome by Jewish Scene, but no
responsibility can be taken for them while in transit or
in the office of the publication. Editorial content does
not necessarily reflect the publisher’s opinion, nor
can the publisher be held responsible for errors. The
publication of any advertisement in this issue does not
constitute an endorsement of the advertiser’s product
or services by this publication.
Jewish Scene is published monthly by Jewish Living
of the South, Inc. Subscription rates for the U.S.:
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www.jewishscenemagazine.com
From the
EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITOR
Dear Readers,
Every month I ponder for days over what to
write in my editorial. Then each month, just
as if it were a miracle, a light goes off in my
brain, something important happens in my
life and there it is – the perfect copy – well
most of the time.
This month as usual, I have waited until the
last minute. Except this time, we are going to
print in a matter of hours. And the only thing
that has popped into my brain, over and over, is
that all I want to do is wish our readers a safe
and happy Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza or
whatever holiday your family celebrates during
the winter season.
At heart, I am a summer person. I hate cold
weather, I don’t want to wear a coat and I would
always rather wear sandals. But as the cold
weather ushers in, daylight ceases to exist after
5:00 p.m., and stores begin playing their holiday
music, then I find myself looking forward to
snuggling in front of the fireplace with a good
book or my knitting. I begin looking forward to
the time I will spend INSIDE, with family and
friends, and I thank my lucky stars that I have
made it through another year, happy, healthy
and a little wiser than last year.
I want to thank my loyal readers, advertisers,
writers, and all who have contributed to Jewish
Scene magazine to make it an anticipated
monthly publication. And to my family who
hear me gripe about being so busy, they know I
love every minute of what I do. I love you and
thank you for putting up with my once-a-month
deadline ranting.
I wish you all a Happy Holiday season. May you
spend it in the company of those you love.
Shalom,
Susan C. Nieman - Publisher/Editor
To help support the cost of
mailing your subscription, please
send $18 per year to Jewish Scene
Magazine, 1703 Tamhaven Court,
Cordova, TN, 38016.
Jewish Scene I November 2008
HOME & GARDEN
Open Areas and
Cheerful
Colors
Transform House to Home
By Susan C. Nieman
It was all about the location and Karin
wasn’t willing to budge. “The house was
dark and needed some changes, but I
was willing to sacrifice some things to
get this house,” said Karin Rubinitz.
Two years ago, when she and her husband, Jeff, a pediatric oncologist at St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital, put their Cordova home on the market, they thought
they would have some time to look around.
Surprise. “The house sold right away,” said Karin. “We lived in an apartment
for seven months.”
The couple came back more than once to look at a Memphis home in the
neighbor they wanted, but it needed some work. After careful planning and a workable
budget they decided to purchase it. And although renting was not ideal, Karin and
Jeff were glad they were not living among the construction mess. “Especially when
they smoothed the textured ceilings, said Karin.”
Like many 30-year-old homes in this area, all of the bedrooms were upstairs.
The most challenging renovation was transforming a downstairs guestroom and
bath into a master suite. “That was the biggest part of our budget,” explained Karin.
A combination shower and tub, additional closet space and double {continued on p.8}
December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Small squares were cut from
the countertops and placed
between the larger tiles to help
bring together the colors of the
floor, shower and countertop.
BLM_ABN_AD_JWSH.pdf
11/13/08
3:45:46 PM
HOME & GARDEN
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Jewish Scene I December 2008
HOME & GARDEN
sinks were a must.
Johnny Budlong, the contractor,
suggested converting a linen closet
into the toilet area. The extra space
from the old toilet was used to extend
the countertop to accommodate two
sinks and a vanity. Sliding doors for
the new closets saved space.
Designer Janice Reed, helped
Karin select marble countertops
for the master bath, and granite for
two upstairs vanities and the large
kitchen. “In the kitchen, I chose dark
countertops with a hint of cranberry
because I had been told that light
colors can stain easily from tomato
sauces and blueberries among other
things,” explained Karin. “With
three children, that was something
to think about.”
Jamie Mickalowski and Stacey
Williams
at Savannah Tile and Stone
The antique dining room furniture was refinished prior to their
in
Memphis,
Tenn. helped Karin find
daughter’s and son’s B’nai Mitvzah celebration The set belonged
the
tile
for
her
kitchen, bathrooms
to her maternal grandfather who purchased it in 1947.
and mudroom. “I also found the
perfect tile for the backsplash,” she explained. “It matched the
granite countertops perfectly. When you are trying to match
tiles you should spray them with water to see their true color
– what they will look like after they are sealed.”
{continued from p.6}
Replacing cabinets was out of the budget, and some of
the appliances were in good condition, so all that was needed
was a good facelift. To create the modern look of ceilinghigh cabinets, panels were built to enclose the open space. A
double oven was a must for family entertaining. That and the
refrigerator were framed and painted to match the faux-finish
that covered the old dark oak.
It was awhile before Karin stumbled upon the perfect window
treatments. With the help of Susan Morrow at Lynn Feathers in
Collierville, Karin found the print. “It had to be fun and bright,
December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
not formal,” she said. “But we also needed something with a little black to
tie the kitchen together. Susan suggested we start with the chicken, which
was the first piece of art I purchased for this house.”
Jeff and Karin replaced the sink and faucets, ceramic tile with
hardwood floors; and switched from electric to gas. They cut through
a wall to the living room to open the space and let in more light. In the
entry and hallway they raised doorways, painted the dark trim white
and added recessed lighting throughout the entire {continued on p.11}
HOME & GARDEN
From the Homeland
to your Home
Showroom Conveniently
located in East Memphis
Glass • Ceramic • Marble • Travertine
Porcelain • Mosaic • Metal • Slate • Granite
Hand Painted Tile
1531 Cherry Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
Phone: 901•744•9675
Fax: 901•744•7677
Raised vanity in
Zach’s bathroom
Vanity mirrors in
girls’ bathroom
add color
Jewish Scene I December 2008
HOME & GARDEN
Choosing the
Perfect Tile
By Susan Nieman
Walking into a tile and stone store is a little like
walking into a candy store. There are so many
choices; it is hard to choose what is best.
“You have to decide what makes you happy,” says
Jamie Mickalowski, owner of Savannah Tile &
Stone, Inc. in Memphis. “You need to consider your
style. Is your home modern, French country, etc.?
What colors do you like? Would you prefer smooth
or textured surfaces?”
Jamie explains that the shape and size of the tiles
can make a huge impact. “Varying the tile sizes can
also create a dramatic effect.”
Budget, of course, plays a big part in the selection,
but if you are on a tight budget and/or are
renovating to sell, then there are selections that
start as low as 99 cents a square-foot.
EfTijfmet!Mjhiujoh
At the lower end of the spectrum are ceramic
tiles. Porcelains, which are fired at a higher
temperature, are a little stronger. Marble and
granite are polished, while travertine is tumbled.
There is also slate and quartzite to choose from,
along with decorative glass and metals often used
as accents or backsplashes.
“I suggest that the client take home several
selections to see how they look in different lighting,”
explains Jamie. “Look at it in daylight and at night,
and even when it is raining. Ask your friends
and family their opinion. But ultimately choose
something that you enjoy seeing in your home at
the end of the day.”
Mjhiu!Vq!Zpvs!Ipmjebzt
!Tfmfdu!jo.tupdl!jufnt!vq!up!61&!ejtdpvou
Beejujpobm!21&!pgg!xjui!uijt!be
fydmveft!dpotjhonfou!jufnt
295!Nu/!Qmfbtbou!¦!Dpmmjfswjmmf-!UO!49128
:12/965/97:2!¦!N.G!9.6!¦!Tbu!21.3
10 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
For a specialty look you should check out the two
Memphis locations of Tuscany Tile & Stone, Inc.,
which specialize in custom glass designs. “Mosaics
have been used by the Italians for centuries,”
explains Margaret Yates of Tuscany. “Our designers
work with each client to create a style that meets
their needs and desires. Each unique design can be
used as a window, shower floor, in a pool or behind
a fountain. There is no limit to the imagination.”
{continued from p.9} house.
Guest vanity
with raised
height for
comfort
HOME & GARDEN
“The whole goal was to open the house up
and brighten it,” said Karin. The old curtains in the dining room
were so dark, they removed them and have yet added any window
treatments. “I just want to let the light shine in.”
Upstairs, the children, who are very active in gymnastics and
soccer, have plenty of space to work, play and practice. In the guest
room is a long area leading to the playroom with plenty of room for
gymnastic mats. The play/work room, complete with computer, TV
and worktable, is perfect for homework and projects.
Julia, 12, and Rebecca, 9, are happy sharing the enormous
upstairs master suite. The master closet serves as a play area.
Rebecca says, “It is a perfect place to play house with the dogs.”
Karin found the vanity mirrors in the girl’s bathroom at Factory
Showroom. “They add some color and fun to the room,” she said.
Zach, 13, has his own vanity and toilet, but shares the shower
with the adjoining guest vanity area used often by both Karin and
Jeff’s parents. Karin’s father, Bob, even helped pick out the house
and assisted with the renovations.
The living room is perfect for company but the family enjoys
watching TV together in the adjoining ‘green room.’ With three
kids, three dogs and a cat, Karin and Jeff Rubnitz have created the
perfect home.
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Jewish Scene I December 2008
11
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Blog: [email protected]
How to Finally Lose
at least 10 pounds
in
HEALTH AND FITNESS
12 weeks… and keep it off !
By Tonya Tittle • Energy Fitness
Fine Stationer
Stationery
&
Gifts
Take the quiz below to assess your nutrition habits.
1. Are you eating between 5 and 8 meals each day?
Yes
No
2. Are you eating a full breakfast (with protein) each day?
Yes
No
3. Are you getting in complete snacks in-between your meals?
Yes
No
Yes No
Yes
No
Yes
No
7. Do you drink a post-workout recovery shake right after every workout? Yes
No
Note: A full breakfast includes 10-12 grams of protein (minimum)
Note: A complete snack contains 2 out of the following 3: carb, fat, protein
4. Are you taking your vitamins each and every day?
Note: Good quality with high absorption rate that includes whole foods)
5. Have you eliminated your alcohol consumption?
Note: Eliminate means NO alcohol!
6. Are you drinking between 70 and 110 ounces of water every day?
Note: A post recovery shake is vital to give you the nutrients necessary to build muscle.
8. Have you been tracking your daily caloric intake?
Yes
No
9. Is it in line with your calculated needs?
Yes
If not, where can you make adjustments?
No
Women typically 1300-1500 calories for weight loss and to maintain
Men typically 1400-1600 calories for weight loss and to maintain
SCORE YOUR RESULTS.
How many questions did you answer Yes?
0 to 3 Lots of room for improvement. Maybe this is why you are frustrated
and not reaching your goals. Do better next week.
4 to 5 Getting close but still not there.What are you willing to incorporate
into your nutrition plan to start getting more results?
6 to 8 Good job. You are on track and working hard.
9 Fantastic! You should feel great, be at or headed toward your goal weight,
and are an inspiration to others. Keep it up.
Action steps to improve your results:
What action steps can you take to improve your nutrition for the next week?
Check out our favorite choice for vitamins and shakes at www.ProgradeMemphis.com. Send
questions you want answered to www.EnergyMemphis.com and we will answer them on our
Blog for free. And check out other posted articles that may help you reach your goals.
Call Tonya by Dec. 31, to schedule a free consultation 901.523.2348. Not ready for a free
consultation? Go to www.EnergyMemphis.com and register to download my free e-book, The
Truth about Fat Loss.
Tonya Tittle is the owner of Energy Fitness; a Personal Training Studio located in downtown
Memphis. She holds a masters degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in
Exercise Science and is an ACSM-certified personal trainer with over 14 years experience
in the fitness industry.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
13
SENIOR LIVING: SPONSORED BY WAVERLY COMMUNITIES
Senior Living Communities
Offer Welcomed Benefits
By Joseph Kennedy
hen we gather to celebrate, take time to honestly communities are safer than the typical single-family home. The
evaluate changes in the physical agility and mental acuity risks of physical harm are reduced substantially. No climbing
of mom and dad. Ask questions about preparations ladders, etc.
they have made for living in a supportive independent or assisted
Again, the advantages are obvious, but the nature of our
living community. Move the conversation toward that of choosing culture has still not shifted to the paradigm of “it’s not whether
a college. It’s not whether you will go to college, just which one. It’s we move to a senior living community, but which one.” It is up
not whether they will go to a senior living community, just which one.
to the adult children to begin to make this shift, to assume the
The number one benefit of these communities is socialization. responsibility, to encourage the possibility, to support the inquiry,
There are numerous quality of life advantages directly tied to and to not enable mom and dad to stay “at home,” laboring under
moving into a senior living community, which cannot be realized the misguided notion that it is the best thing, and “what we want.”
at home. The biggest advantage is the very nature of community. Like any major change in lifestyle or major change in assumptions
Whether in a smaller zero-lot line setting or an apartment style and behavior, this one will be disruptive, difficult and challenging
setting, the communal elements are powerful, life-enriching for everyone.
elements, which cannot be achieved in the isolation of staying “at
So what can adult children do? Get familiar with senior living
home.” The fabric of these communities is essentially different than before you have to be “grown up” and insist on mom and dad moving.
staying “at home,” because the residents –the neighbors, can relate Get familiar with the nature of aging, frailty and sometimes rapidly
to one another on a regular basis. These relations may be direct changing needs. Tour communities, and get the conversation
conversations, or they may be simply on the level of familiarity moving unwaveringly toward the timely decision of “which senior
and comfort. The pace of these communities is slower, on purpose. living community.” Get ready and get excited participating in this
The staff is friendly and sensitive to seniors’ physical, mental and next, and promising phase in your family’s lives together. Enjoy it,
emotional needs, on purpose.
and happy holidays.
Aside from the economic benefits of fixed expenses, no
surprise expenses for roof leaks, plumbing problems, air conditioner Joseph Kennedy is the owner/operator of Waverly Communities: Independent Living,
replacements and lower utility bills, the physical design of the Assisted Living and Memory Care in Memphis, Tenn.
W
Waverly
A Community of Caring
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Waverly
Gardens
features an
emphasis
on personal
services for
independent
living
Some of the services that the
Waverly communities offer:
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Waverly Glen fills
the need for assisted
and memory care
residents with
Alzheimer’s or other
forms of dementia.
$BMMUPBSSBOHFBUPVSBOE&/+0:-6/$)0/64
14 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
BESHERT: True Stories of Connection
BESHERT
The Coins
By Rabbi Leivi Sudak
L
ast year a friend told of his four-year-old nephew who, while
living with his parents in London, ran into the street and was
hit by a car. While the ambulance drove them to the emergency
room, the child’s mother and one attendant remained in the rear of
the ambulance with the little boy while the father, a rabbi, rode with
the driver. Upon arriving at the hospital, the attendants immediately
rushed the patient into the building.
As he left the ambulance, the father noticed a partially finished
Coke wedged next to the driver’s seat, and in order to provide the
two medics with drinks they had missed, he placed two one-pound
coins on the dashboard. It was subsequently determined that
the child was not severely injured, and the following day he was
released from the hospital.
A week later, while attending the Friday evening service at his
synagogue, a member of the congregation asked the rabbi if his son
had recently been injured. When he acknowledged the fact, the man
asked if he had left coins on the dashboard of the ambulance. Affirming
that he had done so, the man reminded the rabbi of an episode that
had occurred eighteen months earlier when the congregant’s niece
had married a non-Jewish man.
“The woman had subsequently given birth to a son, but the
father had refused to allow the child to be circumcised in accordance
with Jewish law. Months later, the father had reluctantly allowed the
ceremony to take place, but during that afternoon something seemed
wrong. The baby’s mother called you to come quickly to see the child,
and you raced across London to solve the problem.”
Having been reminded of the experience, the rabbi asked what
the incident had to do with the present story. The man explained
that the baby’s father was the ambulance driver. When he returned
to the vehicle that day and saw the coins, he was very touched by the
gesture made at such a stressful moment. He wished to learn more of a
religion that helped develop such character in people; he subsequently
decided to convert to Judaism.
Even a small gesture can have a great impact.
Harry Samuels is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and
has devoted many years to volunteerism in Memphis, Tenn. He and his wife, Flora,
have been married for 47 years and are the parents of Martin,
William and the late David Samuels. Proceeds from the sale of his
books go to charity.
Beshert and Mr. Samuels newest book, Crossroads: Chance or
Destiny? are available in Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Amazon.com
and Iuniverse.com and the Memphis Jewish Community Center.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
15
AGENCY HIGHLIGHT
Institute of Southern Jewish Life
Supports Jewish Education Across the South
By Ari Glogower
W
hat do the thousands of
Jewish congregational
religious school students
across the South have in common?
By some measures not much. The
students range in age from toddlers
to teenagers and are spread across a
geographic region larger than Western
Europe. Some students enjoy the benefits
with Southern congregational schools.
The cornerstone of the ISJL Education
Department is a comprehensive, nondenominational
curriculum.
Every
partnering school utilizes the curriculum,
which contains a complete year of
classes for every grade level from early
childhood through 10th grade, and can
be implemented by both professional
ISJL Fellow Andrew Terkel and a young member of Temple Shalom in Lafayette, LA, tune up before services
of large, professionally staffed schools, while
others gather in single-room schoolhouses
to learn from volunteers who may still be
teenagers themselves. The students belong
to a variety of Jewish denominations and
adhere to different beliefs and traditions.
They live in large central cities and small
distant towns.
While some might lament a splintered
Jewish demographic, the staff of the
Goldring Woldenberg Institute of Southern
Jewish Life (ISJL) based in Jackson, Miss.,
doesn’t see things this way.
ISJL President Macy B. Hart only
sees opportunities for cooperation. “Here
in the South,” he explains, “we have a
vast network of congregational schools
all dedicated to a single goal of promoting
Jewish education.”
To realize this potential, the ISJL
established an Education Department
dedicated to enhancing the quality of Jewish
education region wide through partnerships
educators and first-time volunteers. The
unique curriculum contains a common
body of Jewish knowledge, ensuring that
every student receives a basic literacy in
Jewish values and traditions.
“If Southern Jews are going to get
together and work together across the
region, we need a common language of
Jewish literacy,” Macy Hart explains. “If a
student moves mid-year from Dothan, Ala.
to McAllen, Texas, they can pick up their
math classes right where they left off and
fit right in, because the schools teach the
same math concepts no matter where you
go. We should be able to do the same thing
with our congregational religious schools.”
The strength of this model is most
evident in towns where a combined
religious school serves students from
multiple denominations. Every Sunday
morning in Chattanooga, Tenn., youth
from both the Conservative B’nai Zion and
the Reform Mizpah Congregation learn
16 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
together with the ISJL curriculum. Later
in the week, each group meets separately
for Hebrew lessons and enrichment
in the particular philosophies of their
respective denominations. Members of
both congregations, thereby, celebrate
their unique perspectives on Judaism while
uniting as a single community around a
shared Jewish heritage.
The ISJL curriculum was developed for
Southern communities. With this in mind,
the curriculum architects included unique
components highlighting the rich legacy
of Southern Jewry. A special Southern
History appendix contains lessons suitable
for grades two through eight. The lessons
examine the central themes of Southern
Jewish history: immigration patterns, the
pressures of assimilation and the Jewish
role in the Civil Rights era. The program
integrates artifacts, original documents and
photographs that bring the history to life.
Even the most well thought out
curriculum is still just a stack of spiralbound volumes until a teacher transforms
the printed pages into an inspiring
lesson. To ensure that the material is
delivered effectively, the ISJL engineered
an innovative delivery system. Every
partnering community that uses the
curriculum receives regular visits from
the Education Department’s full-time
Education Fellows. On each visit, the
Education Fellows conduct meetings
with the teachers, deliver sample lessons,
organize special programs, share ideas and
help out however needed.
Each summer, the ISJL convenes
educators, rabbis and lay leaders from
every partnering community for an annual
education conference. This essential
third component of the ISJL Education
Department provides three busy days of
programs, discussion and networking.
Attendees from communities large and
small across the South develop new
contacts, grow professionally and mutually
reinforce their shared commitment to
Jewish education.
News of the ISJL’s groundbreaking
model of Jewish education is traveling
fast, and every year more and more
Southern communities join the program.
The program began in 2003 with just two
Education Fellows serving 10 communities
AGENCY HIGHLIGHT
ISJL Fellow Lena Wise, Rabbi Jerome Fox and young members of Congregation House
of Israel gather in Rabbi Fox’s Sukkah.
ISJL Education Fellow Amanda Rainey and young members of Congregation Beth El in
LaGrange, GA, prepare Charoset for an interactive Passover Seder.
in four states. This year, the ISJL’s nine Education Fellows and
two Professional Educators regularly visit 61 communities in
11 states. Every year more and more schools across the South
recognize the benefits of the ISJL program, and the number of
partnering communities will likely rise further for the 2009-2010
academic year.
The ISJL currently partners with seven congregations in
Tennessee. In Chattanooga, the ISJL supports the combined
religious school of congregations B’nai Zion, Beth Sholom and
Mizpah. Participating in the program for their second year are
Knoxville congregations Heska Emunah and Temple Beth El. In
Memphis, the ISJL partners with Beth Sholom Synagogue and The
New Conservative Congregation of Memphis.
The partnering schools can be found as far west as San Antonio,
Texas, and eastward all the way to Raleigh, N.C. Others can be
found in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas,
Georgia, South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle. The schools
range in size from Congregation Ahavath Rayim in Greenwood,
Miss., with just one student, to Temple Beth Or in Raleigh, N.C., a
school just shy of 400 students. The ISJL partnering schools come
from across the denominational spectrum. Reform, Conservative,
Orthodox, Reconstructionist and unaffiliated congregations all
join together for a common goal: enhancing Jewish
education in every Southern community.
A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ari Glogower currently lives in
Jackson, Mississippi, where he works for the Goldring / Woldenberg
Institute of Southern Jewish Life. His various responsibilities at the
Institute regularly bring him into contact with fascinating Jewish
communities and individuals across the South.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
17
SCENE
5th grade Chickasaw State Park Sukkot field trip
1st graders Eli Cohen and Jonah Wexler for Rosh
Hashanah Apple Orchard trip
1st grade at Sukkah hop field trip
8th grade Ushpizin visit 2nd graders at school sukkah
Jacob Malkin, Mason Weiss, Noah Wurzburg
shake Lulav and Etrog at Hakafot
Nora, Nathan, Leeya, Henry, Georgia after
Tashlich at Wolf River
Sukkot Hoe Down
Brotherhood member Tod Singer takes groups
on hayrides
Brotherhood crew
Kathy Wexler and daughter, Mollie,
enjoy inflatables
Leigh and Danny Mansberg with
daughters, Ramie and Emma, at their
home at Sukkah Hop
MeFTY car wash benefiting Habitat for Humanity
18 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Cantor John Kaplan with children at Sisterhoodsponsored “Making Bedtime Jewish”
SCENE
//////////
MJHs ////////
Kesher Konnection Tour of Israel 2008
Bedouin couple hosting us in their tent
Rachel Bacaner, Aviva Katz, Ayala Heching enjoy
GMSFG Spanish Luncheon
Paratroopers when releasing Jerusalem
With mud from the Dead Sea
<<< Pioneer building Tel-Aviv in 1921
Kindergarteners Akiva Braverman, Rafael Blotner,
Pinchas Cooperman
baron
hirsch
Chol HaMoed Youth Day
at Putt Putt
Jacob Shapiro, Benjamin Siegel, Jonas Kannady sing during
Simchas Torah parade
Campbell Kirsh and Millie Brode wave
the flags they made for Simchas Torah
Guy Simmons and Campbell Kirsh next to
Sukkah they helped decorate
Emerson Schaffer and Eli Lewis lead the blessings
for Shabbat
Jewish Scene I December 2008
19
SCENE
/////////
asbee ///////
Tashlich Picnic
Congregation
Beth Israel,
Gulfport, Ms
Members of the 50-year-old Congregation Beth Israel
broke ground at the site of the Jewish community’s
new location. The 45-family congregation has relocated
from its Biloxi synagogue, which was made unusable in
Hurricane Katrina, to Gulfport, where it is building a
5,100-square-foot synagogue on two acres of land.
Sukkah Supper
Special guest first- round draft pick Darrell Arthur led a basketball clinic for the kids.
Memphis Torah
MiTzion Kollel
Learning night
Darrell Arthur & Cantor Aryeh Samberg
Rabbi Joel Finkelstein & Darrell Arthur
The Fogelman family was honored for their continued support of the Fogelman
Sukkah, which was donated by Morris Fogelman some 35 years ago.
20 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
SCENE
artist
ascending
series
Casino Day sponsored by YAD of the
Memphis Jewish Federation
beth israel
Simchat Torah
Jack Belz, Leonid Saharovici
presenting Belz Saharovici Award
For Excellence In Musical Artistry to
Ariel String Quartet
Succos celebrations included a
young couples dinner and fun
day for kids
Jackson, MS
Consecration Class: Religious Educator Hannah
Gershon, Reed Leonard, Jackson Haber, Jonathan
Norris, Leah Grace Tucker, Zoe Cole, Rabbi
Valerie Cohen
Jewish Scene I December 2008
21
THE SCRIBBLER
Beth Sholom
Tashlich
Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein and families gathered by Wolf River for
Tashlich prayers and ceremonial casting away of sins
Rabbi Aaron reads In God’s Name in the Butterfly Garden
President Rose Morrison greets members at
pre-fast meal on Kol Nidre evening
Rabbi Aaron and Sharona Rubinstein lead
Rockin’ Ruach Shabbat
r
e
l
b
b
Scri
THE
ON THE ROOF
By Ted Roberts
How The Schminskites Invented
the Chanukah Dreidle
Everybody has heard of Chelm, a village, revered in Jewish legend as
a home to fools. A town so dumb nobody has a watch.
“Why no watches in Chelm?” asks a visitor.
“Who can tell time?” answers the mayor.
“Remarkable,” says the visitor. “When does the next train leave?”
Chelm was the only town in Europe with a misspelled road sign.
Everybody knows about Chelm. This infamous town was in that intersection
of Europe where Austria, Poland and Russia continually quarreled over
the real estate. Schminsk, at one time or another, had belonged to each of
the three contestants. When the Schminskers, who at that time were loyal
Poles, were grabbed by the Austrians, jubilation reigned. “Thank G-d,”
chorused the villagers. “No more of those brutal Polish winters.”
And did you know that the game of Dreidle originated in Schminsk.
YES! Out of this swamp of feeblemindedness came “The Great Game.”
It all began with old man Machaya. “We need to upgrade Chanukah,” he
said. “I mean eight days of potato cakes that plug you up like the wet clay
on the riverbank? That’s a joyous holiday?”
“Why not a game of chance,” said Schmendrick, who ran a weekly
poker game. He was a daredevil who’d bet on anything; whether it was
winter or summer, was the river frozen or not frozen, was it raining or
not raining? “I got it,” he says. “We’ll lay “Fats” Felafel on his belly in the
synagogue basement and spin him round and round. He’s nice and zoftig.
He’ll spin like a greased up latke. And in each corner of the room we’ll
place a sign. Take 1 ruble, put in 1 ruble, take half, and zero – no action.
Each player will spin “Fats” Felafel and where he points, that’s what you
pay or take from the pot.”
All Schminsk rejoiced. Every Chanukah, “Fats” was escorted with
proper pomp and ceremony to the synagogue basement where his civic
responsibility consisted of about 200 revolutions on a waxy floor. He went
home dizzy, nauseous, but a respected member of the community.
And who could forget that third night of Chanukah 1902, when
“Fats” Felafel suddenly couldn’t revolve for even one revolution. He just
lay there, an immobile blob on the hardwood floor. No luck. The basement
was filled with a deep collective groan of disappointment from the players
of Schminsk, who were anxious for a little action. That’s when “Brains”
Bukelovitch, the smartest man in Schminsk spoke up.
“Ya know. Why don’t we make a big metal pointer that LOOKS LIKE
“FATS” – a replica of “Fats”! We’ll spin it, same result. And it’ll never get
nauseous like “Fats” and mess up the basement floor.” And that’s what
they did. And gradually, over the years, improvements were made.
Then one portentous night, a week before the holiday somebody
figured out that there was really no need to place signs around the room.
What they needed was a four-sided “Fats” with the action on each side.
And who said it had to be 5 feet 8 inches long and weigh 280 pounds, like
“Fats.” It could be the size of a child’s top. The dreidle – our modern, hitech dreidle – was born, thanks to Schminsk. They’d never have thought
that up in Chelm.
Ted, an ex Memphian is a nationally syndicated humorist whose work appears in magazines, websites,
and newspapers around the country. Check out his Website at www.wonderwordworks.com.
Ted Roberts (“The Scribbler on the Roof”}
Website: http://www.wonderwordworks.com
Blogsite: http://www.scribblerontheroof.typepad.com
[email protected]
Buy Ted’s collected works at link.
http://www.lulu.com/content/127641
256.881.3705
22 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
DOLLARS AND SENSE
DOLLARS AND SENSE
spONSORED BY MORGAN KEEGAN
Time to Consider Year-End Investment Moves
Provided by Lawson Arney, financial advisor, Morgan Keegan
T
aking time now to make some strategic saving and investing
decisions before December 31 can affect not only your ability
to meet your financial goals but also next April’s tax bill.
distribution, you’ll face potential taxes on that money, even if your
own shares haven’t appreciated. If you plan to sell a fund, you may
be able to minimize taxes by doing so before the distribution date.
Review and rebalance
A review of your portfolio can tell you whether it’s time to
rebalance. If one type of investment has done well, it might now
represent a greater share of your assets than you originally intended.
To rebalance, you could sell some of that asset class and use the
proceeds to buy other types of investments that will bring your
overall allocation back to an appropriate balance. Diversification
and asset allocation don’t guarantee a profit or protect against a
possible loss, of course, but they’re worth reviewing at least once
a year. Your checkup also can help you decide whether it makes
sense from a tax perspective to do that rebalancing before or after
December 31.
Think about your cost basis
If you own a stock, fund, or ETF and decide to unload some shares,
you may be able to maximize your tax advantage. There are several
ways to figure your cost basis; for example, you can use the average
cost per share for a mutual fund. Or you could request that specific
shares be sold--for example, those bought at a certain price. Which
shares you choose depends on whether you want to book capital
losses to offset gains, or keep gains to a minimum to reduce your tax
bite. (This applies only to shares held in a taxable account.)
Consider harvesting losses
It’s also a good time to consider the tax consequences of any
capital gains or losses you’ve experienced this year. Though tax
considerations shouldn’t be the primary driver of your investing
decisions, you can take steps before the end of the year to help
manage your taxes.
If you have realized capital gains and you have no tax losses carried
forward from previous years, you can sell losing positions--known
as harvesting losses--to offset some or all of those gains. Any losses
over and above the amount of your gains generally can be used to
offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income ($1,500 for a married person
filing separately) or carried forward to offset future gains.
Taking a moment out of the holiday rush to plan ahead could be a
big help in the spring.
Disclosure Information – Important – Please Review
This information is for illustrative and discussion purposes only. Morgan
Keegan does not provide legal or tax advice. You need to contact your legal
and tax advisors for additional information and advice before making any
investment decisions.
Morgan Keegan & Company, Inc.
Members New York Stock Exchange, SIPC
Securities are not bank guaranteed, not FDIC insured, and may lose value.
Copyright 2006 Forefield Inc. All rights reserved.
Lawson Arney is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and works as a
financial advisor at Morgan Keegan with his uncle, Elkan Scheidt. Lawson and
his team work with their clients to provide comprehensive custom solutions for
their financial and investment needs.
Before selling an investment, consider how long you’ve owned it.
Assets held a year or less generate short-term capital gains and are
taxed as ordinary income. That tax rate could be as high as 35%,
not including state taxes. Long-term capital gains on the sale of
assets held for more than a year generally are taxed at lower rates:
15% for most investors, 0% to the extent investors are in the 10%
and 15% tax brackets (through 2010).
Time trades carefully
If you’re selling to harvest losses and intend to repurchase the same
security, make sure you wait at least 31 days before buying it again.
Otherwise, the trade is considered a “wash sale,” and the tax loss
will be disallowed. The wash sale rule also applies if you buy an
option, sell a stock short, or buy it through your spouse within 30
days before or after a sale of the same security.
For all your financial needs.
Morgan Keegan
Lawson Arney, Financial Advisor
50 North Front Street, 17th Floor
Memphis, Tennessee 38103
901.529.5320 • 800.366.7426
If you’re considering purchasing a mutual fund outside of a taxadvantaged account, find out when the fund will distribute
dividends or capital gains. Consider postponing action until after
that date, which is often near year-end. If you buy just before the
Fax 901.579.4276
[email protected]
Jewish Scene I December 2008
23
FEATURE
The PJ Library
™
Offers Jewish Bedtime Opportunity
By shoshana cenker
H
ow about giving a child the gift of reading
for Chanukah this year? Chances are
there is a PJ Library in your community
or in one that’s near you.
Tennessee, Florida, New York, California and Oregon. The PJ
Library is free for subscribers for the first two years of participation,
with a nominal donation requested each year after.
To continue to grow, The PJ Library is always looking for
additional funding partners. The organization has done the
marketing, chosen the books and CDs, set up the infrastructure and
administration to be able to offer the program to other North American
communities. To become a
partner, a local philanthropist,
foundation, Federation, or other
Jewish organization must finance
the cost of the books, music
and the mailing for children
in the designated community.
The
Harold
Grinspoon
Foundation covers all overhead
and administrative costs for
the program, and coordinates
the monthly distribution of
books and music. Partnering
communities receive resources
for implementing the program,
recruiting families and planning
complementary programs.
To enroll a child, who lives
in a PJ Library community, log
onto Pjlibrary.org. To enroll a
child, who does not live in a
PJ community, the subscriber
simply has to pay a subscription
fee of $60.
“It’s a great way to connect with your children and Judaism,”
says PJ Library of Memphis Coordinator Rachel Goldberg. “We
offer age-appropriate books that
are just wonderful!”
The PJ Library is reaching
out to Jewish families with
young children to help create
stronger Jewish homes that foster
children’s curiosity about their
Jewish heritage, and help families
explore their Jewish identity. Each
month, Jewish families receive
high-quality,
Jewish-content
books or music for children ages
six-months to five, six or seven
years old, (depending on the
community). Each book comes
with resources to help families use
the selection in their homes.
Why is it called The PJ
Library? PJ stands for pajamas
of course; and special times of
reading together often happen
when kids are in their PJs
snuggling up with their parents
for a bedtime story.
“My 1-year-old can even
recognize the envelope when
a new book comes, and he just
can’t wait to open it,” says Rachel.
“I’ve heard parents say that our
Alison, Sarah and Steven Blen at Memphis
program is amazing, and they love
The PJ Library Bedtime Bash
the Jewish content of the books.”
The titles are chosen by a Book Selection Committee of
children’s experts in the fields of Jewish Library Science and Early
Childhood Education. Seven different book lists were developed
specifically for each age group and include a wide array of themes
Walker Goldberg, reading
related to Jewish holidays, folktales and Jewish family life. The
lists do change yearly. However, there are some books that The PJ
Library considers classics and are never rotated out.
“My daughter keeps asking me when the next book is coming,”
Shoshana Cenker was born and raised in Memphis, graduated
says a PJ Library parent in Detroit.
from White Station High School in 1998 and from Indiana
The PJ Library was created in 2005 and is funded nationally
University in Bloomington in 2002 with a B.A. in Broadcast
in partnership with The Harold Grinspoon Foundation in Journalism and a minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She
Massachusetts and local philanthropists and organizations. studied abroad at Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
The program has currently established partnerships with local She is the Director of Communications at Greenfield Hebrew
organizations in 70 communities in 34 states including Georgia, Academy. She and her husband Dovid, live in Atlanta, GA.
24 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
ESTATE PLANNING
What Is Up With All Those
Initials After His Name?
By Howard Manis
I
f you have recently dealt with anyone in the financial industry,
you have likely been handed a business card with more letters
after the name than actually in the name. Abbreviations such
as, RIA, CFA, CFS, ChFC, CLU, CIC, CIMA, CMT, CPA, and
CFP®, among others, are frequently found on the business cards of
accountants, insurance agents, investment advisors, stock brokers,
attorneys and others involved in the financial services industry. One
of the most distinguished professional designations in the financial
services industry is the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ or
CFP®. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ is a professional
dedicated to servicing the financial needs of individuals, families
and businesses through comprehensive financial planning.
a planner who will put your needs and interests first. At the core
of any working relationship with a financial planner is trust. Trust
is built on two factors: the planner acting in your interests, and
full disclosure of the planner’s background, business practices
and business relationships.
Not everyone who provides financial planning is a CFP®. Those
who hold this distinction have demonstrated a competence in
analyzing and developing personal and business financial plans
through the successful completion of a series of rigorous financial
planning examinations. The areas of examination include:
Howard B. Manis, JD, CFP® is Vice President at Lewis and Knowlton Financial
Group, Inc. and is available to discuss your financial planning needs. Mr. Manis
is a register representative and offers securities and investment advisory services
through MML Investors Services, Inc. 8245 Tournament Drive, Suite 300,
Memphis, TN 38125.
Before selecting a financial planner, or anyone else in the financial
services industry, make sure that the person puts you and your
interests first and foremost. Certification, along with trust, ethics,
and high professional standards are paramount to a successful
search. Those holding the CFP® designation are usually a good
place to start.
• The process of Financial Planning
• Insurance Planning
• Investment Planning
• Income Tax Planning
•Retirement and Employee Benefits Planning
• Estate Planning
After successful completion of the education
requirement, each applicant must pass the ten 10hour Certification Examination. The Certification
Examination is designed to assess the applicant’s ability
to apply financial planning education to financial
planning situations. Additionally, each applicant must
satisfy a minimum of three years work experience and
must satisfy continuing education requirements every
two years.
People who hold themselves out as financial planners
may not be regulated by either state or federal
governments. However, CFP® practitioners are
certified and regulated by Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards, Inc. and by virtue of their
certification, are held accountable to CFP Board’s
Code of Ethics for their financial planning activities.
Choosing a financial planner is as important as
choosing a doctor or a lawyer. Working with a
financial planner is a very personal relationship. In
addition to competency, a financial planner should
have integrity, trust and a commitment to ethical
behavior and high professional standards. You want
You can’t predict. You can prepare.®
• Financial Planning
• Life Insurance
• Health Insurance**
• Disability Income Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance
• Business Insurance
• Mutual Funds
Howard Manis, CFP®, JD*
• IRA’s
Vice President
• 529 Plans
Lewis & Knowlton Financial
Group, Inc.
• Estate Plans
• Retirement Planning
• Annuities
• 401(k) Plans
MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing designation (or fleet
name) for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company and
affiliates. Springfield, MA 01111.
CRN #86609
8245 Tournament Drive
Suite 301
Memphis, TN 38125
(901) 746-6308
[email protected]
*Howard Manis is a registered representative and offers
securities through MML Investors Services, Inc. Member SIPC.
8245 Tournament Drive, Suite 300 Memphis, TN 38125
Licensed, not practicing on behalf of MassMutual and/or
MML Investors Services, Inc.
**Products not offered through MassMutual.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
25
Warm Up Your Winter Holiday
Entertaining with these Fabulously
Scented Desserts
By Chef Gary Hawkins
Pumpkin Nut Cake
Ingredients:
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1tsp. cinnamon
• 4 eggs, large
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1tsp. nutmeg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1tsp. allspice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 2 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup peanut oil
• 1tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup water
Directions: Mix all dry ingredients together, add walnuts. Mix all wet ingredients together. Combine
the two into loaf pans. Bake at 325 for about 90 minutes.
Gingerbread
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1tsp. cinnamon
• 1/2 cup water, boiling
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 cup molasses, dark
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 cups flour, sifted
• 1 1/2 tsp. ginger
Directions: Cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time. Sift remaining dry
ingredients together. Add the molasses to the boiling water and blend. Add to the butter egg mixture
alternately with dry ingredients and pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
Ingredients:
Louisiana Pecan Pie
• 1 cup Karo syrup
• 1tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. brandy or bourbon • 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 3 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. flour
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Directions: Combine everything but the pecans and flour. Mix pecans with flour and blend into “wet”
ingredients. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake at 350 for about 35-40 minutes.
Gary Hawkins is the Executive Top Chef for The
Fairview Inn & Sophia’s Restaurant, featuring
regional Southern Cuisine with a healthful flair. He
graduated from The Memphis Culinary Academy
among the top of his class in 1993 and spent
the next 13 years learning his craft at some of
Memphis’ favorite restaurants. Sophia’s Restaurant
was voted among the Best New Restaurants in
Jackson for 2006 as well as winning an Award for Best Presentation and Originality from The Chef ’s of
Mississippi Awards Gala in 2007. Chef Hawkins resides in Madison, Ms. with his wife and daughter.
Party Size Wines
– Good Value or Plonk?
By Gary Burhop
I
n the wine world, 1.5 liter bottles
are referred to as ‘Mags,’ short for
magnums. They are equal to regularsize bottles. In anticipation of the year-end
party and open house season, we organized
a tasting of magnums and invited our
customers to taste them blind and tell us
whether these were good, great or not.
What we discovered were that there
are serious wines packaged in the larger
formats, like Clos du Bois, Meridian and J.
Lohr brands, for example. However, price
generally reflected that fact, selling for the
low to mid $20s in the Memphis market.
This larger format should be attractive for
extended-family dinners where good wine
is desired but not the repeated effort of
opening twice as many bottles if using the
750 ml format.
In our tasting we really were looking for
wines that would be perfect for the open
house – quality at a decent price. And, we
found a number of brands that delivered.
Over all, our favorite was Stone Cellars,
one of the many products of Beringer.
The Chardonnay is crisp and clean, made
entirely in stainless steel and is un-oaked.
We preferred the Cabernet Sauvignon
ever so slightly to the Merlot, probably
because I tend to like Cabernet. Both
varietals offered gobs of pure up-front
fruit, balanced acidity and a nice finish. In
all, not bad for a wine that retails for about
$14 in magnum.
For those who like a toastier, oaky
California-style
Chardonnay,
the
preference was for Hacienda. For those
who liked a fruit driven style, the
Australian stalwart, Lindeman’s Bin 65
Chardonnay was a crowd pleaser, as is the
price of about $11 for a magnum. Of the
Lindeman’s reds, Shiraz seemed to be the
crowd favorite being a soft, jammy style
that is easy to drink. One thing our tasters
were delighted to try was Alice White
Lexia. This appealed to those who would
likely ask for white Zinfandel. Made from
white Muscat, it is floral, tastes of apricots,
has good acidity and enough sweetness to
be satisfying.
Our conclusion is that, yes, decent wines
can be found in 1.5 liter formats at some
really amazing prices.
Gary Burhop is the owner
of Great Wines & Spirits,
6150 Poplar Avenue in
Regalia, Memphis, TN, 38119
(phone 901.682.1333) and
is available to help with any
wine or spirits question.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
27
Hot Chanukah Finds
Ménage • Memphis
901.683.6809 • 430 S. Perkins Ext.
Travel Shabbat and Menorah
Candlesticks by Israeli Artist Yair
Emanuel, $75
1376 East Massey Rd.
901.761.3130
Handcrafted Mosaic
Tzedakah Boxes $95
Pens by Monteverde
starting at $40
Our Name is Mud
Ceramic Latkes
Platter $36
Latke Apron $20
901.257.2965 • 2110 Merchant’s Row
Seriously Fun • Germantown, TN
Pottery by Vicki Cowan
Bowl $80.50
Salt & Pepper $35.40
Anthony Alexander
Handmade Belts Genuine
Leather & Stones
From $104 - $114
Handbags by two
Jewish Designers
Maya & Lixenberg
From $198 - $329
28 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Just For Fun by Trudi
Unique Hand Painted
Pitcher $210
A Mentor to Many, A Friend to All
Rabbi Cantor David W. Skopp Made His Mark on Memphis
By Linda Ostrow Schlesinger
“Make your study of Torah a regular practice, say
little and do much, and receive all men with a cheerful
countenance.” (Ethics of Our Fathers 1:15)
Rabbi Cantor David W. Skopp z”l personified the meaning of this
Talmudic saying. He was always learning and teaching Torah; he was
humble, respectful and congenial; he always helped people but never
wanted to take credit for anything. He greeted everyone with a smile and
was loved and admired by everyone who knew him.
Rabbi Skopp was also multi-talented and passionate about everything
he did, from singing and teaching, to wood carving, cycling, rooting for
the Yankees and raising and showing his four pet Weimaraners.
A steady, reliable and respectable figure in the Memphis Jewish
community for 57 years, Rabbi Skopp was a bridge between the
denominations and a link between generations of couples that he married
and bar mitzvah students he taught.
“He thought of the rabbinate as a mission…a life of faith and
helping others,” said Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, senior rabbi of Baron Hirsch
Congregation, where Rabbi Skopp became a cantor and teacher in 1951.
“He didn’t really care about your affiliations. He would help anyone and
he never let you feel uncomfortable,” Rabbi Finkelstein said.
At funerals and unveilings at different congregations, Rabbi
Finkelstein saw first hand what a warm, positive and lasting impression
Rabbi Skopp had made on thousands of people throughout the years
in all segments of the community. “Everyone knew him,” said Rabbi
Finkelstein. He was also well respected by all of the spiritual leaders. “All
the rabbis came to the hospital to visit him and I got phone calls from
them” while he was sick. “It was really unbelievable,” he said. Fittingly,
a spiritual leader from each congregation participated in the memorial
service for Rabbi Skopp at Baron Hirsch on November 2.
Among them was Rabbi Micah Greenstein of Temple Israel
who shared a personal memory of Rabbi Skopp before reciting two
appropriate Psalms.
In the early nineties, at the Baron Hirsch cemetery, Rabbi
Greenstein had the unique opportunity to co-officiate with Rabbi Skopp
at the funeral of a member of both of their congregations. “[He] greeted
me with his smile, grace, voice and calming presence that defined him,”
said Rabbi Greenstein. “Since our first encounter, Rabbi Skopp has
taught me through his personal example that Judaism in general and
Orthodoxy in particular does not have to be narrow and limiting, or rigid
and unyielding.”
Joan and Phillip Baum have had an exceptionally special relationship
with Rabbi and Mrs. Skopp for many years. “He and Florence have both
been mentors to us and our families,” said Joan.
Rabbi Skopp co-officiated at the Baum’s wedding in 1956; he trained
their sons, Scott, Lee and Jeff, for their bar mitzvahs; he co-officiated at
their children’s weddings and he trained their grandchildren, Ryan (son
of Scott and Suzanne Baum), Josh, Brittany and Jake Baum (children of
Shelby and Lee Baum) for their bar and bat mitzvahs.
In August 2002, Brittany celebrated her bat mitzvah together
with Rabbi Skopp who celebrated his second bar mitzvah on his 83rd
birthday. The same weekend, at a special tribute dinner, Baron Hirsch
honored the Skopps for their 50 years of service to the shul and the
Jewish community.
After he retired in 1989, Rabbi Skopp accepted only a few bar mitzvah
students, usually family members or special friends, like Jake Baum, who had
the honor of being the last in a long line of his students. Jake learned with
Rabbi Skopp for about a year, until June 2008, when the rabbi fell ill.
Photo: Phillip Baum, Jake Baum, Lee Baum, Josh Baum and Rabbi Cantor
David Skopp on the occasion of Josh Baum’s bar mitzvah Oct. 28, 2000
“They hung out and had breakfast together on Sunday mornings
before they learned,” said Shelby Baum. “He enjoyed going over there.
They had a special bond. [Jake] was more like a grandson” than a student
to him, she said. Jake visited Rabbi Skopp in the hospital whenever he
could. The rabbi always gave him a big smile.
Rabbi Skopp was looking forward to Jake’s bar mitzvah, Nov. 29. He
was going to perform the special cantorial chant summoning Jake up to
the Torah for his first aliyah. Irvin Skopp honored his father’s memory by
chanting the special call. Following the Torah service, Jake paid tribute
to the rabbi in his speech.
“I would like to thank and honor the memory of Rabbi Cantor
David Skopp, my teacher, my role model, and my friend. I look back on
my experiences with you and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity
to learn with you…. I remember coming to your house for lessons and
you and Mrs. Skopp always having hot chocolate ready for me. And on
those days when my throat was just a ‘little scratchy’ we ate pancakes
and talked for an hour and took the day off….
“I will always cherish the times we spent together and never forget
…all of the valuable lessons you taught me. I know you are here with me
in spirit because I have heard you saying “SLOW and LOUD” all day.
You were a huge part of our family, and always will be, and I hope I have
done a good enough job here today to make you proud.”
“It wasn’t just Rabbi Skopp’s Jewish heart that was open to everyone,
it was his totality—his entire being—which made him the ‘rabbi for life’
for so many members of the congregation I serve,” said Rabbi Greenstein.
“Like the wood he carved so magnificently, Rabbi Skopp was truly an etz
chayim—a tree of life for the entire Memphis Jewish community.”
Linda Ostrow Schlesinger is a freelance writer/editor and owner
of LifeTime Editions, personalized children’s books and special
event newsletters, www.lifetimeeditions.com.
Jewish Scene I December 2008
29
Arts & Entertainment
“HOT” CHALLA! MUSIC SCHPEAL
C-Rayz Walz,
Kosha Dillz
Freestyle vs.Written
Modular Moods
Indie hip-hop icon C-Rayz Walz teams up with indie artist and beat
maker Kosha Dillz in 12 tracks of flowey flows – rap rhymes. Freestyle
vs. Written was recorded in a 24-hour recording session produced
by newcomer, 19-year-old Kentron Damastadon, whose rock and
jazz samples combine and compliment the ghetto fabulous C-Rayz
Walz and OU (Kosher) Kosha Dillz. The album is captured in the
spontaneity and fun of a 24-hour recording with lyrics about Google,
grape juice, Torah and more. Classic rock remakes have transpired. “I
Love Jews,” is a spin off of the classic “Delfonics” song, “La La Means
I Love You.” Ten percent of all proceeds from the album are donated to Netivot Israel Louna Fund and to the
Foundation for Ethnic Understanding.
Live in-studio interview w/ Kosha Dillz: myspace.com/nowthisinterview
in the beginning
The Jewish Princess Cookbook
George Tarn & Tracey Fine
McBooks Press, Inc.
Best friends since the age of 9. Tracey and Georgie write a book together – The Jewish Princess Cookbook. The
book is stylish and cutesy, and most importantly holds the key to some tasty recipes. Something I would never
know how to make – caramel ice cream. It’s here, plus, a Yiddish/English glossary. The cooking can be done while
maintaining your status quo, “Jewish Princess.” Definition. Noun. “The modern housewife – a woman who can
combine family, work and looking great.”The mantra is, “Having her cake and eating it, but looking like you haven’t!”
This may seem fat threatening, but it’s the holidays. So, cook, cook, cook and enjoy!
The Nosh On-Screen
Twelve-year-old Bernie’s Bar Mitzvah is approaching, not to mention the
world cup of 1966. Oops, his parents accidentally planned it that way.
Meanwhile, Bernie expects a big turnout and wishes the World Cup – bye,
bye. Despite family malfunctions; money issues and other discrepancies,
Bernie awaits this big day with his rabbi, mentors, friends, and wobbly
family; whom are a bissel meshugga. (Helena Bonham Car ter plays mom.
Her starring feature film roles include Sweeney Todd, Harr y Potter, Big
Fish...)A film inspired by the true events of director Paul Weiland and his Bar
Mitzvah. I laughed, I cried, and I say, Mazel-Tov, Outstanding!!!
(Obviously, see the rating scale below.)
Sixty-Six
Paul Weiland
First Independent Pictures
Rating Scale:
Ouy Not bad Good Mazel-Tov, Outstanding!!!
Note: Challa @ Cha! JS wants to know what you make of these ‘precious items!’ Mail: Jennifer Lefkowitz, [email protected], TODAY!
Jennifer Lefkowitz is a native of Memphis and graduate of Academy of Art University, Motion Pictures and Television in San Francisco. Jennifer enjoys
running, construction art, and those cliché long walks on the beach – if one is within a 100mi radius. She does not enjoy sand in the garments, or cafes
that close before 2am – especially on weekends. Jennifer says, “My reviews are like peeling onions; it all depends on the reader. JenniferLefkowitz.com
30 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
ON THE SIDELINES
Where are they now?
By Mark Hayden
M
emphis’ sport scene isn’t exactly
Jonah Linder
ripe with tales of great Jewish
athletes. In fact the national stage
isn’t overly blessed either. That said; the
city does number some amazing athletes.
Here are a few updates on some who have
previously shared their stories with us.
When we first met Seth Kaufman, he
and his wife, Lisa, were preparing to tour
Israel – on bike. Well, Seth did it again. He
just returned late last month after touring
the country. But first, an update on last
year’s trip.
The couple finished the 300-mile
Jerusalem-to-Eilat trip back in May 2007.
During the five-day event Kaufman
rode his kick bike to benefit the Israeli
environmental organization Hazon and
his own West Clinic organization WINGS.
Last year, Kaufman celebrated his birthday
in Memphis with a 50-mile ride on his bike.
After rebounding from a serious illness a
few days later, he decided that the best way
to show appreciation for his recovery
would be to participate in another
tour of Israel. As a side benefit he
could visit his parents who live
outside Jerusalem.
A Shabbos weekend was included
in last year’s trip schedule, which
Gary Makowsky provided the couple with a two-day
rest in the middle of the tour. Not so
lucky this year for the Memphis doctor.
The 280-mile route, stretching from
Jerusalem, the Negev Desert, Dead
Sea and Masada and ending back in
Jerusalem, started on a Monday and
ended three days later.
“I’m a little nervous about this
one,” he said before leaving for the
Nov. 9-13 event. “This ride has
four miles of mountains. It’ll be
quite a challenge.”
Seth Kaufmam
His ride will benefit both
Alyn Pediatric & Adolescent
Rehabitation Center in Israel and
West Clinic’s WINGS.
Gary and Dinah Makowsky
confronted a similar problem last
year. Gary, chief development
officer of Makowsky, Ringel,
Greenberg and a member of Baron
Hirsch Synagogue, wasn’t prepared
for the hilly terrain of Jerusalem
when he rode through Israel last
Robert Shankman
May with Hazon.
“Nothing in Memphis prepared me
for the neighborhoods of Jerusalem,”
he said. On one occasion the 300-mile
Jerusalem-to-Eilat ride plunged 900 feet
only to climb back 1300 feet. And that
was only the first day.
“The rest of the ride was challenging
but not as difficult. Israel is very hilly;
especially in the desert. There are a lot of
climbs there – not steep ones, but long,
steady uphill ones.”
When we first met Jonah Linder, he was
anxiously awaiting his trip to Battle Creek,
Michigan; where he planned to appear in
the Junior National Olympics. The son of
Laura and James Linder, Jonah finished in
the top half of the tournament featuring
over 300 gymnasts. He hopes to travel to
nationals again next year.
Linder, 13, jumps to level 10 next
year, when he celebrates his birthday.
That’s the highest level,” he said. When
not practicing in the gym Jonah attends
eighth grade at Woodland School and hopes to enroll at CBHS
in 2009. Among his other interests are golf.
“He’s really worked hard at this,” his mother said. “He’s the
youngest person from his gym to make it to the nationals. It takes
a lot of commitment.”
Commitment to his sports passion has paid some handsome
dividends for Rhodes track and cross country coach Robert
Shankman. His hard work has earned him a trip to Israel and
the Maccabi games next July. Shankman, has been a part of
the Lynx coaching staff for 19 years and is coming off a very
successful campaign. He was named the 2007 NCAA Division
III coach of the year, and his men’s cross country squad qualified
for the NCAA championship.
But his various achievements might pale when compared with
being selected head coach of the USA Open Track & Field team,
which is slated to depart for the Jewish Games in July.
“Earlier in my coaching career I had some interest in coaching
the Games but to tell you the truth, I forgot about it until recently,”
said Shankman. “Some of my friends contacted the Maccabi folks
on my behalf and they asked me if I had an interest. I decided that
it would be a good experience to combine track and field with a
wonderful Jewish experience.
“Obviously, I’m passionate about track and field but to combine
the two is a once in a lifetime experience.”
Shankman plans to take his wife and three children to Israel.
It will be his first trip.
Mark Hayden has written about Memphis sports for a
variety of magazines. For story ideas please contact Mark at
[email protected].
Jewish Scene I December 2008
31
AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, SYNAGOGUES
For more information, calendars or links to each organization, please visit www.jewishscenemagazine.com. Please call the synagogue for times, which often change with the season.
* DENOTES JEWISH SCENE PARTNER AGENCY
U – UNAFFILIATED
ARKANSAS
BENTONVILLE
Congregation Etz Chaim (U)
P.O. Box 477, 72712
474.464.8001
HOT SPRINGS
Congregation House of Israel* (R)
300 Quapaw Ave., 71901-5203
501.623.5821
LITTLE ROCK
Congregation Agudath Achim* (O)
7901 West 5th St., 72205
501.225.1683
Congregation B’nai Israel (R)
3700 N. Rodney Parham Rd., 72212
501.225.9700
Hebrew Academy of Arkansas
Lubavitch of Arkansas
11905 Fairview Rd., 72227
501.217.0059 / 501.217.0053
MISSISSIPPI
O – ORTHODOX
TUPELO
Temple B’nai Israel (R)
1301 Marshall St., 38802
662.842.9169
UTICA (SERVING AL, AR, LA, MS,
AND W. TN)
URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp
3863 Morrison Rd., 39175
601.885.6042
TENNESSEE
CHATTANOOGA
Jewish Community Federation of
Greater Chattanooga
PO Box 8947, 37414
423.493.0270
CORDOVA
Memphis Jewish Home and
Rehabilitation Center*
36 Bazeberry, 38018
901.758.0036
GREENVILLE
Hebrew Union Congregation (R)
504 Main St., 38701
662.332.4153
JACKSON
Congregation B’nai Israel (R)
401 West Grand St., 38308
731.427.6141
HATTIESBURG
Temple B’nai Israel (R)
P. O. Box 15636, 39404-5636
601.545.3871
KNOXVILLE
Knoxville Jewish Alliance
6800 Deane Hill Dr., 37919
865.690.6343
JACKSON
Congregation Beth Israel* (R)
5315 Old Canton Rd., 39211
601.956.6215
Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern
Jewish Life*
PO Box 16528, 39236
601.362.6357/Fax: 601.366.6293
MEMPHIS
Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth* (O)
120 East Yates Rd. North, 38120
901.682.1611
Baron Hirsch Synagogue* (O)
400 S. Yates, 38120
901.683.7485
C – CONSERVATIVE
Beth Sholom Synagogue* (C)
6675 Humphreys Blvd., 38120
901.683.3591
B’nai B’rith Youth Organization
6560 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.767.7440
Bornblum Judaic Studies
301 Mitchell Hall, University of Memphis, 38152
901.678.2919
Bornblum Solomon Schechter School
6641 Humphreys Blvd., 38120
901.747.2665
Chabad Center for Jewish Life
2570 Kirby Parkway, 38119
901.754.0404
Hadassah Memphis Chapter*
422 Miracle Pt., 38120
901.683.0727
Hillel of Memphis
3581 Midland, 38111
901.452.2453
Jewish Family Service/ Adoption Connection
6560 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.767.8511
Jewish Foundation of Memphis
6560 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.374.0400
Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone
Yeshiva of the South
390 S. White Station Rd., 38117
901.682.2409
Memphis Jewish Community Center
6560 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.761.0810
Memphis Jewish Federation
6560 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.767.7100
Memphis Jewish High School
1203 Ridgeway Rd., Suite 203, 38119
901.767.4818
National Council of Jewish Women
P.O. Box 17921, 38187-0921
901.685.8976
R – REFORM
Plough Towers*
6580 Poplar Ave., 38138
901.767.1910
Sam Schloss Lodge # 35 of B’nai B’rith
P.O. Box 17616, 38187-0616
901.761.0300
Temple Israel / Barbara K. Lipman Early
Learning Center (R)
1376 East Massey Rd., 38120
901.761.3130 / 901.937.2785
Torah MiTzion
390 S. White Station Rd., 38117
901.606.7059
Young Israel* (O)
531 S. Yates, 38120
901.761.6060
NASHVILLE/BRENTWOOD
Akiva Community Day School
809 Percy Warner Blvd., 37205
615.356.1880
Congregation Beit Tefilah
142 Belle Forest Circle, 37221
615.646.5750
Congregation Micah (R)
2001 Old Hickory Blvd., 37027
615.377.9799
Congregation Ohabai Sholom (R)
5015 Harding Rd., 37205
615.352.7620
Congregation Sherith Israel (O)
3600 West End Ave., 37205
615.292.6614
Jewish Federation of Nashville &
Middle Tennessee
801 Percy Warner Blvd., 37205
615.356.3242
West End Synagogue (C)
3810 West End Ave., 37205
615.269.4592 / 888-335-8993
ADVERTISERS
Apple Grove Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Residence page 11
Fairview Inn and Sophia’s Restaurant
page 26
Memphis Jewish Federation
page 2
Seriously Fun
page 3
Ballet Memphis
page 7
Great Wines
page 5
Menage’
page 13
Sona Medspa
page 2
Comfort Keepers
page 15
Harkavy Shainberg Kaplan & Dunstan PLC
Back Cover
More Space Place
page 5
State of Israel Bonds
Inside Back Cover
Creative Kitchens
page 7
Jewish Foundation of Memphis
page 1
Morgan Keegan/Lawson Arney
page 23
Waverly Communities
page 14
CruiseOne
page 12
Leaddog Web Design
page 17
Mr. Sandless
page 10
Dr. Ed Wiener
page 15
DeShields Lighting
page 10
Lexus of Memphis
Inside Front Cover
Pet Butler
page 9
Edible Arrangements
page17
Mass Mutual/Howard Manis
page 25
Savannah Tile & Stone
page 9
32 December 2008 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Your Israel Bonds Investments Help Israel
Continue 60 Years of Economic Miracles
Not Just A Bond.
A Bond With Israel.
Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds
12600 South Belcher Road, Suite 101A • Largo, FL 33773
727-539-6445 • 800-622-8017
This is not an offering, which can be made only by prospectus. Read it carefully before investing to fully evaluate the risks associated with investing in State of Israel bonds. Issues subject to availability.
WEEKLY MEETINGS & EVENTS December 2008
ARKANSAS
HOT SPRINGS, HOUSE OF ISRAEL
SATURDAY
4:15, 5:15 & 6 p.m. Torah Study, Service, Oneg
SATURDAY
10:30 a.m. Service, 2nd Sat. of the month
SUNDAY
9:30 a.m. Religious School
2:30 p.m. Adult Hebrew class
MISSISSIPPI
JACKSON, BETH ISRAEL
FRIDAY
6:15 p.m. Service, first Fridays Shirim Choir
SATURDAY
9 a.m. Service, 10:15 a.m. Talmud study
TENNESSEE
MEMPHIS
MONDAY
7 p.m. Baron Hirsch Navi Class-Shoftim (Book of Judges)
TUESDAY
9 a.m. Baron Hirsch Torah One-on-One Learning
Noon Baron Hirsch “Call Torah” call-in-class. Dial 1-866-
266-3378 (toll-free) & when prompted, enter conference
ID# 9016837485
Young Israel Lunch & Learn, 5350 Poplar Ave. #550,
Development of Jewish Law and History
7 p.m. Beth Sholom Israeli Folk Dance
Hillel Sip and Schmooze (bi-weekly)
Baron Hirsch Living Jewish
Temple Israel Brotherhood Basketball
WEDNESDAY
10:30 a.m. Baron Hirsch Ladies Parsha Class
11 a.m.Young Israel Ladies Parsha Class
Noon Baron Hirsch Lunch & Learn Reframing the Parsha
at B.A. Framer, 1905 Troyer
1:00 p.m. Temple Israel Women’s Minyan
4:00 p.m. Temple Israel Hebrew School
7 p.m. Baron Hirsch Major Figures in Jewish History
7:30 p.m. Beth Sholom Limmud class
Temple Israel Conversational Hebrew
THURSDAY
9:15 a.m. Temple Israel ELC “Mommy & Me” Infants
10:30 a.m. Temple Israel “Mommy & Me” Toddlers
Noon Beth Sholom Lunch & Learn. Bring a dairy or
pareve lunch
1:30 p.m. Temple Israel WRJ-Sisterhood Mother Bear Project
4:30 p.m. Beth Sholom Adult Hebrew Class
4:30 p.m. Beth Sholom Religious Schools Grades 3-7
8 p.m. ASBEE Telecast of Rabbi Frand portion of the week
FRIDAY
6:15 p.m. Temple Israel Shabbat Service
SATURDAY
8:15 a.m. Baron Hirsch Par sha Class
8:45 a.m. Temple Israel Torah Study
10 a.m. Temple Israel Shabbat service
1-1/2 hours before sundown ASBEE por tion-of-theweek class
One hour before Mincha
Baron Hirsch Shabbat Class
Baron Hirsch Teen Class
After Havdalah Baron Hirsch SNL, Brief Saturday night class
SUNDAY
Young Israel class w/ breakfast, “Yoreh Deah,” Practical
Jewish Law for Men
8:30 a.m. Baron Hirsch Talmud Beginners Class
Baron Hirsch Advanced Halacha for the Holidays
Chabad Lubavitch Bagels, Lox & Tefillin. Minyan
9:15 a.m. Baron Hirsch IE Hanover Lecture on World Affairs
Temple Israel Religious School
Temple Israel Exploring Judaism
10:30 a.m. Beth Sholom Religious School K-12
10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. Temple Israel Adult
Hebrew Classes
4:30 p.m. Temple Israel High School Religious School
COMING ATTRACTIONS December 2008
TENNESSEE
MEMPHIS
Nov. 30-Dec. 11
ASBEE Israel Mission
Dec. 2
6:30 p.m. Hillel of Memphis SipNSchmooze
Dec. 4
11:30 a.m. University of Memphis free public readings and
discussions of Jewish literature by Dr. David Patterson at
the U of M Library, room 226
B’nai Tzedek, MJCC Social Hall, Celebration of Jewish Life
and Jewish Foundation of Memphis luncheon featuring
authors Deborah Carr and Julie Halpert, “Making Up With
Mom: Why Mothers and Daughters Disagree about Kids,
Careers and Casseroles.” Cost: $20 per person, Women of
all ages welcome. Betzy Weinblatt Lynch, 901.761.0810 or
Molly Wexler at 374-0400.
Dec. 4 & 11
7 p.m. Baron Hirsch Guest Lecture Series, with Avi
Gellman. “The Challenges of Modern Orthodoxy in Israel”
Dec. 5
6:15 p.m. Temple Israel Consecration Service for
Kindergarten family and friends
6:30 p.m. 20s and 30s at Temple Israel, Nut Remix at New
Ballet Ensemble. Members only, purchase Bravo Memphis
memberships. www.timemphis.org/about/jam.htm
Dec. 6
9:30 a.m. Baron Hirsch Shabbat Education Minyan, led by
Rabbi Shai Finkelstein
10:45 a.m. Beth Sholom Shabbat First service for
infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their families led by
Sharona Rubinstein
7:30 p.m. Baron Hirsch Youth Lounge Night for 7-8
graders, games and pizza, no charge
Dec. 7
1 p.m. B’nai Tzedek Co-op Fund Meeting, MJCC Board
Room, Open to all members of B’nai Tzedek, Molly Wexler
901.374.0400
Dec. 9
11 a.m. 20s and 30s at Temple Israel, YAD Lunch and
Learn for Women, Memphis JCC Ballroom, YAD, a
subsidiary of the Memphis Jewish Federation, is hosting a
variety of “lunch and learns” for Jewish women in their 20s
and 30s. Babysitting available through JCC. Bring your own
lunch, drinks and dessert provided.
Dec.10
Temple Israel WRJ Book Club
7 p.m.
BSSS Hanukkah Play and Concert at Beth Sholom
Synagogue, community invited
Temple Israel WRJ Cooking for Estival Communities
Dec.12
7:30 p.m. Hillel of Memphis Shabbat Dinner and
Chanukah Party
7:30 p.m. Temple Israel Ruach Shabbat Service
Dec.14
9 a.m. Temple Israel Chanukah Market Place
Dec.16
6 p.m.Temple Israel TIPPS Chanukah Program for Pre-School
Dec.17
Noon Baron Hirsch Kol Rena So-Shuls luncheon, bingo,
entertainment. $3, open to all seniors, RSVP 901.683.7485
Dec. 18
7:30 p.m. Temple Israel University, Jonathan Jidaken,
Associate Professor at University of Memphis
Dec.19
6 p.m.
20s and 30s at Temple Israel, Latkes and Lights, 7262
Cedar Lane Dr, Germantown, Chanukah celebration
for kids and adults! Meet at the home of Rabbi Adam
Grossman for latkes. 7:15 group to see lights at zoo
Beth Sholom Rubinstein’s Rockin’ Ruach Shabbat
Dec. 20
ASBEE Boutique Shabbos break out learning sessions
followed by kiddush
9:15 a.m. Beth Sholom Anniversary and Birthday Shabbat
Dec. 21
ASBEE Sisterhood Chanukah Dinner & play written &
directed by ROBBO
Dec. 22
6 p.m. Baron Hirsch Family Chanukah Dinner, RSVP
901.683.7485
Dec. 24
8 p.m. 20s and 30s at Temple Israel, Latke Party, TBA, Join
JEWS AROUND MEMPHIS for a Chanukah night on the
town! With food, drinks, and friends. Babysitting available
Dec. 26
7:30 p.m.
Beth Sholom Drum Circle at home of Rabbi and
Sharona Rubinstein
Tempe Israel Congregational Chanukah Shabbat Dinner
Dec. 26-29 NFTY Winter Kallah
Dec. 27
10:45 a.m. Beth Sholom Shabbat Fourth service for infants,
toddlers, preschoolers and their families led by Galit Golan
NASHVILLE
Jan. 25
5:30 p.m. Jewish Federation of Nashville, Girls Night
Out for Hunger, Gordon JCC, info Naomi Sdek Naomi@
jewishnashville.org, 615.354.1642
MISSISSIPPI
Jan. 2-4
URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp Winter Family Camp
Weekend, Utica, MS. jacobs.urjcamps.org,601.885.6042,
[email protected].
Jan. 18
Baron Hirsch Artist Ascending Series, 16-year-old violinist
Jourdan Urbach
NORTH CAROLINA
Dec. 6
6:30 p.m. Davidson College - ISJL Southern States Jewish
Literary Series featuring Peter Charles Melman, author of
“Landsman,” Rabbi Michael Shields 704.252.7038
SOUTH CAROLINA
Dec. 7
10 a.m. Beth Shalom - ISJL Southern States Jewish
Literary Series featuring Peter Charles Melman, author
of “Landsman” Coffee, bagels and lox, $3 donation is
requested, Rebecca Pinsker 803.782.2500
GEORGIA
Feb. 1
Network Leadership Conference “Israel at 70: A Preview
of 2018 and Our Role” Atlanta, GA
Jewish Scene
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