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January/February 2013
www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Rustic
and Glam
The Perfect Mix
Bohne
Lipsey
The Art of Ketubah
Hank
NelkEn
Coming Attractions
Opening
Doors
For Young Professionals
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


Contents
4SIMCHA
The Art of Ketubah
18
6SIMCHA
Rustic and Glam Mix to Make the Perfect
Wedding
8SIMCHA
A Jacobs Camp Simcha
Chensasky B’nai Mitzvah
19 COLLEGE SCENE
Crain-Maling Center Welcomes New Director
20 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Coming Attractions: Hank Nelken Breaks Into TV
21 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
City of Slaughter with Cynthia Drew
10SIMCHA
Lillie’s Lots of Love Barn Mitzvah
COLLEGE SCENE
BBYO Community Engagement Fellowship
11SIMCHA
Dancing to the Mitzvah Beat
22 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Left Hand Singing: Playhouse Production
Highlights Role of Jewish Americans in Civil
Rights Movement
12SIMCHA
The Perfect Invitation Sets Event Tone
23BESHERT: True Stories of Connection
At The Theater
13
24SCENES
ON THE SIDELINES
Israeli Airwaves Crossing Borders
25
14FEATURE
TI Memphis Opens Doors for Young
Professionals
16
Correction: In the Nov./Dec. 2012 issue “The Yeshiva Boys
School “referred to in the article in “Custom Caterer Wows
Kosher Clients” should be listed as “The Cooper Yeshiva
High School for Boys.”
17L’CHAYIM
Wine Myth #2
Susan C. Nieman
Art Director
David Miller
Art Assistant
Laura Ehrhardt
Rebecca Miller
Social Media Director
Rebecca Miller
Photography Contributors
John Bates
Trey Clark
Norman Gilbert
Martha Grace Gray
Deborah Huber
Steve Jones
J. Rick Martin
Devin Muldoon
Josh Ott
Editorial Contributors
ADVERTISER LISTING
On The Cover: Bohne Leah Lipsey Creates Ketubah
Photo By Josh Ott.
DOLLARS & SENSE
Do You Need an Estate Plan?
Publisher/Editor
Ellen C. Alexander
Gary Burhop
Delynn Byars
Debra Califf
Christine Arpe Gang
Elyse Goldberg
Jesse Goldstein
Mark Hayden
Lisa Lynch
Harry Samuels
Account Executives
Bob Drake
Larry Nieman
Jewish Scene Thanks Our Mailing Sponsors For Their Support
Shornick Family
Chief Financial Officer
Sponsors help offset the growing cost of mailing Jewish Scene Magazine
not covered by advertising dollars.
Don Heitner
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.
04
Editorial Assistants
Bettye Berlin
Emily Bernhardt
Alice Drake
Rae Jean Lichterman
Bette Shornick
Volume 7 Number 3
Shevat/Adar 5773
January/February 2013
06
10
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FROM THE EDITOR
From the
Publisher/Editor
Dear JSM Readers,
This was our first holiday
season in the tropics, and
while the temperature in Florida is a delightful 81,
Memphis and Middle Tennessee saw their first snow
this December morning.
The beachside menorah
lighting by Chabad of
Lauderdale By The Sea
was unique, enchanting
and something I look
forward to again next year.
As the sun set west over
the island, the children
danced to Israeli music and played with Hula
Hoops in the sand.
Knowing you...
is what we do best.
Santa came to town one mid-December evening
on a fire truck. Snow blew out of the town center
tree while live bands played in the square. Locals
and vacationers filled the streets and shops, and
storefronts handed out cider and pizza. It’s a
charming little town that we live in now. Every time
I walk downtown, I feel as if I am living in a movie
such as “It’s A Wonderful Life.”
It certainly is a wonderful life for those families who
celebrated special occasions this past year. We hope
you enjoy a sneak peek into their festive events
featured throughout this issue and even draw some
inspiration for your next celebration.
We thank the families and vendors for sharing
their tips and for supporting this annual Simcha
issue. When you look at the extraordinary
attention to detail, from invitations to place
settings to the fabulous chuppah (wedding
canopy) on page 6, you’ll see why this is one of my
favorite issues to produce.
Mazel Tov to all you young bar and bat mitzvahs,
brides, grooms and those celebrating a special
occasion. Send us photos of your celebrations and
we can post them online. And you never know your
Simcha may be printed in the next special issue of
Jewish Scene Magazine.
Shalom and Happy New Year,
Nancy Rosenberg, Lending Assistant, Jeff Hudson, Memphis City President
and Dee Cannell, Branch Manager
At Renasant Bank, we take pride in getting to know our customers.
You’re not just another number to us. From checking and savings
accounts to mortgage and auto loans, we’ll listen to your needs and
find the product that’s right for you. Experience it for yourself today.
Susan C. Nieman - Publisher/Editor
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Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
3
SIMCHA
The Art of Ketubah
By Susan C. Nieman
Bohne Leah Lipsey always dreamed of
becoming a filmmaker but in the process
discovered a talent that has taken her on
a long journey. Now she creates incredible
one-of-a-kind art and beautiful mementos of
ever-lasting commitment.
Bohne’s hand-drawn, calligraphy ketubahs
(Jewish marriage contracts) now grace the
homes of couples who want something more
than the generic contracts given by synagogues and
temples on the wedding day.
“I work with each rabbi to get the correct
wording that is specific to each type of ketubah,”
explains Bohne, whose ketubahs include Hebrew
and Aramaic. She is currently working on her first
to include English. She also talks with each couple
to help them choose among 150 Psalms of David.
She has worked with Orthodox, Conservative
and Reform clients as well as an interfaith couple.
“Every ketubah is unique according
to the rabbi’s requirements and the
couple’s preference,” she said.
Bohne is not a fan of small
preprinted ketubah. Hers are
large format paintings, about 2.5
feet x 2.5 feet. She uses acrylic
paint watered down to “about the
consistency of a latte,” she said.
She usually commits about 80 to
100 hours or more to her one-onone projects. “I love to add microcalligraphy to the ketubah, which
requires an additional 40 hours.”
“It has been an absolute pleasure
working with such a talented, dedicated
artist,” said clients, Whitney and Ross
Spielfogel. “Bohne is a true visionary who
creates timeless pieces of Judaic art. We
were very excited to showcase our oneof-a-kind ketubah at our wedding on
December 8 – the first night of Hanukkah.
Bohne was able to incorporate some symbolism from
the holiday as well as our passions and interests into
our stunning handmade Ketubah.”
As an art student at White Station High School
in Memphis, Bohne always thought she would direct
movies. After graduating with a major in film from the
University of Southern California in 2006, she spent
several years working in the filmmaking industry until
she moved to Boca Raton, Florida, two years ago.
We weren’t interested in the generic
poster art ketubot that we’d seen on
the Internet and at other weddings.
We wanted something unique – a
piece of artwork. Bohne worked
closely with us to make sure that
she was creating exactly what we
were looking for, and we couldn’t be
happier with the finished product. We
know that we have a one-of-a-kind
ketubah, and we smile every time we
see it on our dining room wall. Having
been one of Bohne’s earlier clients,
we are truly in awe of how Bohne’s
work has evolved over the last couple
of years, and we can’t wait to see
what she comes up with next.
– Rebecca Schwartz Pearson
and Matthew Pearson
Her journey to become a ketubah artist began much
earlier when, as a junior, she visited a ketubah exhibit
in The Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Throughout her
travels and moving across country, Bohne still hangs on
to a pictorial book of the ketubahs on exhibit. While in
Israel, she learned about Hillel Halkin’s book “Across
the Sabbath River: In Search of a Lost Tribe of Israel,”
which piqued her interest in the genetic research being
conducted especially in India about the 10 lost tribes
of Israel.
“So against my family’s wishes I took off for India –
by myself in the summer before my last year of school,”
Captions
1 Bohne Lipsey creates one-of-a-kind ketubahs. Photo Credit: Josh Ott Photography
2 Zachary Kopels signs his ketubah. Photo Credit: Deborah Huber
3 Michelle Goldwin Kaufman with her family. Photo Credit: Steve Jones Weddings
4 Zachary looks at the ketubah he signed with his wife, Miriam. Photo Credit: Deborah Huber
SIMCHA
The
Barefoot Bride
Designer Wedding Gowns &
Accessories
30 – 80% off retail everyday
>>
Ketubah of
Rebecca and
Matthew Pearson.
New ~ Consigned ~ Sample
Open By Appointment
The typical ketubah requires from 80 to
140 hours. Photo Credit: Devin Muldoon
“
Every ketubah is unique
according to the rabbi’s
requirements and the couple’s
preference.
4726 Poplar Ave Suite 4
Memphis, TN 38117
901-481-6906
www.thebarefootbride.org
www.facebook.com/barefootbrideboutique
thebarefootbride@hotmail.com
We do fabulous from veil to toes!!
“
she said. “Looking back now I guess that was a little crazy.” Her project:
to produce a documentary film of the people she met during her travels.
“I contacted people from ‘Across the Sabbath River,’ some who even
invited me to stay with them in their homes.
“The people shared stories and folklore that match a lot of our current
Jewish traditions,” she explained. “Although they don’t celebrate every
ritual that modern Jews celebrate, some of those things had not happen
yet – before their separation from Israel.”
Bohne had the opportunity to speak with an elderly man, Dr. Milui
Lenthang Khuplam, in Imphal, Manipur, whose son translated to her in
broken English. He had written a book about his belief in their family
being part of one of the lost tribes. Bohne has been asked to write
something in his book, which is currently being published for the first
time in English. “It is quite an honor to be included,” she said.
Unfortunately, the documentary was never completed for lack of
funding, explained Bohne who tried unsuccessfully to write a grant to
fund the project.
Bohne began creating ketubahs for friends, and soon her workload
grew by word-of mouth. “I never thought this is what I would be doing,”
she said. “But, I do love doing this for people.”
Bohne can be reached at:
bohne.leah.art@gmail.com.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Judaica-Art-by-BohneLeah/103532326374750
and www.BohneLeah.com
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
5
SIMCHA
Rustic and
Glam Mix
to Make the Perfect Wedding
By Christine Arpe Gang
Photos by Trey Clark Photography
Only a few brides look back on their weddings
and think: “It was everything I wanted it to be.”
But that’s what Erin Wishnia says about her
November wedding to Brian Hamburger in
Memphis, Tennessee.
“It actually exceeded my expectations,” said Erin,
who spent hours combing through magazines
and websites searching for ideas to adapt to
her own vision of an event that would not only
please her and Brian but also their families and
200-plus guests.
“I wanted a wedding that was romantic, soft,
pretty and delicate,” she said. “And I wanted it
to be fun with something to appeal to everyone.”
Erin, who recently left her job as a buyer at
Macy’s, lives in New York; so she and her parents
hired Sheril Greenstein, owner of Shindigs by
Sheril, to make all of her ideas a reality.
First and foremost for the couple was finding a
downtown venue suitable for both the ceremony
and reception. They chose The Columns at
One Commerce Square, a former bank lobby
built in 1929 featuring massive ionic pillars in a
20,000-square-foot space.
“The challenge was to turn one large venue into
several rooms: one for the ceremony, another
for the cocktail hour, another for the reception
and another for the dessert extravaganza,”
said Sheril, an event planner who worked with
other party professionals to design and build
moveable fabric walls to create the spaces.
“Guests never knew that right behind a wall
we were changing an entire room. When they
walked in it was like ‘tada!’”
The menu, executed by restaurateur Erling
Jensen, was carefully chosen by the bride.
Erin Wishnia Hamburger
and Brian Hamburger
6 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Brian, a real estate developer in New York,
loves oysters so there was a raw bar; Erin’s
father, Steve, is partial to New York deli food,
so a carving station served corned beef and
mini hotdogs with sauerkraut and mustard; her
mother, Eileen’s, favorite dish, shrimp and grits,
was on the menu along with crab cakes, little lamb chops, fish tacos
served with mini bottles of Patron tequila and sliders secured with
flags imprinted with “Mr. and Mrs. Hamburger.”
“Details are important to me,” Erin said.
The 15-piece Memphis Soul Revue gave out-of-towners a hearty
helping of the unique sounds of the bride’s hometown. Many
responded by dancing until after midnight, including the groom’s
parents, Drs. Fran and Max Hamburger who live on Long Island, N.Y.
For the ceremony, the couple stood under an elaborate chuppah
featuring birch branches adorned with white orchids, hydrangeas,
roses and green amaranth “tails.”
The menu prepared by Erling Jensen included all of the parent’s favorites.
“When we were under the chuppah it was like being in an enchanted
forest,” Erin said. During the reception, the chuppah served as canopy
for the wedding cake table.
Erin, who grew up at Temple Israel (TI) in Memphis, chose Rabbi
emeritus, Harry Danziger, to perform the actual wedding ceremony,
and TI’s senior Rabbi Micah Greenstein to co-officiate.
“I went through religious school with Rabbi Danziger so hearing his
voice made me feel like I was home,” Erin said. “Because Brian and
I met with the rabbis several times and because they both know me
and my family so well, the ceremony was very personal and special.”
Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling created a soft, sparkling
light on Annieglass dishes set on silver rimmed chargers and the
mercury glass centerpieces overflowing with white flowers.
Some of the tables were topped with mirrors, others were covered
with burlap overlaid with heavily embroidered lace.
Hamburger sliders, so apropos.
“It was a little rustic paired with glam,” she said.
Instead of numbers, tables were labeled with Memphis landmarks such as
Graceland, Stax, Beale Street and National Civil Rights Museum.
Guests were treated to an array of the couple’s favorite desserts
including coconut cake from the old Lulu’s Grille, Leigh McLean’s
chocolate chip cookies, Julie Boswhit’s caramel, chocolate, toffee
covered pretzel rods, McEwen’s banana cream pie, and homemade
donut holes all served with espresso shots.
Anyone who was hungry after a couple of hours of energetic dancing
was offered a late-night snack of cotton candy and grilled cheese
sandwiches on the dance floor.
Orchestrating the event was a challenge made easier, Sheril Greenstein
said, by working with a bride who knew what she wanted.
Erin and Brian bring the guests to their feet as they are lifted in celebration.
“Erin has great taste and real sense of style,” Sheril said. “Even
though she was in New York and I was in Memphis, through e-mails
and telephone conversations, everything went smoothly.”
Erin was not someone who always envisioned a dream wedding. “I
didn’t think about it until we started planning it,” she said. “Then we
ended up with something totally different than what we started with.
But it was all wonderful.”
After the ceremony, the elaborate chuppah created by Kevin >>
Coble:Le Fleur, served as a canopy for the wedding cake
prepared by Laura Jackson:The Flour Garden.
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
7
SIMCHA
Noah and Alanna
being lifted!
A Jacobs Camp Simcha
Chensasky B’nai Mitzvah
By Ellen C. Alexander :: Photos By Martha Grace Gray
On a Saturday morning in July, the Henry S.
Jacobs Camp (HSJ) community began their
usual stroll to the Jacobs Performing Arts
Center—not in the usual pajamas (a Shabbat
morning tradition), but rather in their “finest”
attire for Alanna and Noah Chensasky’s B’nai
Mitzvah celebration.
“Noah and Alanna feel very connected to
the Jewish community at camp,” said Alyson.
“Since our extended family has dwindled to
one grandmother, Jacobs Camp has been the
kids’ extended family.”
“Having our B’nai Mitzvah here at Jacobs
Camp was awesome,” said Noah. “I had all my
camp friends watching and supporting me, and
it felt amazing. What better place than here!”
A true feeling of comfort carried the service
with its integration of Temple Israel tradition
with Jacobs Camp culture and spirit. Both
Noah and Alanna included the “Jacobs Magic”
in their Divrei Torah, illustrating the values of
community, patience and self-confidence.
Beside Alanna and Noah stood their father,
Alex Chensasky, Rabbi Adam Grossman of
Temple Israel in Memphis, songleader Cara
Greenstein and rabbinic student Michael
Danziger. Alyson, Noah’s and Alanna’s
mother, sat front and center next to family
and close friends who traveled to Jacobs for
the weekend.
As the service concluded, Alanna and Noah’s
cabin mates took photos and spoke to the
video camera with enthusiasm and praise of
the beautiful morning. The luncheon in the
dining hall – complete with chicken tenders
and macaroni and cheese (best lunch ever!)
– continued the celebration. The entire
camp broke out in the Hora and encircled
8 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Noah and Alanna with
the help of Rabbi Adam
Grossman combine
Temple Israel tradition
with Jacobs Camp culture.
SIMCHA
Doing the Wobble
“Having our
B’nai Mitzvah
here at Jacobs
Camp was
awesome,”
said Noah.
“I had all my
camp friends
watching and
supporting
me, and it felt
amazing. What
better place
than here!”
Noah and Alanna, who were lifted in
chairs by counselors!
Noah and Alanna read
their Torah portions
WE’RE REACHING
OUT TO YOU!
OPEN HOUSE
Alanna, Alex, Noah
and Alyson
“Camp is a place where everyone can
slow down and ‘unplug,’ allowing a
B’nai Mitzvah milestone to be the
central focus,” said Alyson. “Everyone
at HSJ made the weekend about Noah
and Alanna. It was an intimate and
meaningful experience that our family
will cherish forever.”
Infants through Kindergarten
JANUARY 28TH FEBRUARY 1 ST
COME GROW WITH US.
The teenage campers enjoyed the
carnival-like atmosphere with a
bouncing ride, Velcro wall and snow
cone and popcorn machines. The DJ
had the kids dancing all evening.
Jacobs Camp has truly come full-circle
this summer — beginning with the gift
of a new Ark and powerfully closing
with the spiritual use of the Ark, which
was opened by Alanna and Noah’s
counselors during the Torah service.
Barbara K. Lipman
Early Learning Center
(Located at Temple Israel)
“HSJ means a great deal to both our
kids and to Alex and me,” said Alyson,
reflecting on the weekend. “The rich
Jewish experience Noah and Alanna
receive at camp has surely enhanced
their Jewish identity.”
1376 East Massey Rd.
Memphis, TN 38120
901.937.2784
www.timemphis.org
Kids with friends
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
9
SIMCHA
Lillie’s Lots of Love
“Barn-Mitzvah:”
An Evening To Remember
By Jesse Goldstein :: Photos by John Bates
Lille Yalowitz with friends.
When Lillie Yalowitz, and her parents began
planning Lillie’s 13th birthday and bat mitzvah
celebration, they searched for a venue that could
facilitate an event for the ages – and for all ages!
“I needed something special and unique that
could accommodate 220 people including adults
and teenagers,” said mom, Julie. “Since her bat
mitzvah happened to fall on her birthday, it was an
opportunity to make the best of a multigenerational
event to celebrate all of Lillie’s accomplishments.”
As transplanted Southerners, the family wanted
the food and setting to represent their new Southern
lifestyle while also accommodating the not-soSouthern tastes of their Chicago and East Coast
family and friends. They found the perfect setting at
the Loveless Barn near Nashville.
The family, who moved to Nashville about six
years ago, wasn’t as familiar with all of the possible
venues but knew that they wanted something laid
back and not over the top.
“A fellow parent from Lillie’s school was chairing
a fundraiser at Loveless Barn and told me about the
venue,” said Julie. “I thought, that is so country,
that’s not what I want for Lillie’s special night.” But
when Julie walked into Loveless Barn she changed
her mind in an instant. “The place was fabulous. Its
great open space could be transformed into anything
we wanted.”
Transform it they did! The event, themed LOL:
Lots of Lillie – “because she is so dynamic and
personable – was a night all about Lillie,” said Julie.
Julie, who planning the entire event from start to
finish, got Lillie’s input on the purple color scheme,
the logo, invitations, sign-in board and PJ bottom
give-a-ways. But her dad, Jay, wanted some things to
remain a surprise. “We didn’t let her see the collage
board or her birthday cake,” said Julie.
With the help of the Loveless event catering
staff, led by event planner Merrell Dorris and Mike
Whitler of Branches, to whom Julie gave high praise,
the Loveless Barn was outfitted with up lighting
that saturated the building – inside and out – with
Lillie’s favorite color: purple. There was even a
purple cheetah pattern on the dance floor, which
was “totally cool,” said Dorris. Draping softened the
structural lines. Fun table linens with modern vase
sculptures accented the tables, and cool curvilinear
white leather sofas around the dance floor created a
youthful, hip and elegant effect.
The menu accommodated all ages and tastes
and was artfully presented by Executive Chef Bart
Pickens and his culinary staff. The evening started
off with fried green tomatoes, new potatoes with
crème fraîche and caviar and beef carpaccio wrapped
asparagus. The young adults enjoyed a chips and
dip station while dinner included the Loveless’
Legendary fried chicken, lightly sautéed haricot
vert and carrots, baked white cheddar macaroni and
cheese and Loveless’ world famous biscuits. Lillie’s
dessert choice was a Red Velvet Waffle Bar with fun
and extravagant toppings.
The Barn’s two patios, main seating area and
front mezzanine accommodated multiple settings
and gave guests room to wander and enjoy the
amazing evening.
Lillie and her family are members of The Temple,
Ohabai Shalom. And Lillie recently began attending
the monthly Rosh Chodesh celebration sponsored
by Nashville’s Jewish Family Service.
“We could not have been more delighted with
Lillie’s special evening,” said Julie. “It was everything
we had hoped it would be, and more. In fact, we may
even plan our 10-year-old son’s Bar Mitzvah there,
with a whole different theme. We can’t wait!”
10 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Captions
1. L eif Murphy, Mark Kaplan,
Paula Murphy and Hillary
Kaplan of Nashville.
2. Purple lighting throughout
reflected Lillie’s favorite color.
3. F riends enjoy a night of
food and dancing.
4. L illie’s logo in purple
lighting graced the Loveless
entrance.
5. Julie, Jay, Eric and Lillie.
See additional photos at
www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Located off Highway 100 in
Nashville,Tennessee, the Loveless
Barn’s 7,800-square-foot venue
offers unparalleled flexibility,
state-of-the- art sound and
lights, a diverse array of artfully
prepared menu options and the
genuine Southern hospitality. From
“barn mitzvahs” and weddings
to corporate gatherings, charity
fund-raisers and rockin’ concerts,
the Loveless Barn and Loveless
Event Catering will work with you
to accommodate any event you
dream up! Call 615.724.7991 or
email events@lovelesscafe.com.
SIMCHA
Dancing to
the Mitzvah
Beat
By Susan C. Nieman
Photos by J. Rick Martin, Martin Photo
Group, Las Vegas, Nevada
Sophie Fleischner enjoys her
bat mitzvah celebration.
Sophie carries the Torah
during the Sabbath service.
Kay Fleischner, Sophie, Rabbi
Richard Chapin and Dr.
Stuart Fleischner.
HSJ Camp buddies Leah
Goldsholl from Little Rock
and Margo Shainberg
from Memphis help with
Havdalah.
“I experienced the most
delightful event of my lifetime,
my Bat Mitzvah,” said Sophie
Laura Fleischner of Hot Springs,
Arkansas. “I was so blessed to
have my cousins and friends come
from as far as Tennessee, New
York, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Florida, Texas and Georgia.”
Sophie, a member of Congregation
House of Israel, directed and
led the service and chanted her
Torah and Haftarah portions
with Rabbi Richard Chapin
by her side. Parents Dr. Stuart
and Kay Fleischner, are very
proud of their daughter’s
accomplishments, as is Sophie’s
older sister, Frances Iverson.
“The service was great,” said
Sophie. “I practiced really hard
just to learn (memorize) my
Torah portion. And, I couldn’t
wait until the party! The whole
“theme” of my Bat Mitzvah was
DANCE. Groovy Dancers was
definitely my favorite.”
“Dance is a major part of
Sophie’s life,” said Stuart. “She
takes dance at three dance
studios and has competed both
on a dance team and as a solo in
many states.”
For her mitzvah project, Sophie
worked with “I Can Dance!,”
a program for challenged or
handicapped children to join
with a dance partner, like Sophie,
who teaches them to dance, holds
their hand, lets them sit in their
laps, listens to them, etc.
“I’m so appreciative of my
parents, sister, other family
members, congregation members,
and friends for supporting me
throughout this occasion,”
said Sophie.
Propcellar Vintage Rentals
901.654.6737
www.propcellar.com
www.facebook.com/propcellar
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
11
SIMCHA
The Perfect Invitation
Sets Tone for Your Event
By Debra Califf
Images courtesy of Pioneer Announcements, Miami, Florida
Wedding Day and Trial Makeup
Packages Available!
901.685.5020
Something So
Write
invitations
stationery
personalized gi!s
debra!cali"@gmail!com
#$%!&'%!&(&(
by appointment only
)nd us on Facebook!
12 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Every lifecycle event can begin
with the perfect invitation. And
the perfect invitation should set the
tone for your entire event.
Choose a consultant whose
standards include care, concern and
personal attention to detail.
Select someone who will help with
everything from inception of the
design, attending to its execution
and attaining the final product. The
professional should strive to set a
“gold standard” for themselves as
well as each client.
The consultant should be
knowledgeable about artwork,
typefaces, printing techniques
and color coordination to create a
memorable and lasting impression.
It is best to find someone who can
focus not only on your invitations,
but is able to design and plan for
the napkins, menus, favors and
programs that you may need.
Something So Write owner Debra
Califf has 17 years experience in the
design and printing industry. The
client is her main concern. Debra can
address all your needs; personally,
creatively and financially. Each and
every invitation is a thing of beauty
and is produced that way whether your
budget is limited or limitless.
We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
By appointment only 901.821.8383
or debra.califf@gmail.com.
Raphael Geller interviews an assistant coach for
Maccabi Rishon Lezion after they defeated Maccabi
Tel Aviv in Nokia Arena.
Israeli Airwaves
Crossing Borders
While it remains early in the season, this may
be the year that the Memphis Tigers and the
Grizzlies both achieve record success at the
turnstiles and in the record books. Thanks to
a Memphis family, those achievements might
be heard all the way to Israel.
Program Director Raphael Gellar of Israel
Sports Radio (ISR) stands out as a fan and will
be watching… and rooting from afar.
Gellar, also the media director for the
station, hosts one of several talk shows on ISR
and knows Memphis sports very well. He’s
had the opportunity to interview Tiger men’s
basketball coach Josh Pastner and also Grizzlies
general manager Chris Wallace. He’s also very
familiar with the Grizzlies inside-outside duo
of Zach Randolph and Mike Conley, Jr.
“I lived for awhile in Bloomington,
Indiana, which is close to Indianapolis,”
said Gellar. “Zach Randolph played in high
school there and both Mike Conley and
Greg Oden were superstars there. So, I can
talk Memphis basketball.
“I respect Josh Pastner – he’s one of my
favorite coaches,” he continued. “I even know
a bit about the Memphis AAA baseball team.”
So, if the Tigers, Grizzlies and Redbirds have
winning seasons in 2013, he’ll be watching
their every step.
Gellar’s familiarity with Memphis sports
originated a few years ago when he spent
some time in the Mid-South area and
with the Ricky Kampf family. Kampf’s son,
Benjamin, helped administer the station’s
Twitter account at the time.
With the station broadcasting from 4 p.m.
to midnight, five-days-a-week, their Facebook
and Twitter accounts have become valuable
tools in alerting listeners to special guests.
By Mark Hayden
That’s important because Israel Sports
Radio covers it all: from major American
sports to Israeli ones, too. Israel’s Premier
Basketball League calls ISR home with its
Sunday night game of the week.
But, there’s always room for expansion in
programming, Gellar added. “Within the next
few months we hope to have more live coverage
and more offices in major American cities.
We’re working on introducing shows from cities
such as Los Angeles, New York, Montreal and
Washington DC. It should be big. We’ve really
been working on this for awhile.”
Because of that they’ve cut back on their
local sports coverage in anticipation of
expanding their North American footprint.
That’s their goal: to reach as many Americans
-or Anglos- as they put it, as possible. “Our
goal is to reach the American people because I
think our coverage is as good as Fox or ESPN,”
Gellar said. “There are 300,000 Anglos in
Israel but there are seven million American
Jews and that’s our audience.
“Our goal is to reach as many Americans
as we can, and that takes a lot of advertising,
a lot of money and we’re doing the best that
we can to achieve this,” explained Geller.
“Advertising has been difficult over the last
Mark Hayden has been a frustrated
athlete almost all his life. Folks
probably say, “He’s been writing for
10 years. He should be better.” For
articles ideas please contact him at
marktn58@aol.com.
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
13
ON THE SIDELINES : by Mark Hayden
ON THE SIDELINES
few months, but we’re confident that if our
plans go through it won’t be a problem.”
Thus far the high points at ISR include
interviews with personalities from ESPN and
Fox, conversations with MLB all-time hit king
Pete Rose and with light heavyweight fighter
Roy Jones, Jr.
Last September’s coverage included Israel’s
first-ever participation in the World Baseball
Classic. Israel finished with a 2-1 record,
although a 9-7 extra-inning loss to Spain
ended their chances of advancing past the
qualifying rounds.
But, why would someone in Memphis or
Boston, for that matter, click on an Israel radio
site for views on American sports?
“I think they’d tune us in because we
have exclusive interviews with all the Jewish
athletes/media members/coaches; additionally
we are a sports show that breaks down every
sport,” Gellar said. “There aren’t a lot of shows
that discuss the NBA, NFL, world soccer and
hockey all in one show.”
The station also carries the Joe Morgan
Show on Sunday Nights in addition to a
weekly political show called “What’s The
Issue.” The program frequently includes
spokesmen from the Israel Defense Forces. In
addition the station recently staged its own
American election-roundtable employing
republican and democratic representatives
living abroad in Israel.
“We’ve made contacts and relationships
with the folks at Fox Sports and ESPN who
have become good friends of the network,”
said Geller. “We’re establishing a buzz around
America. We’re trying to do something really
big here. But, time will tell.”
When ISR isn’t on the air, Gellar works as
a freelance sports journalist with additional
interests in government and politics. “This is
the best place to be for that,” he said.
He’ll be running the public relations aspect
of an Israel-Palestinian seminar in Herzliya
in August 2013, where 20 countries are
scheduled to participate. “That will be a big
event,” he said.
His sports byline appears under various
Spanish soccer and basketball articles he’s
written. “I try to write as much as I can so I
can make as many writing connections as
possible,” Geller said.
Israel’s Sport Radio can be heard at http://
www.israelsportsradio.com
FEATURE
TI Memphis Opens Doors for
Young Professionals
By Susan C. Nieman :: Photos Norman Gilbert Photography, LLC
TI Fellowship hopes to:
• Provide young Jewish adults with job opportunities and
the possibility of a sustainable future in Memphis
• Create a vibrant social and professional community of
young Jews in Memphis
• Foster a community of faith among TI Fellows
• Empower the TI Fellows to make a difference in the
Memphis community through social action
• Integrate young Jewish adults into the greater Memphis
Jewish community
• Help to ensure a secure future for Temple Israel and the
continuity of the Memphis Jewish community for years to come
TI Fellowship includes:
• $3,000 stipend; housing subsidy in hip Memphis areas
• Professional development in partnership with the
Leadership Academy’s Summer Experience
• Social action projects geared to make a lasting difference
in the Jewish and greater Memphis community
• Jewish learning striving to bridge one’s career and
communal impact to Jewish values
• And, of course, experiencing the rich nightlife Memphis
has to offer
14 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
“
“
David Edelson, Rabbi Adam
Grossman, Sam Fargotstein
and Jeff Dreifus – TI Fellowship
committee members.
While some Southern Jewish communities are pondering ways to entice young
professionals to move to their cities, some Memphis leaders believe all it takes
is getting the word out to college grads about the abundance of opportunities
the Bluff City has to offer.
And so grew the concept of the TI Fellowship program at Temple Israel
in Memphis.
“Memphis is an amazing city in many ways,” expressed Rabbi Adam
Grossman, who came to Memphis from Columbus, Ohio, to join the Temple
Israel clergy in June 2008. “Memphis has been ranked among the top cities as a
great place to work and buy a home, for its cost of living and family attractions.
Young professionals have so many opportunities here to make a difference.”
The TI Fellowship program aims to give ambitious people the power to make a
difference in the Memphis Jewish and general community by providing internship
opportunities, subsidized housing, community activities and religious fellowship.
According to recent statistics compiled from the 2000-2005 Temple Israel
confirmation classes, approximately 70 percent of Jews who graduate from a
Memphis high school will leave the Memphis Jewish community permanently.
“There are a number of factors that contribute to this, yet two crucial points
stand out – a perception that Memphis lacks a vibrant, young Jewish population,
and that Memphis has a meager job market,” explained Rabbi Grossman.
In trying to find a solution to this issue, Rabbi Grossman alongside young
professionals Jeff Dreifus and David Edelson, both investment bankers, and
lawyer Sam Fargotstein, built the TI Fellowship, which seeks to change the image
of Memphis by offering a meaningful summer experience to undergraduates,
graduate students and recent graduates who are under the age of 28. And
they hope that the quality summer work experience will lead to permanent
employment through various company and organizational partnerships.
These three volunteers, who made their way back to Memphis after college,
are an asset to Temple Israel and the community because they can speak from
recent experience. They can talk to people their own age who have questions
about moving or returning to the city, and they can explain how this pilot
program can benefit potential companies and talk to financial donors.
“Traditionally, Jeff, Sam, and I like to begin our meetings talking about our
backgrounds since they have had a significant impact on shaping the program,”
explained David. “The three of us took vastly different academic and geographic
What I love about Memphis is
that it is a big-little city
paths post high school, yet all three of us were led back to Memphis for one
main reason – JOBS.
“By providing meaningful opportunities to top, talented individuals, the
TI Fellowship has the unique ability to shape the future of both the Jewish
community and the greater city of Memphis,” he continued.
David has returned to Memphis twice. Most recently after receiving his MBA
in finance from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in 2011. He joined
Randy Karchmer at Memphis-based Metronome Partners in January 2012.
“When I graduated from University of Texas in Austin in 2006, most of
my friends picked a city they wanted to live in (New York, San Francisco,
Atlanta) and moved there without a job, hoping they would find something
once they arrived,” explained David. “Given the recent financial crisis,
FEATURE
Sam, Rabbi Adam, David and
Jeff talk about the program in a
local downtown pub.
subsequent economic downturn and high unemployment rate,
graduates no longer have that same privilege. The scarcity of jobs
is a major concern, especially high-quality, well-paying jobs that
are few and far between. We feel that offering quality, real-world
working experience combined with compensation and free housing
is an extremely attractive package, particularly in a world where the
paradigm has shifted to the job dictating the city we live in, not the
other way around.”
Sam Fargotstein thought his plans would include anywhere
except Memphis.
“After college, much to my parents chagrin, I had grand plans to move to
Israel,” said Sam, who spent the summer after graduating from University
of Tennessee traveling Europe and spending time in Israel as an American
guide on Taglit-Birthright Trips. “Somewhere along the way I had an
epiphany: I have a great family, a great community, and a great home back
in Memphis,” he said. “I asked myself ‘What am I running away from? Why
would I put my parents through the torment of being so far away from their
son? Where in the world could I possibly be happier or more secure than
at home, in Memphis?’ So, I came back home, applied to law school at the
University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law, got admitted,
graduated and am now a practicing attorney at a great, Memphis-based, law
firm, Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C.”
Sam feels fortunate to have recently watched Memphis grow in
exceptional ways. “Downtown has had a re-birth,” he said. “Midtown is
as cool as ever. As an avid biker I have been so impressed with the City’s
efforts in creating the Shelby Farms Greenline, creating bike lanes and
enhancing our amazing natural park spaces.
“What I love about Memphis is that it is a big-little city,” he continued.
“By that I mean it’s big enough to satisfy the needs of a modern, citydwelling individual and small enough for anyone to come and make a
big difference. Sure, New York, LA, Chicago, Atlanta are great cities,
but I feel like my presence there would not change those cities for better
or worse. I feel exactly the opposite about Memphis. Someone moving
back to Memphis is recognized, appreciated, and their efforts can be
seen in tangible ways throughout the community.”
Sam, David and Jeff agree that the TI Fellowship is an opportunity for
other like-minded individuals to “effectuate real and positive growth in
Memphis,” he continued. “By attracting intelligent and ambitious young
Jewish professionals to Memphis the TI Fellowship can help to ensure
a bright future for not only the dwindling Memphis Jewish community,
but for the entire city as well.”
“The TI Fellowship is designed to give participants a sense of what all
aspects of life are like as a young Jewish professional living in Memphis,”
said Rabbi Grossman. “The program is perfect for young Jewish adults
who want a head start on beginning a career in a great city.”
For more information visit http://tifellowship.org/.
Applications (http://tifellowship.org/apply/for-students/) will be
accepted through Feb. 1, 2013 for a fellowship extending from June 3
through August 9, 2013. Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
15
DOLLARS AND SENSE
Do You Need An Estate Plan?
Estate planning is not just for the very wealthy.
You have an “estate.”
It doesn’t matter if you own a mansion or a motor home. Rich or poor,
when you die you leave behind an estate. For some, this could be real
property, an investment portfolio and more. For others, it could be as
straightforward as the $10 bill in their wallet and the clothes on their
back. Either way, what you leave behind when you die is considered to
be your “estate.”
If the estate is small, should you still plan?
Even if you’re just leaving behind that $10 bill, who will inherit it? Do
you have a spouse? Children? Is it theirs? Should it go to just one of
them, or be split between them?
Do you HAVE to create an estate plan?
Sure, it’s possible to die without an estate plan, but I wouldn’t say it
was advisable. If you die without an estate plan, your family could
face legal issues and (possibly) bitter disputes.
{
by
Delynn
Byars
Why not just a will?
Your heirs could encounter legal hassles even if you have a will. Basically,
a will tells the world what you’d like to have happen, but proper estate
planning aims to provide the tools to make those things happen. While
your will may state who your beneficiaries are, those beneficiaries may
still have to seek a court order to have assets transfer from your name
to theirs, and in such a case, those assets won’t lawfully belong to them
until the court procedure (known as probate) concludes. Estate planning
can include items like properly prepared and funded trusts, which may
help your heirs avoid probate.
Where do you begin?
Speak with a qualified legal or financial professional – one with
experience in estate planning. A financial professional should be
able to refer you to a good estate planning attorney and a qualified
tax professional, and lead a team effort to assist you in drafting your
legal documents.
First South Financial stands ready to help you with your estate planning through First South Investment Services. To find out more, visit us at any one of our 15
banking centers or online at firstsouth.com. You can also call us at 901.380.7400 or 800.872.3728 or email us at mail@firstsouth.com.
16 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
2
Wine Myth # :
Serve Red Wine At Room Temperature
By Gary Burhop
“Serve wine at room temperature” is so ubiquitous that
many wine bottle back labels contain this advice. But, this
is another relic from the past, a past without central heat.
Room temperature was once more like castle
temperature – damp and in the low 60s if
you were lucky. Today, room temperature
generally means around 72 degrees
Fahrenheit or more, which is not winefriendly. At warm temperatures, wines begin
to lose balance. They show off their alcohol
and tannin and loose the focus that their
acids give them. If you want to experience
the most from your wine, serve it cooler.
at modern room temperature, put it in the
refrigerator for 30 minutes prior to serving.
If the white wine is in the refrigerator and
thoroughly chilled, take the white out of the
fridge 15 minutes before serving it.
This is a bit imprecise, but as a general rule,
it works. In the end, trust your own palate
and serve wines at temperatures you like.
Gary Burhop owns Great Wines & Spirits
located at 6150 Poplar Avenue
in Regalia, Memphis, Tenn.,
38119 and invites your questions
and patronage. Contact him at
901.682.1333 or garyburhop@
greatwinesmemphis.com.
However, this of course is where things
get confusing. Wine geeks have a precise
temperature for just about every wine. And,
thank you Claus Reidel and your subsequent
generations of glassmakers, there is a glass
for each wine to boot. As Time magazine
said, “The Riedel family has never stamped
its name on a single bottle of wine. But
over the past 50 years, this Austrian clan
of master glassmakers has done more to
enhance the oenophile’s pleasure than
almost any winemaking dynasty.”
Being not a ‘geek,’ but rather a practical
wine drinker, I find that after years of
experimentation, I prefer reds to be served
at about 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I prefer
whites to be about 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Classic cellar temperature mimics the
underground storage conditions in wineproducing areas – approximately 55
degrees Fahrenheit. Modern refrigerators
maintain temperatures from about 34 to 38
degrees Fahrenheit. So some temperature
manipulation is required regardless of whether
you have temperature controlled wine storage
in the home, or not.
An easy rule of thumb for wine service is
my in-and-out rule. If the red wine comes
not from the cellar or wine cooler but is
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
17
COLLEGE SCENE
Adam Bloom,Wilmington, DE; Callie Rosenfeld, King of Prussia, PA; Morgan Wittenberg, Raleigh (Cary), NC;
Alyssa Baron, Boca Raton, FL; Ira Rickman, Rockville, MD; Emily Trotz, Memphis,TN;
Lindsey Perreault, Gaithersburg, MD; Lauren Simon, Monroe, CT; Beth Holtzman, Palo Alto, CA.
BBYO Community
Engagement Fellowship
By Elyse Goldberg
BBYO Encourages Alumni to Support Jewish
Community on Campus
BBYO, Inc., the world’s largest pluralistic Jewish
teen movement, is thrilled to name Emily Trotz of
the University of Georgia one of nine recipients of
the BBYO Community Engagement Fellowship. As
a Community Engagement Fellow (CEF), Emily
will organize BBYO alumni events and initiate
projects with partner organizations to maintain a
thriving BBYO alumni community and enhance
Jewish life on campus. This fellowship was made
possible in part through a generous grant from The
Morningstar Foundation of Bethesda, Maryland.
“I wanted to be a CEF because, as a recent
alumna of the Movement, I recognize the skills I
learned in BBYO and how they have helped me in
college,” says Emily. “This Fellowship allows me to
connect alumni and to help them utilize BBYO in
future endeavors.”
As a teen, BBYO was an integral part of Emily’s
high school experience. As a young adult, she has
remained close friends with many people whom
she met in the Movement and, even now, BBYO
continues to provide her with meaningful experiences.
As a CEF, in addition to engaging BBYO
alumni and supporting Jewish campus life,
Emily will be afforded professional development
opportunities through participation in communitywide events such as the American Israel Public
Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference
and the Jewish Federations of North America
(JFNA) General Assembly. She will also participate
in an alumni mentorship program and staff BBYO’s
Summer Experiences in the United States, Israel
and all over the world.
“The Fellowship program engages BBYO’s
most talented young alumni in creating networks
of their peers that will both participate in and
initiate Jewish activities on campus,” said Matthew
Grossman, BBYO’s Executive Director. “We are
confident that Emily will help leverage the BBYO
alumni community to strengthen Jewish life at the
University of Georgia.”
The investment in this post-high school age group
is a key component of BBYO’s 2011-2016 five-year
strategic plan. Successful implementation of this plan
relies on seven key tactics, one of which is “Strengthen
BBYO entry and transition points.” As a “transition
point,” this Fellowship positions BBYO to focus on
the continuum of lifelong Jewish engagement.
At the University of Georgia, Emily is
excited to reconnect with, and connect other
BBYO alumni on campus. She hopes that,
throughout various events and development
opportunities, these individuals will see the
positive opportunities that exist because of
their involvement in
the Movement.
Individuals interested
in connecting with Emily
can reach her at etrotz@
Emily Trotz
bbyo.org.
18 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
About BBYO
BBYO is the leading pluralistic
Jewish teen movement aspiring
to involve more Jewish teens
in more meaningful Jewish
experiences. For almost 90
years, AZA and BBG chapters in
communities around the world
have been providing exceptional
leadership programs
and identity enrichment
experiences, shaping the
confidence and character of
250,000 alumni who are among
the most prominent figures
in business, politics, academia,
the arts and Jewish communal
life. Now, BBYO’s network of
Jewish teens, alumni, parents,
volunteers and philanthropists
serves as the Jewish
community’s most valuable
platform for delivering to the
post Bar/Bat Mitzvah audience
fun, meaningful and affordable
experiences. With year-round
activities in hundreds of local
communities and inspiring
worldwide travel experiences,
BBYO’s broad program menu
enables teens to explore areas
of leadership, service, civic
engagement, Israel education
and Jewish values.
For more information on BBYO,
please visit www.bbyo.org
COLLEGE SCENE
Crain-Maling Center Welcomes
New Director and Offers
Exciting New Programs By Susan Nieman
A lot is happening at the Crain-Maling Center
for Jewish Culture at Hendrix College in
Conway, Arkansas.
While recently introducing Ellen Kirsch as
its new executive director, the center has also
heightened its Jewish programming attracting
Hendrix students, faculty and members of the
central Arkansas Jewish community.
At its November First Friday Shabbat
Dinner, three Hendrix students described
their experiences about studying abroad in
Israel this past year. Then later in the month,
Dr. Steven Bayme presented “The Rise of
Ant-Semitism in Europe and America.” Dr.
Bayme, author of multiple books on various
contemporary Jewish issues, serves as the
National Director of Contemporary Jewish
Life and Director of the Koppelman Institute
on American Jewish-Israeli Relations of the
New-York-based American Jewish Committee.
The Crain-Maling Center at Hendrix,
established and endowed by the Beatrice
Crain and Michael Maling families of
Chicago, serves as an educational and
cultural resource for the Hendrix academic
community (including students involved
with Hendrix Hillel), and also promotes
enhancement of Hendrix’ connection with
the local, national and international Jewish
community. Of note, Hendrix College has
been attracting an ever-increasing number
of Jewish students from all areas of the
country, having been included as one of
the 40 profiled liberal arts institutions in
“Colleges that Change Lives,” and has been
recently ranked #3 in the 2012 U.S. News
and World Reports list of “Up-and-Coming
Liberal Arts Colleges.”
Interested high school students and/or
their parents can obtain further general or
contact information at www.hendrix.edu/
jewishculturalcenter.
Shabbat dinner following presentations enjoyed
by Hendrix students, staff and guests.
Ellen Kirsch, Rabbi Benzion Pape, Hendrix College
President Dr. J.Timothy Cloyd and Dr. Steven Bayme.
Hendrix students Ben Plotkin, Ryne Lawrence and
Lacey Freeman, along with Crain-Maling executive
director Ellen Kirsch, welcome guests following
Shabbat candle lighting at First Friday Dinner.
Chef Jimmy Gentry brings
elegance and style to your
Kosher wedding menu.
Our greatest asset is your imagination.
901.619.1196 • www.paradoxcuisine.com
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
19
Coming
Attractions
and comedian.
photo credit: Mama’s Boy - Warner Bros
“
“
If I try to write a
drama, it ultimately
becomes a comedy.
20 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
photo credit: Are We Done Yet - Sony
>> Hank Nelken, writer, director, producer
Hank Nelken ended the year with two new
babies – his second son, Nash Levi Nelken,
born on Nov. 19, and a new TV pilot that ABC
network has purchased offering Hank creator’s,
writer’s and executive producer’s fees.
“They are both due any day,” said Hank
during a phone interview that I was surprised
and honored that he took during such a busy
and important time in his life.
The script of the TV sitcom, “Dumb F*ck,” was
due before the end of the year. If the network
accepts it, they will begin shooting in February.
The show is about an average guy and a brilliant
wife who live with her family of highly intelligent
but emotionally stunted geniuses.
“TV is new to me,” said Hank, whose
screenwriting
credits
include
“Saving
Silverman,” “Mama’s Boy,” “Are We Done Yet”
and “Killer Bud.” He also wrote and directed
the romantic comedy “Something Borrowed.”
Hank will now maintain more control of the
creative process. “TV is a writer’s medium,” he
explained. “With movies you give everything
over to the studios. I will be involved with
everything – casting, writing, producing.”
Since his early preteen filmmaking days in
Greenville, Mississippi, Hank is living his dream.
Although comedy has led to his success, it
didn’t start off that way. “I filmed some bar
mitzvahs and made an anti-drinking and
driving film in high school that won a National
PTA award,” he said. “I even made a few really
bad horror films.”
It was during high school video class that
comedy became his favorite. “Everyone liked
“Saturday Night Live,’ ” he said.“Television in the
classroom had just star ted and every morning
By Susan C. Nieman
we would film our video announcements.
During the week the announcements were
straight, but on Friday mornings we shot a
comedy piece.”
These days Hank says, “If I try to write a
drama, it ultimately becomes a comedy.”
Hank could not have asked for a better
creative learning experience at J.J. Pearce
High School in Richardson, Texas. In addition
to great video teacher, Craig Wargo, he was
for tunate to be there during theater teacher
Lynn Zednick Shaw’s reign. “She was a great
teacher,” said Hank. In fact in 2012, ABC
Nightline ran a story about the devoted
teacher who put together an alumni reunion
show starring students from throughout her
25-year teaching career. Unfor tunately before
show time, Shaw had lost her fight with breast
cancer. “The show went on as scheduled, and
we all came back to honor her,” said Hank.
“There wasn’t an empty seat in the house.”
After graduating from USC School of
Cinema-Television, Hank teamed up with writer
Greg DePaul until 2001 when he began writing
solo. He has lived in California for 21 years and
has found that passion and persistence is as, if
not more, important than talent.
Hank Nelken and his wife, Rebecca, have two
sons, Noah (4) and newborn, Nash.
“It’s all about meeting the right people,
being there at the right moment and rising
above the noise,” said Hank. “Never give up
and give 100 percent,” Hank says to up-andcoming writers. “Writing is a craft. Make great
material. Commit to writing and rewriting and
getting better. Give it to friends and family to
read. Believe in yourself.”
photo credit: Saving Silverman - Village Roadshow/Columbia
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
City of Slaughter
“a strong debut
novel that puts
readers into the
environment of early
twentieth-century
New York…This is
an excellent choice
for book clubs and
mature teens.” –
Association of
Jewish Libraries
Review
A Discussion with Cynthia Drew
JSM: You evidently spent a good
deal of time researching the life of
an early 20th century immigrant.
How much time did you spend
researching the book?
Cynthia: I researched the book on
the Internet, through websites like
Genealogy.com and the Ellis Island
site, and read scores of books about
the economics and politics of the
period. Most valuable, though, were
trips to New York City, interviewing
a man from the Hebrew Immigration
Aid Society (himself a Russian
immigrant), visiting the corner of
Washington and Greene, where the
building still stands that housed the
Triangle Waist Factory, and many trips
to the Lower East Side Tenement
Museum. From beginning to end, the
project took about three years. The
last year of it I spent almost all day
every day writing and researching.
JSM: What drew you to this time
period and this particular set of people?
Cynthia: I worked in the garment
district for several years in my 20s.
On my first day I was sent to a
sweatshop (yes, they still exist) to
deliver buttons. I was horrified at the
working conditions and the fire was
lit, so to speak.
JSM: The book doesn’t have a happy
ending where everything is neatly
wrapped up and everyone goes
into the sunset. Why did you make
that choice?
Cynthia: Because that’s not what life
is like, is it? Carsie’s life goes on. She
is quite real to me now, though that
sounds a little whackaloon to anyone
but a writer. She is still trying to solve
the world’s problems.
JSM: Aside from Carsie and Lilia,
which character in the book do you
have the greatest sympathy for?
Cynthia: I liked the Benders—the
con artists. They were fun to chase
around because they provide what is
almost comic relief. A breather from
the darkness.
JSM: The book has several highly
emotional moments for Carsie. Were
Cynthia Drew
you affected in your own life during
the writing of these passages?
Cynthia: Some, as you can imagine,
were easier than others. Carsie’s first
brush with real anti-Semitism at the
Astor home was cathartic, although
I’m not Jewish. Her broken heart
when Arnold Rothstein marries
Carolyn Greene was familiar ground
to most of us. Lilia’s experience in the
Triangle Fire was tough—I resisted
writing it even though it was the
pivotal scene in the book. I wrote
through tears for the first draft of
that scene.
City of Slaughter
a Novel by Cynthia Drew
Daniel & Daniel Publishers, inc.
312.pp • ISBN-10: 1564745147 • ISBN-13: 978-1564745149
available at fine bookstores, online outlets and by calling
1.800.662.8351
JSM: Why did you choose the title
that you did? Were there other
choices in mind?
Cynthia: I had originally chosen
Tabernacle as the title, but my
publisher felt that wasn’t quite apt.
The title City of Slaughter is taken
from the poem by Hayyim Bialek that
I quote in the front matter, written in
1903 after the pogram on Kishinev,
when he exhorts the Jews to stand
up for themselves and find their
voice. Carsie spends twenty years
learning that lesson, but I think she
finally did.
One for you, one for the kids.
You’re welcome.
When you stay with Embassy Suites, you get more. Like a
spacious two-room suite, complimentary drinks at our
evening Manager’s Reception* and free cooked-to-order
breakfast. It all adds up to more reasons to stay.
MORE REASONS TO STAY®
JSM: Will you stay in this milieu for
your next book?
Cynthia: Yes, the sequel is in the
works now, due to be out in March
of 2014.You didn’t think I left all those
loose ends by accident, did you?
For reservations, call 901.684.1777 or visit memphis.embassysuites.com.
Offer subject to availability; date restrictions and length-of-stay requirements may apply. *Service of alcoholic beverages subject
to state and local laws. Must be of legal drinking age. ™ indicates a trademark of Hilton Worldwide. ©2011 Hilton Worldwide.
Jewish Scene
I
January/February 2013
21
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
• Personal training sessions
• Group training sessions • Boot camp
Léerin Campbell, Noby Edwards
and Ian Goodwin.
Jewish Americans in the Civil
Rights Movement by Lisa Lynch
901.497.5518
Dion Welling, ACE-CPT
Owner, Teneo Fitness, LLC
4726 Poplar Avenue Suite 5 • Memphis, TN 38117
dion@teneofitness.com
www.teneofitness.com
Throughout January, Playhouse on the
Square hosts the regional premiere
of The Left Hand Singing, a play
that reflects upon the long history
of Jewish Americans and AfricanAmericans working together for civil
rights. The play by Barbara Lebow
is about the bonds that are formed
between the families of three
college students who disappear on
their way to Mississippi for Freedom
Summer in 1964, and features two
Jewish characters.
Actor Karin Barile portrays Bea
Winnick, whose daughter, Linda, is
paired with an African-American
student in her college dorm. The
girls engage in a frank discussion with
another student who is recruiting
them to work as activists during
summer break. When Linda, Honey,
and Wesley go missing, Barile’s “Bea”
meets the other parents for the first
time as they begin the investigation.
Barile, who is not Jewish, says
it was important to her to sound
authentic with the Hebrew lines.
“I have to recite part of a Jewish
prayer so I contacted my friend
Barb Gelb and asked for help with
pronunciation.” When asked how
much of a role Judaism plays in the
plot, Barile explained that being
2240 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38104
Office: 901.272.9028
Fax: 901.272.7316
bert@lecorealty.com
www.lecorealty.com
22 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
a minority affects her character’s
views on social and political issues
and that her character struggles
with her faith when confronted with
multiple tragedies. The play skips
around in time over three decades
and the audience watches as the
relationships between the three
very different families are shaped by
a changing America.
The Left Hand Singing
runs January 4 –
January 27 as part of
the POTS@TheWorks
Series at TheatreWorks
in Midtown Memphis.
Tickets range from $22
to $35. A Pay What You
Can performance is
scheduled for Thursday,
January 10. For tickets
and show times, call
901-726-4656 or visit
playhouseonthesquare.org.
BERT A. LESS
President
Property Management. Real Estate Sales.
30 years experience managing rental homes
BESHERT
BESHERT : True Stories of Connection
A Monthly Selection from the book
written by Harry Samuels
AT THE
THEATER
PhotoMississippi
by Sylvia Feldbaum
North
/ Memphis
901.969.0121
By Harry Samuels
Brontë General Manager
Dan Souder with
Jackson
First Class Linen Route Salesman George McClanton
601.899.9206
It is not so remarkable finding connections with Jewish people in America,
and Sales Manager James Teat
especially if one is involved in Jewish charitable organizations, but this one
really surprised me.
Waiting in line to enter a theater, my wife and I were introduced to
a middle-aged African-American lady. After I asked where she was from
(my usual opening upon meeting someone), she replied, “Southern
Pennsylvania.” I felt sure that my recent streak of making connections was
about to end since I knew no one from southern Pennsylvania. During our
conversation, the lady alluded to college. When she mentioned “Harvard
Law School,” I asked if she had ever met my cousin Sarah Sheon who had
attended Harvard Law at about that same time.
“Sarah was a year or two ahead of me, but I did know her,” she said. “As a
matter of fact, I recently saw her deliver some remarks on C-Span.” (Sarah
Sheon Gerecke has devoted much of her professional life helping to develop
low-income housing for the needy of New York City. She is currently the
chief operating officer for the Neighborhood Housing Services there.)
When I asked her where she was practicing law, the lady said it was with
a firm in Atlanta, Georgia. “Have you ever bumped into my cousin Hersh
Bloom, an attorney there? He is related on the other side of my family.”
When I mentioned his name, she was very surprised, stating, “He was a
former classmate at Harvard and a good friend.”
During the performance of the play, I sat next to her and asked if she
were ever involved with Leadership Atlanta. When she said that she was a
member of that fine group, I asked if she had ever attended the wonderful
racial-sensitivity programs that were given to each class.
“Yes, and I will never forget the late Dr. Charles King who directed
them. He was also the head of the Urban Crisis Center in Atlanta,” she
replied. She was surprised to learn that Dr. King and I had been very close.
I mentioned that I had offered to accompany him to Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center at the time of his final illness. He and our son had
a special attachment to each other and were great friends. He had given
David a book, Fire In My Bones, that he had written and inscribed. David
insisted it remain beside him during his final illness. The people nearby
who observed our conversation were astounded. They began to applaud
as they witnessed two apparently unrelated individuals discovering three
people in different cities with whom they were both connected.
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 51 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 at Booksellers in Laurelwood, Memphis, Amazon.com,
Iuniverse.com and the Memphis Jewish Community Center.
901.969.0121www.firstclasslinen.com
w 601.899.9206 w 888.619.9482
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Jewish Scene
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January/February 2013
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Mother Bear volunteers
hand make teddy bears,
which will be sent to
children in Africa, on
Mitzvah Day.
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Trike-a-thon: Students
at the Barbara
K. Lipman Early
Learning Center
participate in a trikea-thon for St. Jude
Children’s Research
Hospital
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24 January/February 2013 I www.jewishscenemagazine.com
Memphis,
BARON
HIRSCH
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Thanksgiving Luncheon
Challenging students with chess
1st graders create
colorful pictures to
insert in Thanksgiving
bags for the
homeless.
Baron Hir
IE Hanover Lecture on World Affairs
Students vote on election day
5th graders Anthony
Palumbo and Leah Feiner
fill Thanksgiving bags with
toiletries for the homeless.
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Thanksgiving luncheon
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Students in the Israel
Advocacy Program
attend AIPAC’s
Schusterman High
School Summit in DC
At the Daniel Pearl Concert at University of Memphis
Learning by reading Torah
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Menorah at Memphis Zoo
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C E S E S S CE NE NE
SCENES
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City of Slaughter - Cynthia Drew......................................................................................................................................page 21
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Yes! I would like to continue
receiving Jewish Scene
Magazine at my home.
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The Columns.....................................................................................................................................................Inside Front Cover
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Comfort Keepers...................................................................................................................................................................page 23
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Here is my annual donation to help
offset the growing cost of mailing.
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First Class Linen.....................................................................................................................................................................page 23
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$25
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Great Wines & Spirits...........................................................................................................................................................page 17
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$ other
Name
The Loveless Barn..................................................................................................................................................................page 11
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Leco Realty..............................................................................................................................................................................page 22
$50
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Graceland.................................................................................................................................................................................page 25
$18
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Gia Marina Makeup................................................................................................................................................................page 12
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First South Financial..............................................................................................................................................................page 16
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Embassy Suites Hotel............................................................................................................................................................page 21
Fairview Inn.............................................................................................................................................................................page 25
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The Barefoot Bride................................................................................................................................................................page 5
Address
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Memphis Jewish Federation.................................................................................................................................................page 1
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OrthoMemphis...............................................................................................................................................................Back Cover
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Paradox Catering & Consulting..........................................................................................................................................page 19
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Norman Gilbert Photography.............................................................................................................................................page 15
Email
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Resource Entertainment Group....................................................................................................................Inside Front Cover
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Shindigs by Sheril....................................................................................................................................................................page 5
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Something So Write..............................................................................................................................................................page 12
Mail to: Jewish Scene Magazine
4641 N. Ocean Drive #12
Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308
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Your Home for Southern Hospitality
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Dazzle your guests at a venue like no
other! Call Graceland Special Events
and we’ll get your party Rockin’.
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800-238-2010 • 901-332-3322
PartyWithElvis.com
Jewish Scene
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©EPE, Inc. Elvis and Graceland are registered trademarks with US Pat & TM Off.
January/February 2013
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734 Fairview Street • Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 948-3429 • Toll Free: (888) 948-1908
www.fairviewinn.com
GRACELAND
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18 Luxurious Guest Rooms • Meeting Facilities • Corporate Retreats • Romantic Get-Aways
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Teneo Fitness..........................................................................................................................................................................page 22
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Renasant Bank.........................................................................................................................................................................page 3
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Phone
Propcellar Vintage Rentals ...................................................................................................................................................page 11
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Playhouse on the Square......................................................................................................................................................page 22
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ADVERTISER LISTING
Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center........................................................................................................................page 9
25
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