The story of Nashville’s Jewish community is one of vibrancy, of growth, and of a warm, welcoming spirit that embraces newcomers and lifelong residents alike. From the splashes at the Gordon JCC pool emanating from senior water aerobics to the joyful sounds of children in our schools, we have built something truly special here in Middle Tennessee.
We are proud to co-chair the 2025 Annual Campaign for the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. We are filled with both immense pride and a profound sense of urgency. This year, as you likely have seen, we are setting an ambitious goal: to raise $3 million. This represents a 20% increase from last year's campaign, and it is a number we did not arrive at lightly. It is a number born out of necessity.
Nashville’s Jewish community continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The Jewish Nashville of today is diverse and includes people from around the world, as well as legacy families. From West to East Nashville, from Franklin to Murfreesboro, this growth means our needs have also grown and changed right along with the community.
In addition, we all know the shadows of antisemitism are lengthening. On college campuses, online, and in the streets, this ancient hatred has found new voices both abroad and here at home. We have witnessed Nazis marching down Broadway, demonstrating in front of West End Synagogue, and disrupting Metro Council meetings. To be a Jew in 2025 is to live with a renewed sense of vigilance.
Our spirit is strong, and we must meet that fighting spirit with increased resources. This year, more than ever, it is important we all commit to achieving our goal with renewed vigor and dedication to all our community faces today, and what we hope for our future. It is up to all of us to ensure we continue to care for each other and to prioritize our security. We deserve to worship, congregate, and celebrate all of life’s milestones peacefully and with joy.
Together we can continue building a safe, secure, vibrant Jewish community. We are asking you to consider increasing your previous gift by 20%. This increase sends a clear message that the safety and future of Jewish Nashville is non-negotiable.
If you have not given previously, please consider how you can support our community now and into the future.
Your generosity fuels every part of our shared mission. Federation ensures that the areas of Jewish life that need help the most get it quickly and fairly, both here in Nashville and abroad. A significant portion of our campaign directly supports our brothers and sisters in Israel, providing a lifeline of solidarity and strength. Locally, your dollars are the engine behind everything we do: combating the poison of antisemitism through education and advocacy, enriching Jewish life with cultural programs, ensuring our synagogues and community buildings are secure, and inspiring the next generation with a love for their heritage.
To those of you who have already given toward the 2025 annual campaign: thank you. With your support, we are already halfway to fulfilling our $3 million goal before even holding our “official” campaign launch this month! Your support is helping ensure the long-term stability of our community.
We have the capacity to meet this moment. We see it every day in the passion of our volunteers and the dedication of our professionals. Now, we must match that passion with our philanthropy. Let’s continue telling the story of our community’s generosity and make the 2025 Annual Campaign our collective success story.
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
