Jewish Scene Magazine January 2008
Transcription
Jewish Scene Magazine January 2008
January 2008 RIVER FRONT CONDO • UNCOVERING SOUTHERN JEWISH COMMUNITIES www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com 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We offer incomparable services and amenities, and magnificent interior and exterior spaces. Our facilities can accommodate from 20 to 200 people. Our smart, knowledgeable, & friendly staff can help you plan your next event, and arrange for everything from chefs to chauffeurs, from cars to caviar. Call us at 901-753-3333, and experience the difference. The Esplanade. You owe yourself the memories. ESPLANADE MEMPHIS ESPLANADE MEMPHIS 901 CORDOVA STATION CORDOVA, TENNESSEE 38018 PH. (901)753-3333 ESPLANADEMEMPHIS.COM Contents 4 HOME & GARDEN: Majestic Mississippi is Magnet for Downtown Condo 28 29 10 TRAVEL: The Art of Travel Silversea Leads the Way 30 11 BESHERT: Meeting 12 AGENCY HIGHLIGHT: United Jewish Communities General Assembly 16 18 FROM THE KITCHEN OF: Super Bowl Israeli Style L’CHAYIM: Winter is a Great Time to Visit Napa Valley 20 FEATURE: Jewish Involvement Sparks Commitment 22 ON THE SIDELINES: A Horse - A Women’s Best Friend 31 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Reviews ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: The Kugel Report TEEN SCENE: BBYO/MeFTY/ Dollars for Darfur THE SCRIBBLER: Tu B’Shevat; Still as Trendy as a Gucci Handbag 32 AGENCY/ADVERTISER LISTING 33 COMING ATTRACTIONS SCRAPBOOKS 8 9 15 19 21 25 27 BSSS, Memphis Jewish Foundation of Memphis Plough Towers, Memphis Beth Sholom, Memphis Young Israel, Memphis Etz Chaim, Bentonville, Ark. Memphis Scene Memphis Jewish Home MHA/FYOS, Memphis 24 FEATURE: Uncovering the History of Southern Jewish Communities 29 25 IN FASHION: Your Link to the Perfect Accessory On the cover: Tennessee Jewish Federation volunteers welcomed 4,000 plus GA attendees 26 DOLLARS & SENSE: The Power of Dividends in a Portfolio Susan C. Nieman Art Director Dustin Green Art Assistant David Miller Rebecca Miller Arts & Entertainment Editor Jennifer Lefkowitz Calendar & Scrapbook Editor Linda Schlesinger Editorial Contributors Lawson Arney Gary Burhop Shoshana Cenker Jennifer Edelson Seth Feibelman Chris Arpe Gang Mark Hayden Julie Lansky Jennifer Lefkowitz Ted Roberts Debbie Rosenthal Harry Samuels Amy Slovis Account Executives Bob Drake Bari Eiseman Larry Nieman Chief Financial Officer Don Heitner Business Manager Alice Drake Editorial Assistants 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 throughout the South. 22 Editor/Publisher 4 Bettye Berlin Emily Bernhardt Alice Drake Volume 2 Number 4 January 2008 Tevet/Shevat 5768 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.: single issues $5, 12 issues $18. Canada and foreign: single issues $10, 12 issues $36. Send name and address with check to: 12 Jewish Living of the South, Inc. dba Jewish Scene 1703 Tamhaven Court Cordova, TN, 38016 Phone: 901.624.4896 Fax: 901.754.7822 Email: susan@jewishscenemagazine.com www.jewishscenemagazine.com From the EDITOR Dear Readers, By the time you receive this issue, Chanukah will be over, the kids will be back in school and things will have settled down from the holiday parties. But since the deadline for this issue was before Chanukah ended, we will all have to wait until the next issue to see the photos from your fabulous Chanukah celebrations. Our new Web site www.jewishscenemagazine.com is up and running! There is much to see and still more to come. View the latest issue and all past issues, subscribe or change your address, view and download our media kit. You can even look up or link to your local Jewish organizations and our Jewish Scene advertisers. Our online Calendar of Events is now available to ALL NONPROFIT organizations – Jewish and secular. There is plenty of room on this calendar, which is associated with Google; you may even download all of our listings into your own Google calendar. This issue is full of interesting people and events. Maybe you’ll even see some of the new friends you made at the UJC’s General Assembly. The Opryland Hotel was beautiful; the speakers were fantastic and everyone’s spirits soaring. It was a job well done Tennessee Federations! Turn Back Time. Titan & Genesis ® When you visit our advertisers, please tell them you saw their ad in Jewish Scene magazine. It is with the continued support and loyalty of these advertisers that Jewish Scene is printed and mailed to you each month. A d d aP e a r l ® and now ® fo r w r i n k l e s . A n o t h e r f i r s t , yo u r C o l l a ge n t h i c ke n e d and skin cleared in just one treatment Please visit jewishscenemagazine.com often. Happy New Year! Shalom, Susan C. Nieman - Publisher/Editor T h e r m a l L i f t a n d T h e r m a l M i c ro Pe e l r e s u l t s i n o n e v i s i t . S k i n T i g h t e n i n g P h o t o Re j u ve n a t i o n L a s e r H a i r Re d u c t i o n L a s e r d e r m o l o gy fo r C e l l u l i t e B o t ox ® - Re s t y l a n e - Pe r l a n e & n ew l y a p p ro ve d J u v e d e r m Robert D. Wallace, MD - Medical Consultant Mona Sappenfield - Aesthetic Director Memphis, TN 901.683.0048 Germantown, TN 901.756.7945 www.monaspaandlaser.com January 2008 I Jewish Scene 3 HOME & GARDEN Majestic Mississippi Is The Magnet Photos: Susan Nieman For Downtown Condo Purchase M By Christine Gang eryl Rosen’s contemporary condo would exude its In explaining her attraction to all things contemporary, funky charm no matter where it was located. Rosen says: “I just like color.” But when you factor in a wall of windows framing one of She and interior designer Kenneth Cummins the city’s most stunning views of the Mississippi, it becomes i n jected bold colors throughout the space, except an extraordinary place. in the bedroom, which has a more “I love the view,” said Rosen, who has restful ambiance. owned the condo on the twelfth floor of The inspiration for the color came the River Tower at South Bluffs (formerly from one of Rosen’s favorite works of art, a the Rivermont hotel) for a little more large piece of a fused glass by Seattle artist than a year. “It changes with the seasons Carmen Vetter. It features circular and the water levels go up and down.” forms of bright contemporary colors. For now, the condo is a pied-a-terre for “We pulled all of the colors for the entertaining away from her primary home interior from the piece,” said Rosen, in East Memphis. who loves and collects glass art. She’s “My plan has always been to sell the been attracted to it ever since she saw house and have a condo downtown and a Dale Chihuly show at Dixon Gallery another vacation condo someplace else,” and Gardens in 1997. She now owns two Rosen said. Now that her children, Scott, examples of his work as well as those of 24 and Elizabeth, 21, are grown, the plan other contemporary glass artists. is gradually being put into place. One of her prized pieces is a ChihulyShe fell in love with the view and the esque chandelier made by Arkansas building during a downtown Vesta Home artist Ed Pennebaker. Now in the foyer of Show she attended almost two years ago. her East Memphis home, it will someday GLASS PIECE BY CARMEN VETTER be installed in the downtown condo. She chose a one-bedroom unit with a double living room. The Vetter piece hangs in the foyer above an unusual While her East Memphis home also has contemporary wood console with geometric embellishments. The console, pieces blended with traditional furnishings, the condo made by a shop teacher at Christian Brothers High School, offered a fresh opportunity for expressing her avant- was purchased at a school auction. garde tastes. In planning the furniture placement in the main living 4 Jewish Scene I January 2008 HOME & GARDEN Y CM MY CY CMY K buffet-server and also as a sofa table. A curvy wood cabinet in the dining area houses candles and other pieces for entertaining. In the bow of one of the two huge exterior windows are three great finds – a pair of contemporary chairs and an ottoman covered in thousands of rubber tube segments that give them a shaggy dog look. Rosen spied the comfortable chairs at a contemporary furniture show in New York and had to have them for the condo. 19th, 7 p.m. / 20th, 2 p.m. M ORPHEUM THEATRE C Under The Sea APRIL space, she and Cummins worked to maximize the view for visitors. Instead of placing the glass dining table and chairs in an interior alcove designated for it, they gave it a spot where the river is always in sight. The table, which was designed by Cummins and made at Glassical, Inc., is surrounded by six parsons chairs each with its own slipcover. Four12/4/07 are bright solids in red, purple, BLM_ABN_AD_JWSH.pdf 11:40:50 AM blue and lime. Two are multi-colored. Nearby, a glass and steel console functions as a AbunDANCE ORPHEUM THEATRE A maze yourself with the diversity and tradition of the world’s great religions with this choreographed jubilee. The performance will include Trey McIntyre’s gospel-infused Grace, Julia Adam’s work set to ancient Jewish choral music, and two fabulous pieces honoring the Muslim and Eastern religions. FEBRUARY 9th, 8 p.m. /10th, 2 p.m. balletmemphis.org · 901.737.7322 January 2008 I Jewish Scene 5 HOME & GARDEN Near the chairs is the largest piece of art in the condo – a colorful abstract work featuring wide diagonal stripes and other geometric shapes. It was painted by Rosen’s daughter who is studying art at Christian Brothers University. “Elizabeth had done a small painting that was similar and I told her I’d love a big one like it for the condo,” Rosen said. They shopped for the biggest canvas they could find and Elizabeth got to work. A replica of Mickey Mouse, a gift from her children, is placed in front of the painting. In the other bow is a round glass table surrounded by four clear polycarbonate “Ghost” chairs designed by Louis Ghost. Because all of the materials are clear, nothing blocks the view or adds weight to the space. “I love reading the paper at the table,” she said. It’s a great place for dinner for two or a game of mahjong. A black chenille sofa, two overstuffed arm chairs c o vered in a gold fabric with red, blue and purple ovals and a multi-colored striped ottoman form the primary conversation area. It’s also the place for viewing the television set tucked away in an entertainment center painted red, blue and yellow and designed with unexpected curves and angles. On top is a decorative plate with the words: “Be Nice or Leave.” In what was supposed to be the dining area, Rosen created a den-like alcove with an off-white sofa-sleeper accented with yellow, blue, red and green pillows. Walls of custom shelves and cabinetry display books and pieces of art glass, pottery and other collectibles. One of them is a ceramic menorah featuring candleholding flowers in yellow, purple, green and orange. “My aunt gave me the menorah,” Rosen said. “She said it was me.” jennifer.lefkowitz@crye-leike.com 6 Jewish Scene I January 2008 HOME & GARDEN Rosen feels fortunate to own two black and white photographs taken by Ernest Withers who died just a few months ago. One features Elvis and B.B. King; the other is a shot of a march by sanitation workers carrying “I Am a Man” placards. It is autographed by Withers. “I had a long talk with him at his studio,” she said. The kitchen is also modern with dark wood cabinetry, black counter tops and stainless steel appliances. In the only bedroom, Rosen sought a serene décor that is almost cottage-like. The bed is covered in white-on-white linens and has a white upholstered headboard. Two Italian pieces, a desk and a chest, are painted with a light aqua background and shell motif. Aqua is also the color of a modern wicker chair positioned for seeing the view from another large window. Although she loves contemporary art, Rosen is still smitten with a traditional pastel done by Susan Inman featuring a peacock in a garden. She purchased it in 1977. Rosen, who works part-time at a ret a i l home furnishings store, is a widow. Her husband, Saul Rosen, was aboard Pan Am Flight 103 when it was shot down over Lockerbie, Scotland in 1988. He was working for a software company in Cambridge, England at the time of his death. The family had been living in New Jersey. Afterwards Rosen and her children, then 2 and 5, came home to Memphis where her family has lived for four generations. She is active in Women of Reform Judaism-Temple Israel Sisterhood, Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women. Her parents were the late Leon and Sue Shahun. Her sister Connie Sherman and brother Greg Shahun also live in Memphis. Their other sister, Leslie Parish, lives in Florida. Continued on page 8 January 2008 I Jewish Scene 7 HOME & GARDEN (continued) Rosen said her grandmother always dreamed of living on the river. With a wave of her arm toward her windows and its fabulous view, she said, “She died before all this started.” Now Rosen is fulfilling two dreams with the downtown condo: her’s and her grandmother’s. Chris Arpe Gang was a feature writer at The Commercial Appeal for 33 years. Retired from full-time work, she is now a freelance writer. Her weekly gardening column, Green Thumb, appears Fridays in The Com mercial Appeal and she has recently created a Web site, midsouthgardens.com, a comprehensive source of information for area gardeners. She and her husband, Gregory, daughter, Madelyn, dog and cat live in Germantown. Stacking cups for the Guinness Book of World Records First grade art Science students dissected starfish Student Council coin drive raised $800+ 8 Jewish Scene I January 2008 New building construction in progress SCRAPBOOK To celebrate the opening of its new offices inside the Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Foundation of Memphis held a mezuzah hanging ceremony and Chanukah Open House. Congregational rabbis from Memphis congregations were asked to hang a mezuzah. 143 Beale Street • Memphis TN, 38103 • 901 578 3031 Mention this ad from Jewish Scene and receive 20% off your first visit Foundation donor advised fund and business manager Sheri Gadberry and Sigmund Hiller Rabbi Aaron Rubenstein (Beth Sholom, Rabbi Joel Finkelstein (ASBEE), Rabbi Shai Finkelstein (Baron Hirsch) Rabbi Micah Greenstein (Temple Israel) Jerome Makowsky, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, Leslie Landau, board president Nat Landau, Laura Linder, treasurer Marlin Graber. January 2008 I Jewish Scene 9 TRAVEL: SPONSORED by CRUISEONE The Art of Travel; Silversea Leads The Way Debbie and Amy with CruiseOne would love to introduce you to a luxury cruise line whose all-inclusive lifestyle experience needs to be on your must-do list this year! If you long to travel upon the oceans of the world, if you are interested in luxury without restrictions, if you prefer the small-ship freedom to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations – then the ultimate answer to your vacation desires is a leisurely Silversea voyage. Silversea prides itself on inspiring and awakening your every sense.You will be exceptionally cared for as you explore remote ports-of-call. For Silversea, travel is a passion and every journey is a voyage of discovery. With over 350 destinations in 120 countries, you will love the variety of truly fascinating locations! Many of their ports feature UNESCO World Heritage sites of inspiring natural beauty or cultural importance. Some of these include the fjords of Norway, Egypt’s Great Pyramids, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America. Silversea is also very proud of its Italian heritage. An elegant European style is apparent throughout their fleet of four ships and in their attention to even the most subtle of details. Each ship surrounds its guests in lavish comfort with interiors that provide one of the highest space-per-guest ratios at sea today. And with never more than 382 fellow guests, you will receive personalized service, genuine hospitality and be pampered to perfection! Every suite offers an ever-changing ocean view, and 80 percent have a furnished, private teak veranda. The accommodations are exceptionally spacious and feature the finest amenities including luxurious bedding, full-size baths, European toiletries, complimentary movies and optional wireless Internet access. Silversea has partnered with Relais & Châteaux, the prestigious international association of exquisite hotels and restaurants, to bring a world of culinary expertise and gourmet delights to every meal! And unlike many cruise ships, you choose when, where and with whom to dine in Silversea’s open-seating restaurants. Hear fascinating lectures about the places you will go, and meet famous explorers, world affairs experts and renowned authors and artists. In addition, the Viking Cooking School Aboard Silversea offers exciting cooking demonstrations and competitions. Silversea’s Enrichment Programme will enhance your appreciation and understanding of each destination! Plus, an array of entertainment is presented nightly in a multi-level show lounge along with piano bars, a disco, casino and movies on deck. So, you want to know what “All-Inclusive” means? This means added value and convenience! You can enjoy complimentary fine wines, champagne and spirits throughout the ship, and in your suite, you will have a stocked beverage cabinet with your preferred assortment of complimentary beverages.There is also complimentary in-suite dining and 24-hour room service. All onboard gratuities are included and none are ever expected. Even complimentary transportation from the pier to the heart of town is available in most ports of call! On select voyages, Silversea offers complimentary shore-side events such as dinner by campfire under Africa’s desert sky followed by native performances and camel rides through the dunes, and in Vietnam, a traditional junk ride sailing through an enchanted landscape of 3,000 islets rising from the misty waters. The unique itineraries, the exclusive explorations ashore, and an appreciation for the finer things, combine to create an enriching travel experience unlike any other. Debbie Rosenthal and Amy Slovis, exclusive CruiseOne Specialists, are your “onestop shop” for the best in leisure, corporate and incentive cruises and specialized land vacations. Debbie and Amy give you the best in personal service with access to incredible buying power as part of World Travel Holdings, one of the world’s largest cruise retailer and leisure travel companies. CruiseOne delivers exceptional value, industry knowledge and personal customer care, along with being certified and bonded by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Make Debbie and Amy your FIRSTport of call for any of your leisure travel needs either by sea or land. TO START PLANNING YOUR EXCEPTIONAL SILVERSEA VOYAGE, CALL DEBBIE AND AMY AT 901-682-5600 AND BE SURE TO ASK ABOUT OUR PREFERRED RATES AND SPECIAL AMENITIES ON SELECT VOYAGES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE PONDERVACATIONS.COM AND OUR BLOG AT CRUISINGWITHAMYANDDEBBIE.BLOGSPOT.COM. BESHERT BESHERT: True Stories of Connection A Meeting By Alvin and Elaine Gordon fter her graduation from Queens College in New York City, Elaine was seeking a job as a speech therapist. A professor at the college erroneously told one of her classmates that Elaine had been hired by Bellevue Hospital. When the classmate called to congratulate her, Elaine was surprised since she had not applied for the position and was not aware of the opening. That call did induce her to contact Bellevue to see if a position were available. The person who answered her call at Bellevue said the job opening had been filled by someone who had recently worked at the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. Elaine thanked her and called Columbia Presbyterian, assuming there might now be an opening at that institution. She was correct and was immediately hired for the position that had just been vacated. Elaine had been working at Columbia Presbyterian for several years when, in July 1959, a co-worker told her that she had two vacation days remaining that were going to expire on July 31. She could not understand why this co-worker kept a record of her vacation days, but since she was an avid tennis player, she decided to use her time for a long weekend at Green Mansions, a tennis resort in the Adirondack Mountains. She asked a girlfriend to accompany her. Meanwhile, in Memphis, Tennessee, Alvin Gordon, a young single attorney, was invited to the same location. He had repeatedly been invited and had repeatedly rejected the idea of vacationing with his friend Bentley and two others at Green Mansions. That year Bentley persisted and sent the resort a check for Alvin’s reservation without telling him. The resort sent Alvin an acknowledgment of his reservation. Although he had never played tennis, Alvin then felt obligated to vacation that year with his persistent friend. Arriving at Green Mansions, Bentley and two of his friends were housed together, as they usually were each year. Alvin was to share an adjoining cabin with two other men. When he started to unpack, Alvin discovered women’s personal effects in his cabin. It seems that Elaine and her friend had been housed there for two days while their accommodations were being repaired. It was understood that the girls would move upon the arrival of the male occupants to whom the cabin had previously been assigned. Elaine met Alvin for the first time when she and her friend returned to see if the new occupants had arrived. That is how Elaine and Alvin began the fulfillment of their synchronistic first meeting, which so far has resulted in forty-three happy years of marriage. Why do you suppose Elaine’s co-worker at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital had tallied her unused vacation time? Recognizing the many achievements of this remarkable couple, that co-worker has had a positive impact on numerous lives in Memphis and around the world. Harry Samuels is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and has devoted many years to volunteerism in Memphis, Tennessee. He and his wife, Flora, have been married for 46 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. Beshert is also available at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Davis-Kidd Booksellers, Memphis Jewish Community Center. Eagle Medical Staffing has available nonmedical assistance to help you with: • With light housekeeping • With shopping, errands, transportation • With bathing and dressing • With companionship • With meal preparation • With laundry • With medical reminders And more. . . . . We can help hourly, daily, weekly, over-night. Eagle professionals help provide the comfort your loved ones need to remain happy and healthy while living in their own home. All kinds of assistance for all kinds of people. Eagle Medical Staffing at (901) 737-3990. The Exceptional Choice. 8316 Macon Terrace Suite 101 Cordova, TN 38018 Phone: (901) 737-3990 Fax: (901) 737-9836 www.eaglemedicalstaffing.com January 2008 I Jewish Scene 11 AGENCY HIGHLIGHT Tennessee Jewish Federation volunteers welcomed 4,000 plus GA attendees from throughout the United States and Israel 12 Jewish Scene I January 2008 AGENCY HIGHLIGHT January 2008 I Jewish Scene 13 AGENCY HIGHLIGHT continued 14 Jewish Scene I January 2008 SCRAPBOOK Jewish Senior Resource Fair Plough Towers << booth Annie Prager and Carol Samuels >> Irina Sigal & << Yelena Gindina Fall Party << Esther Meyers and Toby Wilkowsky Bea Volozin, Ruth Diamond,Tatyana Golberg and Sylvia Spiegel >> January 2008 I Jewish Scene 15 FROM THE KITCHEN OF EXTREME EVENTS BY SETH FEIBELMAN Hummus Directions Ingredients Rinse and bring canned chickpeas to a boil for one minute. Combine chickpeas and all other ingredients except olive oil in a food processor. As the ingredients blend together, add olive oil until desired consistency is reached. 1 can of chickpeas 2 Tbsp. tahini 1 clove of garlic Juice of 1 small lemon 1/4 chopped red onion (optional) Sea salt, to taste Extra virgin olive oil Tzatziki Ingredients 1 container (16 oz.) plain low fat yogurt 1/2 cucumber, seeded but not peeled 1/1-2 teaspoons salt 1 to 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 Tbsp. chopped dill 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper Directions Spoon yogurt into sieve lined with cheesecloth or coffee filter set over bowl; cover and refrigerate overnight. Transfer drained yogurt to medium bowl and discard liquid. Meanwhile, add cucumber to food processor with 1 teaspoon salt. Pulse until finely chopped. In batches, wrap chopped cucumber in kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible. Pat dry with paper towels, then add to bowl with yogurt. With flat side of chef’s knife, mash garlic to a paste with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add garlic, chopped dill, oil, vinegar, and pepper to yogurt and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 or up to 4 hours. nother year has passed and football fans are preparing for Super Bowl XLII. Thousands of fans from all over the country will flock to the parking lot of the University of Phoenix stadium in Arizona for the ultimate tailgate party. Millions of others will watch the game at a bar, Super Bowl party or from the comfort of their home. Although there is some debate as to the teams that will 16 Jewish Scene I January 2008 compete for the championship, there is as much discussion on what to eat on the upcoming Sunday. I have chosen a menu that can be served hot or cold, as a buffet spread or consolidated for those on the run. This year, I will be serving falafel at my Super Bowl Party. The trick to a good falafel sandwich is the “fixins.” I like my falafel with hummus, Israeli salad, lettuce, tzatziki and French fries. Each ingredient can stand on its own but they are magnificent when stuffed together in a pita. That is the beautiful thing about this menu. You can prepare a sandwich any way you like it and take it with you to the tailgate party or eat the items separately while enjoying those multi-million dollar commercials. To prepare the falafel, purchase a mix from the international aisle at your local grocery store. Your alternative is spending days peeling FROM THE KITCHEN Israeli Salad Ingredients 2 tomatoes, seeded and chopped 2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped 1 green pepper, seeded and chopped 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped 1⁄4 cup small red onion, finely chopped Juice from 1 lemon 4 Tbsp. olive oil 1 tsp. vinegar Salt Pepper Directions In a serving bowl, combine chopped vegetables. Toss gently. In a separate bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar and salt and pepper (to taste). Drizzle over vegetables and toss. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. and soaking beans. While at the store you should pick up the pita bread and crinkle cut French fries. Follow the instructions on the box of falafel mix and the fries during the pre-game. The rest can be prepared up to two days ahead of time. Here are some recipes for the remaining sides. Seth Feibelman lives in Memphis with his wife Sylwia and their dog, Czarny. He is the food and beverage director for Mud Island Riverpark as well as the General Manager for Extreme Events Catering. January 2008 I Jewish Scene 17 W inter is a Great Time to Visit Napa Valley H By Gary Burhop as any wine drinker, sipping a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with its intense flavors of black currants and subtle smoky undertones, not dreamed of visiting the Napa Valley? As the first and ultimate destination for most U.S. wine drinkers. It is a remarkable combination of state-of-the-art agriculture, appealing surroundings, high-end tourism, world-class restaurants and small-town living. And, winter is a great time to visit. Vineyard and winery activity has slowed. Traffic and tourism numbers are diminished. Restaurants are easier to book. Napa Valley is Compact Napa Valley generally runs north from San Francisco Bay to Calistoga. Highway 29 runs through the town of Vallejo, skirts the City of Napa and continues along the west side of the valley to Calistoga. The Silverado Trail roughly parallels Highway 29 on the eastern side of the valley. From the City of Napa, on the north, is the wine drinkers’ version of paradise. In fact, there is a 2-acre Pinot Noir vineyard completely surrounded by the City’s expansion that is suitably named “Valhalla.” Driving north on Highway 29 one will see every recognizable, high-quality Napa winery name. Ditto along the Silverado Trail. Most of the wineries post tasting hours and can be visited at your convenience. Winter and early spring hours tend to be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Others are open by appointment only. Winery Web sites make it easy to book appointments, but be aware, most now have some charge to taste. How to plan a trip Napa Valley may be relatively small but it is packed with wineries, tasting rooms and merchants. Accept the fact that you cannot visit all. And, understand that trying to schedule multiple winery tours a day can make your trip seem like a death march. Anchor each day with one or two pre-planned events, be they tastings, a tour or a luncheon. If your goal is to tour two wineries, try and schedule the first relatively early in the morning and the other somewhat later in the afternoon, leaving time for a casual lunch, a picnic or a spontaneous stop. Dinner can be as elaborate or as casual as you want, but even during the winter months, reservations are a must for all but the most casual spots. First-time visitors should plan on a visit, tour and tasting at Robert Mondavi Winery. The namesake truly is the founder and patron of the industry, as we know it today. Domaine Chandon, on the outskirts of the City of Napa, continues to produce excellent sparkling wines, has a ‘champagne-basic’ tour and a restaurant. On Highway 29, at Rutherford Road is the winery and tasting room of Beaulieu or BV for short. Through the years BV has truly been on the cutting edge of viticulture in Napa. They are still learning and experimenting with practices, techniques and grape varieties in the quest for the best Napa can produce, and often these unusual varieties and experiments are offered for sale. Across the road in place of the one-time doublewide trailer is the modern facility of Grigich Hills. Owner Mike, made the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won ‘The Judgement of Paris’ tasting in 1976. His organic vineyards produce some of the most compelling wines in the valley. In the town of St. Helena is the old Beringer house and winery. Head winemaker Ed Sbraga, an honored winemaker for the ‘Art of Good Taste’ event benefiting the Brooks Museum of Art, is testament to the fact that ever-larger, multinational corporate ownership does not necessarily mean a corresponding decrease in wine quality. He produced the first Beringer Private Reserve Napa Cabernet in 1977, and in a recent tasting of all vintages, he proved he is among the legendary Napa Cabernet Sauvignon winemakers. One final destination is a must – Hagafen Cellars. Located at 4160 Silverado Trail just north of the City of Napa, Hagafen is the only kosher wine producer in Napa Valley. A sales room is open daily. Tours are given at 11 a.m. daily, but reservations are required. Reservations can be made through their Web site www.hagafen.com. Check out the Web site to see how many wines have won medals and awards for quality. Next Trip The change in Napa Valley is dynamic and on going. There is no right, wrong or only way to visit. Go enjoy, explore and discover something new. On my last visit, I visited nearly every wine shop from Napa to Calistoga, tasting more than two dozen wines I had never seen or heard of before, and found over 100 more labels unknown to me. Hagafen wines are available for purchase at Great Wines & Spirits and include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Gary Burhop is 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. SCRAPBOOK In October, Religious School students helped Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein and Cantor David Julian bury the synagogue’s genizah contents (unusable books, scrolls, or papers containing God’s name) at the Beth Sholom Memorial Gardens. Shalom & Sandy Hazen with Chef Spencer McMillin First Class Linen Route Salesman George McClanton and Sales Manager James Teat not pictured Don “Rip” McCoy Head Pastry Chief 901.969.0121 w 601.899.9206 w 888.619.9482 Owned and Operated by the Rubinsky and Jacobs Families January 2008 I Jewish Scene 19 FEATURE SPARKS COMMITMENT Story by Shoshana Cenker hile Arkansas-born Jerry Tanenbaum has had much success in his professional life, he’s found that being involved and giving back through Jewish organizations is the most rewarding. After graduating from Tulane University in 1956 with an economics degree, Jerry worked at Dante’s Department store, the family business started by his grandfather in 1897. “I did whatever was needed,” explains Jerry. In the late 1950s Dante’s branched out to open United Dollar Stores of which in the 1960s Jerry became its CEO. About 10 years later they sold their 300 stores to Dollar General Corp. “We actually sold because of Wal-Mart,” says Jerry. “I saw the evolution of where retail was going.” The company sold only its retail division, retaining some international conglomerates including its real estate housing and development. It was around that time Jerry received a call that eventually led to his volunteerism with Jewish organizations. “It’s quite unusual how I became involved,” says Jerry. “A friend asked me to help raise funds to build a Reform Jewish Camp in Mississippi.” Four synagogues had teamed up Jerry Tanenbaum to buy the land, and they needed $500,000 to build the camp. So Jerry called 20 Jewish suppliers from his company, and in two weeks, he personally raised $50,000. Jerry was elected vice chair of the Camp Association for Southern Temples (CAST). CAST eventually became known as Henry S. Jacobs Camp and Jerry served as its chairman for nine years. Its first session opened in 1970. “The camp means a lot 20 Jewish Scene I January 2008 Photo Bobby Jines, BW’s Studio to the South,” says Jerry. “It’s a premier Jewish institution.” Since then Jerry has served on countless boards, including the World Union for Progressive Judaism’s Board of Trustees. “It’s an umbrella organization that operates in 40 countries including Aruba; London, England; Jerusalem, Israel; Moscow, the former Soviet Union; and the United States,” explains Jerry. “It’s truly global in its coverage and work.” He served as president of the Southwest Council for the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), on the Hebrew Union College’s board and is a member of Hot Springs Leo N. Levi Hospital Board of Trustees. Jerry can’t say enough about his wife’s influence on him. “Pat encouraged me to get involved in Jewish organizations,” Jerry says beaming about Pat’s motivation. “She continues to support me.” They met at Tulane and have been married for 52 years. They moved to Hot Springs in 1991 with their two sons. Jay now lives in Atlanta; Al in Chevy Chase, Maryland. Jerry and Pat have four grandchildren. Pat has some history making honors as well. She was the first woman president of two synagogues, Congregation Meir Chayim in Dumas/McGehee, Arkansas, in the 1960s and in the 1980s at Congregation House of Israel in Hot Springs. J e r r y is a past president of House of Israel and serves on its board. As part of their involvement in the URJ, Jerry and Pat founded a task force dedicated to donating Sefar Torahs to congregations around the world. FEATURE “The essence of Judaism is the Torah,” says Jerry. “A Torah is essential to a congregation’s growth.” They’ve traveled to Russia, Israel, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Cape Town, Chile and elsewhere personally presenting Torahs. “It’s the most fulfilling and gratifying thing I’ve done,” says Jerry. “It’s very special to be apart of (this mitzvah),” adds Pat. Jerry gives the URJ lots of credit for “perpetuating Judaic organizations for posterity,” as he puts it. “URJ has a modern intelligent interpretation of Judaism, which really speaks to people,” he explains. “It’s their recognition of outreach for progressive Jews, which shows all are entitled to be Jews and worship in a way relevant to them.” Through URJ, Jerry also spearheaded a program that makes small congregations a big part of the work of Reform Judaism. “Today it’s a solid foundation of the URJ,” says Jerry. “That makes me proud, because you can see how small-town Jews have maintained their Judaism, despite the fact that they could have assimilated.” As far as what’s to come, “at my age, you take it one day at a time,” Jerry jokes. “But as long as I can contribute to Jewish organizations in a meaningful way, I’ll stay involved.” First Place Winners Second Place Winners Third Place Winners Shoshana Cenker was born and raised in Memphis, graduated from White Station High School in 1998 and from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2002 with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She studied abroad in Israel for a semester at H ebrew University of Jerusalem. She is news writer/producer for the ABC Affiliate News Station, WSB TV in Atlanta. Trivia Contest Young Couples January 2008 I Jewish Scene 21 ON THE SIDELINES A Horse a Women’s Best Friend T he art of competitive horse riding isn’t as easy as it appears. The goal of the rider is to make the sport look graceful, but it doesn’t always start out that way. It can be a lot of work that begins with a personal bond between horse and owner. “I’ve owned horses for threefourths of my life,” Mindy Wurzburg said about one of her passions. Growing up she shared her first pony with sister Cheryl Rubenstein. Now she owns five horses – two have retired from showing – while 12-year-old Leo serves as her main show horse. Both sisters attended the same horse camp as kids – a camp which rewarded five-year campers with a pony. That’s before the reward changed to $175. “My money went to a saddle,” Rubenstein said. A pony came next for the family. “My sister rode that pony for three years; then I took lessons and he became mine,” said Wurzburg. “Now, horses are in my blood; it’s become a way of life. “When I began to ride, it was a little-girl-loves-horses kind of thing; but as I’ve continued on into my adult life, I’ve come to love the horses, love the competition, and I hope I can say, that I would have owned horses Reisling’s name in lights 22 Jewish Scene By Mark Hayden whether I competed or not. The friendships you make, the friendships with the horse are worthwhile. “People don’t realize it but you can attribute more human or dog-like characteristics to them than anyone would ever imagine,” she continued. “Each one has a fun and unique personality. Riding is hard work though; it’s physical and there’s a mental Lindsey Belz and Highland’s Castle Lindsey Belz and her medium pony, Highland’s Castle, competed for the first time at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show against the top 30 ponies in the nation. She qualified her pony with 3,400 points throughout the show season and won 8th place. aspect to it like any competition.” Wurzburg’s and Leo’s hard work paid dividends a few months ago when they placed in the top 10 in both the national and international hunter association competition. There were 100 qualifiers, pared down to 30 and Cheryl Rubenstein and Riesling Photo: Blair Parker I January 2008 Photo: Blair Parker Mindy Wurzburg and Overseas then 12 before she won her ribbon in a competition that attracted horse-rider teams from as far away as California. “The course is pretty standard for us,” said Wurzburg. “It’s not hard to remember but it’s challenging in that you’ve got an animal that is unpredictable and has a sense of what it wants to do. Hopefully, the two of us click at the same time and our exercise comes out looking elegant and pretty.” High school senior and Memphian Laura Kaplan has a similar story. One of her friends introduced her to the sport and now she and her 11-year-old buddy, Chester, have a top 10 finish in the children’s hunter division among their achievements. As an 18-year-old she now competes in the adult division. “My horse and I are moving up to the next height,” said Kaplan. “We’ve been working towards this. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us, but my horse has a great heart. I think we’re ready for it. “Horse racing is a popular sport in Memphis,” she continued. “We have a fairly good number of barns and a lot of Laura Kaplan and Chester ON THE SIDELINES local shows. There is a substantial horse-riding community.” Kaplan will continue showing this year and next summer, but she hasn’t decided what she is going to do when she goes off to school. “Most of the schools I’m applying to have equestrian programs so I’ll have that opportunity,” she said. Among those are Virginia Tech, Kansas, Arizona, Maryland, Georgia, Emory, Boston University and Texas-Austin. “We haven’t decided whether we’re going to sell my horse or not after this year,” said Kaplan. “I can’t imagine my life without my horse. My dad says either I can go to college or my horse can go to college: but not both. So we’ll see.” Rubenstein, who now lives in Houston, Texas, has five horses – Austin is her main horse, probably her favorite and the one she rode in the nationals and internationals. “Both the Pennsylvania National Horse Show and the Washington International Horse Show attract riders from outside the United States, but it does turn out that they are largely the two super bowls for our sport in our discipline,” said Rubenstein. “There is a definite bond between the horse and rider,” she said. “I’m very close to them, and we have special little things between us – whether it’s the way I call their name, knowing where they like to be scratched or how they react to me when they hear me come into the barn. My horses are my children and I’d do anything in the world for them. “Like humans they have their own set of quirks,” she added. “We’ll joke that Austin knows how to tell time because at about 5 p.m. each day he’ll start banging his feed bucket on the wall of his stall for dinner. “He’s not foolproof,” she laughs. “He gets a bit confused when we change time zones or to daylight saving times.” Mark Hayden has written about Memphis sports for a variety of magazines. He works at HYC Logistics. For story ideas please contact Mark at marktn58@aol.com. “ “ It was an honor to be chosen to participate in a show that accepts the top 30 ponies. I loved every minute of it. Lindsey Belz 901.201.4447 www.leaddogweb.com FREE HOSTING FOR 1 YEAR With Website Design. Mention this ad. Expires 2/28/08. January 2008 I Jewish Scene 23 FEATURE UNCOVERING THE HISTORY of Southern Jewish Communities By Shoshana Cenker Dr. Stuart Rockoff W e’ve all probably dabbled a little in researching our own family history. But one Jewish Southerner took his interest and turned it into a career. “I became interested in wanting to learn more about my family’s roots and experiences,” explains Dr. Stuart Rockoff, director of the history department at the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) in Jackson, Mississippi. “My own family’s stories drew me in.” Stuart was born in Fort Worth, Texas, but grew up in Houston. He attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut, graduating in 1991 with BA in history. It was then on to graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin. In 2000, he received his Ph.D. in U.S. history with specialties in Jewish history and immigration. He taught at UT Austin for a couple years before he was hired by the ISJL in 2002. His charge: to collect information about every Southern Jewish community that ever existed! Stuart took it upon himself to interpret the history and write short biographies about the communities, which are available on ISJL’s Web site, www.isjl.org. “From time to time I get e-mails from people who’ve seen the Web site,” explains Stuart. “Sometimes they want to add something to our write up about the community.” So far, he and his small team of historians, researchers and writers have 24 Jewish Scene I January 2008 completed three states, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. “I challenge myself to find what’s unique about each community,” says Stuart. “I want to tell the larger story of the community.” And Stuart’s decided on a very ambitious goal to complete the rest of the Southern state’s histories. “We want to finish Tennessee, Georgia, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Alabama by next year!” Stuart’s job, however, is not at all limited to collecting Southern Jewish communities’ histories. “I travel across the United States speaking about the history of Southern Jewish communities,” says Stuart. “I also field calls and e-mails from Southern Jews who are doing their own family’s history; they ask me for help researching their family’s genealogy.” In the midst of his research, Stuart did uncover information about his own family. “I found personal information about some of my family members, people that my family knew very little about,” says Stuart, a married father of two, Ella, 6, and Zoey, 3. He and Susan, his wife of nearly 10 years, attend Beth Israel Temple. Susan is the director of Beth Israel’s pre-school. ISJL h a s a n o n l i n e d i g i t a l ar chive project. And the museum has created a special project in response to Hurricane Katrina called ‘Katrina’s Jewish Voices.’ “We’ve collected interviews from Katrina victims,” says Stuart. “It’s a way for us to document the impact Katrina had on Jews living there.” ISJL has a big internship program. “Some outstanding interns come through here,” says Stuart. “The institute has really grown and progressed in the five years I’ve been here.” The Institute for Southern Jewish Life first opened on the site of Henry S. Jacobs Camp in 1989. “We now have other smaller museum branches in Mississippi (Jackson and Natchez),” says Stuart. “And we plan on opening more in Mississippi and Alabama.” A diverse crowd visits the museum exhibits, “from Jews to Gentiles to school groups,” says Stuart. “I have to be an expert in Southern Jewish history,” explains Stuart. “My job allows me to be just that. If I find a topic that interests me, I can research it and do a paper or write an article. My job gives me great freedom!” Shoshana Cenker was born and raised in Memphis, graduated from White Station High School in 1998 and from Indiana University in Bloomington in 2002 with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. She studied abroad in Israel for a semester at Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She is news writer/producer for the ABC Affiliate News Station, WSB TV in Atlanta. IN FASHION YO UR LINK Cufflinks can say a lot about a person so choosing wisely from the thousands of types of cufflinks is important. Whether it’s antique, designer, precious metals, sets, sports teams or fraternal organizations, picking a cufflink can share so much about one’s personality. Cufflinks are not ordinary fashion accessories. A step above the utilitarian button, a cufflink evokes a more elegant era, a time when beauty rather than convenience was the prevailing rule of attire. A cufflinks’ wearer expresses a greater awareness of the nuances of style, an appreciation of more formal or traditional apparel, or simply a desire to stand out from the crowd. Whatever statement you’re making with cufflinks, it’s important that such a bold statement be made correctly. If you’re wearing a watch, make sure to match the band. For example, with a silver watch, you should match silver cufflinks. With a black or brown watchband, you can wear silver, leather or gold cufflinks. Dressing up a level doesn’t have to be like wearing a rigid uniform. There’s been a growing trend to wear cufflinks without suits. Make sure your shirt is pressed and you’ll look good with your own unique cufflinks. IN FASHION BY JULIE LANSKY TO THE PERFECT ACCESSORY Cufflinks can also be wearable art. For example, Paris-born designer Robin Rotenier has a passion for fine craftsmanship and original design that is fueled by his desire to create uniquely handcrafted cufflinks. His chic collection, produced in 18K gold and sterling silver show off his talents as a storyteller. He personally carves every model and then each piece is finished by hand. Each one of his cufflink sets has a different theme. His Electric Guitar cufflinks have a music note as its closure. You can keep your cufflinks in pristine condition by polishing them using specific cloths or other jewelry cleaners. The best way to keep your collection valuable and looking great is to store them after use in a safe place. Now that you’re in the know about cufflinks, go ahead and start finding some cufflinks and dress in style! Julie Lansky graduated from University of Colorado, Boulder with a degree from the School of JournalismAdvertising. Julie is a third-generation Lansky in the family business, and currently serves as buyer for Lansky 126 and manages its Web presence www.lanskybros.com. Etz Chaim hosted a Rick Recht concert, Nov. 3. Before the concert, congregants had a chance to meet the artist and hear the stories and inspiration behind his popular blends of Jewish music. At the close of Shabbat, Recht led a moving Havdallah service. This was the first concert in the Etz Chaim Arts Alive program. January 2008 I Jewish Scene 25 DOLLARS AND SENSE spONSORED BY MORGAN KEEGAN THE POWER OF DIVIDENDS IN A PORTFOLIO Provided by Lawson Arney, financial advisor, Morgan Keegan I t wasn’t so long ago that many investors regarded dividends as roughly the financial equivalent of a record turntable at a gathering of MP3 users – a throwback to an earlier era, irrelevant to the real action. dividends. In June 2007, the number of companies offering dividends was 3% higher than the year before, according to S&P, though increases in the amounts paid have been slowing in recent years. But fast-forward a few years, and things look a little different. Since 2003, when the top federal income tax rate on qualified dividends was reduced to 15% from a maximum of 38.6%, dividends have acquired renewed respect. Favorable tax treatment isn’t the only reason, either; the ability of dividends to provide income and potentially help mitigate market volatility also is attractive to investors. As baby boomers approach retirement and begin to focus on income-producing investments, the demand for high-quality, reliable dividends are likely to increase. Dividends are by no means guaranteed; a company’s board of directors can decide to reduce or even eliminate them. However, a steady and increasing dividend is generally regarded as one sign of a company’s ongoing health and stability. For that reason, most corporate boards are reluctant to send negative signals by cutting dividends. Why consider dividends? Dividend income has represented roughly one-third of the monthly total return on the Standard and Poor’s 500 since 1926. According to S&P, the portion of total return attributable to dividends has ranged from a high of 53% during the 1940s – in other words, more than half that decade’s return resulted from dividends – to a low of 14% during the 1990s, when investors tended to focus on growth. If dividends are reinvested, their impact over time becomes even more dramatic. S&P calculates that $1 invested in the Standard and Poor’s 500 in December 1929 would have grown to $57 by September 2005. However, when coupled with reinvested dividends, that same $1 investment would have resulted in $1,353. (Bear in mind that past performance is no guarantee of future results, and taxes were not factored into the calculations.) Dividends can be especially attractive if the market is producing relatively low or mediocre returns. If a stock’s price rises 8% a year, even a 2.5% dividend yield can push its total return into the double-digit range; in some cases, dividends could also help turn a negative return positive. Also, many dividend-paying stocks represent large, established companies that may have significant resources to weather an economic downturn. The corporate incentive Financial and utility companies have been traditional mainstays for investors interested in dividends, but other sectors of the market also are beginning to offer them. For example, investors are stepping up pressure on cash- rich technology companies to distribute some of their profits as 26 Jewish Scene I January 2008 Look before you leap Investing in dividend-paying stocks isn’t as simple as just picking the highest yield. Some dividends, such as those paid by real estate investment trusts (REITS) and master limited partnerships, don’t qualify for the 15% maximum tax rate, and a portion may be taxed as ordinary income. If you’re investing for income, consider whether the company’s cash flow can sustain its dividend. Also, the 15% rate is scheduled to expire at the end of 2010, and there is no guarantee dividends will continue to receive favorable tax treatment. If you’re interested in a dividend-focused investing style, look for terms such as “equity income,” “dividend income,” or “growth and income.” Also, some exchange-traded funds (ETFs) track an index comprised of dividend-paying stocks, or that is based on dividend yield; be sure to check the prospectus for information about expenses, fees and potential risks, and consider them carefully before you invest. A financial professional can evaluate the role dividends might play in your portfolio. 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. SCRAPBOOK MEMPHIS SCENE Subsidium Carrousel of Shoppes ��� ��� ���� ��������� ������ ������ ������ - Comprehensive financial and retirement planning - Estate planning Lorraine Wilson and Annie Dragutsky Jeff Kay and Shelly Ostrow Association of Fundraising Professional honored Paula Jacobson of Methodist Healthcare Foundation with the Outstanding Fundraising Executive - Stocks, bonds, mutual funds and ETFs - Managed futures and alternative investments - College savings accounts - Annuities and life insurance - Money market funds and CDs Lawson Arney, Financial Advisor 50 North Front Street, 17th Floor Memphis, Tennessee 38103 901.529.5320 • 800.366.7426 Fax 901.579.4276 lawson.arney@morgankeegan.com Cindy Katz, Paula Jacobson, Judy Edelson, Barb Gelb Memphis Jewish Home’s 80th Birthday Celebration January 2008 I Jewish Scene 27 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS By: Jennifer Lefkowitz (JenniferLefkowitz.com) ARTIST SPOTLIGHT >> Clare Burson - Thieves, 2007 ASCAP Photo: Ted Barron Clare Burson had a new idea on her second full-length album, Thieves. The album was recorded in a friend’s Brooklyn brownstone with the windows left open. Vocals are lyrically quaint while metaphorical, plus subtle layers of ambient sound are added into the mix. “We didn’t want to filter out the noise, and, we recorded a few tracks outside.” When asked, “How many takes before you were interrupted with a siren, or something?” Burson replied, “There actually weren’t any sirens.” (Something surprising for Brooklyn, NY.) Thieves is inspired by her move from Nashville to Brooklyn.The album is a fusion of Indie rock, Folk and Blues. This nine-track record reflects ending relationships, cultural and personal. Undertones of organic sound create a soundscape of familiar dialogue. An unpretentious and offshore car ends a track to begin another. From 2001-2005 Burson was actively involved in a tight-knit group of Nashville producers, players and writers, whose credits include Lucinda Williams, Patty Griffin, John Prine, Matthew Ryan, Josh Rouse and Allison Kraus. Thieves includes an authentic reverb and banjo-esque remake of the Rock classic, “These Boots Are Made For Walkin,” by Nancy Sinatra. Burson’s music has been featured on the ABC drama, “Six Degrees” as well as the WB’s “Dawson’s Creek.” Most recently, Clare was awarded a two-year “Six Points Fellowship.” The fellowship supports individual artists in the New York area who want to develop new projects with a Jewish focus, theme or element.When Clare is not in the recording studio or performing her music, she can be found in the classroom. Burson is an elementary school teacher at St. Anne’s in Brooklyn, NY. Clare Burson’s Thieves is now available in record stores and online. For more information visit www.clareburson.com. LIVE In-Studio Interview(s): MySpace.com/NowThisInterview Featured Artist: Clare Burson, Thieves “If you listen closely, you hear a big mack truck driving by, or a dog... We didn’t let those ambient noises get in the way, we just recorded through them.” – Clare Burson EASY LISTENING: MUSIC REVIEWS Clare Burson Thieves Clare Burson (ASCAP) Indie artist and Tennessee native Clare Burson is definitely not just another singer / songwriter. On Burson’s second full-length album, Thieves, musical compositions sitions and arrangements play like poetry journals wrapped in bows. Riffs, tunes and vocal harmonies are comparable to ‘high-rise’ Indie artists, “Yo La Tengo” and “PJ Harvey.” Thieves follows her critically acclaimed 2003 release,The In-Between, and her two previous EPs, Undone and Idaho. Thieves is inspired by Burson’s relocation from Nashville to Brooklyn. Clare says, “I’ve always leaned towards poetic simplicity and subtlety in my music – wanting to express as much as I can with the fewest possible words and musical flourishes.” Thieves is a collection of heartbreaking love songs, characterized by wispy imagery and metaphors. Thieves is the perfect antidote for what I call ‘The Newness and Undiscovered ‘Yeah’ Album Experience.’ NOW READING: BOOK REVIEWS The Golem & the Wondrous Deeds of the Maharal of Prague Yudl Rosenberg, Edited & Translated by Curt Leviant Yale University Press The Golem is a collection of interrelated stories about a 16th century Prague Rabbi and the Golem he created. It is the first English translation by Curt Laviant, prize-winning author thor and translator. Laviant translates the original Hebrew of the Kabbalastically laced golem stories by Yudl Rosenberg. The Golem is full of Jewish folklore. The creature of clay (Golem) is the protector of the Jewish people. The Golem is filled with adventure, surprises, magic, romance, suspense, Kabbalah, Jewish pride and detective thriller motifs; The Golem fits like a Disney production. The Golem is a definite coffee table keep. 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, MusicForAFilm@aol.com, TODAY! 28 Jewish Scene I January 2008 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: REVIEWS THE KUGEL REPORT {the u takes on an i sound in eastern European Yiddish} By Jennifer Lefkowitz Not One, but Two Coreys Horizons Poetry Contest winners Thanksgiving Luncheon The Two Coreys (c)2007 AETN Photo: Andrew Eccles T een icons of the 80s are back! Well, duh. Corey Haim and Corey Feldman. Season One of the A&E TV show “The Two Coreys” proved to be rad – totally. Reality TV has gone to extremes in a ‘once popular celebrity way.’ The Coreys star together on-screen in the so-called ‘Real-Life Series.’ Feldman is married, successful and a neat freak, while Haim is single, actively searching for his soul mate and unstable; a product of past drug use. Not to mention, he’s terribly sloppy. Haim’s moving in with the Feldmans to help get his life on course and to relaunch “The Two Coreys” brand. (Cologne, perhaps.) Somewhere in-between watching nine Episodes of Season One you’ll flashback “The Two Coreys” from the films, License To Drive, (a personal favorite) Dream A Little Dream and The Lost Boys. FYI: The Coreys just aren’t the same ‘swank dudes’ anymore. Like, Duh. Jennifer Lefkowitz is a native of Memphis, Tennessee and graduate from Academy of Art University, Motion Pictures & Tele v i s i o n , S c re e n w r i t i n g i n S a n Fr a n c i s c o , C A . Jennife rLefkowitz.com << 6th grade girls Three little Pre-K-3 Indians, Aaron Kahn, Sara Weinstein, Rena Wogan >> 5th graders Motti Klein, << Yonatan Cooper and Avi Katz 5th graders Racheli Brakha, Naomi Kolsky and Devora Milevsky >> January 2008 I Jewish Scene 29 MEFTY UPDATE BBYO UPDATE TEEN SCENE: cancelled due to unfavorable weather and was rescheduled for December. At Kriger’s semi-formal, Harvest Moon, Sam Thomas was re-elected as Beau. Congratulations Sam Between multiple programming with increasing attendance and formals and semi-formals, Memphis BBYO has grown tighter during the first semester. River City hosted a Memphis-wide program. Every chapter has done an excellent job holding weekly programs and meetings. Calendars are filled with Saturday night folds, Sunday meetings and even nightly programs. In short, active members engage in BBYO happenings “Eight Days a Week”! During the Thanksgiving weekend, Okeon held its annual Okeon alumni game. Peres hosted their successful annual charity play, “Harvest Hop,” where they said goodbye to their wonderful two-term sweetheart, Elle Lazarov, and welcomed new winter/ spring term sweetheart, Camille Harris. Congratulations Camille! The annual Peres vs. Okeon “Turkey Bowl” football game was Mission trips to Israel often spark interest among donors and help raise awareness about needed services. It is amazing when those donors are teens. On a 2007 summer family mission, Memphis Federation of Temple Youth (MeFTY) members Michael Eisenstatt and Jennifer Edelson were so inspired during their visit to Bet Elazraki Children Home, they returned home determined to make a difference. As they toured the facility and discussed rais- ing funds for a playground, fellow trip members Shirley and Alfred Wexner decided that their fashion store, Joseph, would be interested in partnering with the youth group. Their success – The Night of Fashion Makeovers, which raised more than $7,800 for new playground equipment for the Bet Elazraki. The 125 guests enjoyed music, hors d’ oeuvres and wine, hair styling by Rod Henson and makeovers by Joseph make-up artists. Larry Moss auctioned designer accessories, cosmetics and clothes to help raise additional funds, while Charles Plesofsky photographed the ladies’ new looks. The fashion show featured Joseph’s apparel, the spring designs of Diane Von Furstenberg and models Jennifer Edelson, Cara Greenstein, Amy Schweig and Karen Stein. MeFTY president Michael Eisenstatt welcomed guests, thanked the hosts and explained the event’s purpose prior to viewing a short video about the Bet Elazraki Children’s Home. Program sponsors thank those who supported the cause and made this dream a reality. cotton states region DOLLARS FOR DARFUR MeFTY President Michael Eisenstatt Camille Harris receives a makeover Tired of waiting for others to take the lead, friends and classmates Alex Alpert and Samantha Notowich decided to hold their second Dollars for Darfur campaign. “After studying about the Holocaust,” said Samantha, “I asked myself how could something like this happen again in my lifetime?” Last year, the two raised more than $3,000 to benefit the people of Darfur BSSS students made Dollars for Darfur posters 30 Jewish Scene I January 2008 Jennifer Edelson is a 16year-old junior at White Station High School. She is the past vice president (a.k.a. S’ganit) of River City BBG #2054 and a Hebrew teacher at Temple Israel in Memphis. Models: (from L to R) Amy Schweig, Cara Greenstein, Jennifer Edelson, Karen Stein who are being starved, raped and murdered by the Sudanese government backed militia called Janjaweed. This year they set their goals even higher. Held at three premier Memphis Starbucks locations, volunteers handed out informational fliers and told people how they can help. “I want to make a difference,” said Alex. “In preparing for my Bar Mitzvah this seemed like the best place to start.” Joining Alex and Samantha were classmates at Bornblum Solomon Schechter School. Congressman Steve Cohen came to the school to read a proclamation in honor of Alex and Samantha and the BSSS students. Funds are sent to the Sudan Relief & Advocacy Fund of AJWS (American Jewish World Service). Congressman Cohen w/ BSSS upper grade students Congressman Steve Cohen w/ Dollars for Darfur chairs Alex Alpert and Samantha Notowich THE SCRIBBLER r e l b b i Scr THE ON THE ROOF Tu B’shevat; Still As Trendy As A Gucci Handbag M By Ted Roberts e and my good friend, Herb, had run out of our usual intellectual themes: like why tomatoes should be thinly sliced on a tongue and rye and why the mayo should only be on the top slice of bread. He took a large swallow of his coffee followed by a bite of his bagel that only left about 60% of it intact – the 60% without cream cheese. He was silent – meditative. I could tell by the way his jaws worked on that wad of cream cheese and bagel. “You know, Tu B’Shevat’s coming,” he finally said, “and lemme tell you,” he continued after a sip of coffee, “if this minor league holiday hadda been around in 1000 BC, we’d never have had a temple.” Another theological revelation from Herb! If the Talmud hadn’t been officially closed a couple millennia ago, there’d be a thick tractate entitled, “The Wisdom of Herb.” But I didn’t say that, since my pal was subsidizing our breakfast – an event as rare as a kosher deli in Baghdad. But I did say, “Uh, why no temple, Herb?” “Because Tu B’Shevat – ever since it was proclaimed by the Sierra Club in the late 1960s – has protected the only life form that’s larger than Tyrannosaurus Rex, inhabited by squirrels, grubs, and birds and has no voice.” In the language of Herb, that means trees. “So?” I replied. “What’s that got to do with Solomon’s Temple?” “No Cedars of Lebanon, no temple,” roared my pal who usually prefers the Sports Section to Perkei Avot. (The “Ethics of our fathers” to you fellow Sports Section devotees.) Well, Herb the Rebbe is half right. Tu B’Shevat does teach a reverence for life forms: living things, that unlike us don’t subsist on kosher dills and thick pastrami stacked on rye. Our holy books – all five of them – are full of trees. We’re talking BAC - Before Air Conditioning – in a land that’s half rock and sand dunes under a broiler called the sun. Miami Beach without an oceanfront room. And if you’ve got a nice little two-bedroom cottage in Judea with a shade tree in the yard, you don’t cut it down for kindling. Like the kids say “Trees are cool” – in more ways than one. The Humash teaches respect for animals, too. There are plenty of rules about their humane treatment. Again, Tu B’Shevat’s a lot of fun Lot of fun for you and me Especially if you’re a Sycamore And I’m a Maple Tree. practical necessity rears its head. An ox, a donkey, a sheep, a goat – these are valuable assets like that other woody life form that shades your house and deflects the rain and winter wind. So naturally, our oral and written tradition – laced with rules and ethics – has a lot to say about trees and the beasts of the field. But when the author of that tradition, be he divine or only divinely inspired, surveys the pyramid of creation, he sees man at the pinnacle. On Tu B’Shevat, it’s proper to pack a couple of peanut butter sandwiches and escort your kids on a brief tour of a neighboring woods – or maybe your own back yard will do. You don’t need a nature reserve. Point out the trees and other wildlife, like squirrels, bugs and birds. Inform your peanut butter-eating offspring that they all spring from the one mighty source who the Chasids say is HIMSELF, the universe. Yes, all forms of life have the divine spark – but only man has a soul. If Solomon wants to denude the hillsides of Lebanon (tough job with a bronze age ax) to build a temple, that’s OK. Or if Samson ties torches to foxes and thereby burns the Philistines’ cornfields, along with a few foxes, that’s OK, too. That was then – this is now. But let’s say you assemble a hotel full of Judaic scholars; and let’s say you give each scholar his own Chumash and Talmud in the unlikely event he hasn’t memorized it. And then you put to them the question of the Brazilian Rain Forest. The classic ecologic tradeoff; jobs and relative prosperity vs. an ecological misfortune. (You might also try the question on a Brazilian villager who used to trap jaguars or collect locusts for supper before the Lumber Products Corporation came to town.) Wonder how the Talmudic scholars would vote? I dunno. In the finest Yiddish tradition I pose questions, not answers. Ask your Rabbi. Ted Roberts is a syndicate columnist whose work appears frequently in the Jewish press. Ted Roberts (“The Scribbler on the Roof”} Website: http://www.wonderwordworks.com Blogsite: http://www.scribblerontheroof.typepad.com te11d@hiwaay.net January 2008 I Jewish Scene 31 AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, SYNAGOGUES ADVERTISERS ARKANSAS B’nai B’rith Youth Oranization 6560 Poplar Avenue, 38138, 901.767.7440 Acura of Memphis page 3 901.365.6565 Sancor page 7 901.388.3100 / 800.825.6369 Bornblum Judaic Studies 301 Mitchell Hall, University of Memphis, 38152 901.678.2919 Ballet Memphis page 5 901.737.7322 State of Israel Bonds page 17 727.539.6445 / 800.622.8017 Comfort Keepers page 15 901.752.1515 VistaCare Health Services page 11 901.373.8831 BENTONVILLE Congregation Etz Chaim P.O. Box 477, 72712, 474.464.8001 HOT SPRINGS Congregation House of Israel 300 Quapaw Ave., 71901-5203, 501.623.5821 LITTLE ROCK Congregation Agudath Achim 7901 West 5th St., 72205, 501.225.1683 Congregation B’nai Israel 3700 N. Rodney Parham Rd., 72212, 501.225.9700 MISSISSIPPI GREENVILLE Hebrew Union Congregation 504 Main St., 38701, 662.332.4153 JACKSON Congregation Beth Israel 5315 Old Canton Rd., 39211, 601.956.6215 Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life PO Box 16528, 39236, 601.362.6357 TUPELO Temple B’nai Israel 1301 Marshall St., 38802, 662.842.9169 UTICA (Serving AL, AR, LA, MS, W. Tenn) URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp 601.885.6042 TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA Jewish Community Federation of Greater Chattanooga P.O. Box 8947, 37414, 423.493.0270 CORDOVA Memphis Jewish Home 36 Bazeberry, 38018, 901.758.0036 KNOXVILLE Knoxville Jewish Alliance 6800 Deane Hill Dr., 37919, 865.690.6343 MEMPHIS Anshei Sphard Beth-El Emeth Congregation (ASBEE) 120 East Yates Rd. North, 38120, 901.682.1611 Baron Hirsch Synagogue 400 S. Yates, 38120, 901.683.7485 Beth Sholom Synagogue 6675 Humphreys Blvd., 38120, 901.683.3591 32 Jewish Scene I January 2008 Bornblum Solomon Schechter School 6641 Humphreys Blvd., 38120, 901.747.2665 Chabad Lubavitch of Tennessee 6629 Massey Ln., 38120, 901.766.1800 CruiseOne page 10 901.682.5600 Crye-Leike Jennifer Lefkowitz page 6 901.334.6959 / 901.757.2500 Hadassah Memphis Chapter 422 Miracle Pt., 38120, 901.683.0727 Eagle Medical Staffing page 11 901.737.3990 Hillel of Memphis 3581 Midland, 38111, 901.452.2453 Esplanade page 1 901.753.3333 Jewish Family Service 6560 Poplar Ave., 38138, 901.767.8511 Jewish Foundation of Memphis 5118 Park Ave. #308, 38117, 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 First Class Linen page 19 901.969.0121 / 601.899.9206 888.619.9482 Great Wines & Spirits page 17 901.682.1333 Harkavy,Shainberg Kaplan & Dunstan PLC Back cover 901.761.1263 Itta Bena page 9 901.578.3031 Memphis Jewish Federation 6560 Poplar Ave., 38138, 901.767.7100 Jason’s Deli page 23 901.685.3333 / 901.844.1840, 901.324.3181 / 731.660.0594 Memphis Jewish High School 1203 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Ctr., Suite 203, 38119, 901.767.4818 Ken Cummins Interior Design page 7 901.278.1987 Plough Towers 6580 Poplar Ave., 38138, 901.767.1910 Lead Dog Web Design page 23 901.861.6146 Temple Israel 1376 East Massey Rd., 38120, 901.761.3130 Torah MiTzion 390 S. White Station Rd., 38117, 901.606.7059 Young Israel 531 S. Yates, 38120, 901.761.2352 NASHVILLE Jewish Federation of Nashville & Middle Tennessee 801 Percy Warner Blvd., 37205, 615.356.3242 Ménage page 9 901.683.6809 Mona Spa & Laser Center page 3 901.683.0048 / 901.756.7945 Morgan Keegan / Lawson Arney page 27 901.529.5320 / 800.366.7426 Patrick’s Steaks & Spirits page 19 901.682.2853 JANUARY 2008 WEEKLY MEETINGS & EVENTS MONDAY Noon Beth Sholom Lunch & Learn, bring a dairy or pareve lunch, Rabbi Rubinstein TUESDAY 9:00 a.m. Baron Hirsch Torah One on One Learning (T.O.O.L.) Dafna Kannai Noon Baron Hirsch “Call Torah,” call-in-class, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein, toll free 1-866-266-3378, at prompt enter conference ID# 9016837485 Noon Young Israel Lunch & Learn/Finance for Life, 5350 Poplar Avenue #550, Development of Jewish Law and History 7 p.m. Hillel Sip and Schmooze (bi-weekly) 7 p.m. Baron Hirsch Living Jewish, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein WEDNESDAY 10:30 a.m. Baron Hirsch Ladies Parsha Class, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein 11 a.m. Young Israel Parsha (weekly Torah portion) for women Noon Baron Hirsch Reframing the Parsha, Amit Foox, at B.A. Framer, 1905 Troyer 1 p.m. Temple Israel Women’s Minyan, Rabbi Tara Feldman 7 p.m. Baron Hirsch Jewish History, Rabbi David Radinsky 7:30 p.m. Beth Sholom Limmud class, Rabbi Rubinstein THURSDAY 9:15 a.m. Temple Israel Early Learning Center “Mommy and Me.” Noon Lunch & Learn, w/Temple Israel Rabbi Meir Feldman, at Grove Grille 1:30 p.m. Temple Israel Mother Bear Project for African children with HIV/AIDS 8 p.m. ASBEE Exclusive Telecast of Rabbi Frand on the portion of the week SATURDAY 8:45 a.m. Temple Israel Torah Study 8:45 a.m. Temple Israel Exploring Judaism w/Rabbis & Cantor, 901.761.3130 to register, fee $40 1-1/2 hours before sundown, ASBEE Portion-of-the-week class/ Dovid Menachem Brown Talmud Class SUNDAY After morning service, Young Israel class w/ breakfast, “Yoreh Deah,” Practical Jewish Law for men 8:30 a.m. Baron Hirsch Talmud Class, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein 8:30 a.m. Chabad Lubavitch Bagels, Lox & Tefillin. Minyan, breakfast, “Living Torah” video, Torah discussion 9 a.m. Beth Sholom Yiddish w/Cantor David Julian 9:15 a.m. Baron Hirsch IE Hanover Lecture on World Events, Rabbi Shai Finkelstein 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Jewish Literature w/Leo Bearman 10 a.m. Temple Israel beginning Hebrew/5758-59 Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program, fee $25, Carol Geller 901.761.3130 10:30, 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. Temple Israel Advanced Hebrew 11 a.m. Temple Israel Intermediate Hebrew, fee $25 11 a.m. Temple Israel Elijah the Prophet w/Dr. Joe Levy 8 p.m. Baron Hirsch Shoah & Tkuma Class, Tzili & Amit Foox (for 10th-11th graders) arkansas FRIDAY 4:30, 5:30 & 6 p.m. Congregation House of Israel Hot Springs, Torah Study, Oneg, Services SUNDAY 9:30 a.m. Congregation House of Israel Hot Springs, Hebrew School mississippi COMING ATTRACTIONS MEMPHIS Jan. 3 12:15 p.m. ASBEE Sisterhood Study Group. $3 for lunch, RSVP 901.682.1611 7:30 p.m. Rosh Chodesh /Pirkei Ima-ot: Ethics of the mothers, Sally Rosenberg’s, 6729 Corsica, Memphis, Bring your curiosity! jeffsal1@comcast.net Jan. 5 9:15 a.m. Beth Sholom Sisterhood Shabbat Jan. 6 3 p.m. Jewish Community Night Memphis Grizzlies vs. Miami HEAT ASBEE Chili after the Grizzlies game, RSVP 901.682.1611 Jan. 13 10 a.m. Plough Towers Annual Meeting 10:30 a.m. Beth Sholom Annual Meeting Jan. 18 10 a.m. Beth Sholom B’nai Mitzvah class 6 p.m. Beth Sholom Tot Shabbat and Family Dinner, RSVP 901.683.3591 Jan. 21 6 p.m. ASBEE Tu B’shevat Seder Jan. 26 9:15 a.m. Beth Sholom Services and Board Installation followed by Kiddush lunch 7 p.m. Beth Sholom Reel Torah, call 901.683.3591 for location and film title Feb. 21 1:30 pm. ASBEE Sisterhood sponsors the February birthday party at the Memphis Jewish Home Feb. 24 Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South PTA/LA Annual Auction. For more information, call 901.682.2400 FRIDAY 6:15 p.m. Beth Israel Jackson, Shabbat Services.The Shirim Choir first Fridays SATURDAY 9 a.m. Beth Israel Jackson, Services, 10:15 a.m. Talmud study January 2008 I Jewish Scene 33