Beginning in Fall of 2026, a new Jewish day school will open its doors on the campus of Chabad of Nashville. Nashville Jewish Academy, formerly named Tamim Academy, will start offering classes for kindergarten and first grade students. The new academy joins the 72-year-old Akiva School serving grades k-6, and according to Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel of Chabad of Nashville, will have a more conservative and traditional approach to Judaism and complement the current offerings at Akiva. “While the city is fortunate to have a Jewish community day school, a growing number of families are requesting an additional option: a traditional Jewish day school grounded in Jewish law, conservative values, and a clear halachic framework.”
A 2024 study Commissioned by Jewish Federations of North America, UnitEd, Ministry
for Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism, and Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools concludes that Jewish day schools provide the most effective means for securing Jewish identity outside of Israel for non-Haredi families.
The study found that before October 2023, most children in day schools were from Orthodox families; only about 25% of children in non-Orthodox families attended day school. Since October 7th with antisemitism surging, the study also shows the potential for more of those families to consider sending their children to Jewish day school.
This surge presents both a challenge and an opportunity for growing communities like Nashville where Akiva may not meet the needs of every family. Rabbi Saul Strosberg of Congregation Sherith Israel is also founder of Nashville’s Jewish Upper School. He says while the current community day schools provide both a meaningful and rich Jewish studies program as well as rigorous general studies, it is impossible to be all things to all families. “Most growing cities like ours will have an alternative Jewish school at some point. This is not a huge surprise to see a variation on what is currently being offered.”
Last spring, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville participated in a pilot community survey program conducted by Jewish Federations of North America. According to Judy Alperin, CEO of the Federation, “The pulse survey is proving enormously useful as we plan how best to support and serve our community through our annual campaign and the grants the campaign funds. Educating our children is a top priority and the results are giving us information about where the need is the greatest for families, and what specifically they are looking for in a school environment.”
This survey found that 45% of Nashville’s Jewish community consists of young adults and families ages 25-54. According to Michal Eskenazi Becker, chief impact officer for the Federation, this number indicates that indeed there is growing need for educational alternatives for young families. “It is true the data aligns with what we are hearing nationwide about a surge in parents seeking out schools where their children can safely be Jewish. But there is more to the story. More than half the parents surveyed prefer public or charter schools and only a small number prefer Jewish day schools.”
Rabbi Tiechtel says Nashville Jewish Academy provides that option and a model for traditional Jewish life. “Students will experience daily life in a setting firmly rooted in Jewish tradition, guided by time honored practices, ethical teachings, and a deep commitment to Jewish continuity.” He says several key donors are providing startup support and will be part of a leadership team helping ensure the school’s long-term financial stability. Additional funding is being provided through a combination of tuition, donors, and ongoing fundraising efforts.
The school’s Jewish studies will be headed by Muska Hendel Tiechtel, originally from Jerusalem, who holds a teaching degree from Beth Rivkah Seminary in Israel, with specialized training in special education. Her academic preparation includes early childhood education, child development, and strategies for supporting students with diverse learning needs. Plans are underway to hire an experienced general studies teacher who is trained in the Montessori method.
Rabbi Tiechtel will serve as headmaster of the new school. He holds a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision and previously served as headmaster of the Akiva School, where he played a central role in helping raise significant philanthropic support, including funds that contributed to the development of the school’s current campus.
Families interested in learning more are invited to attend an open house and Q and A session on Sunday, February 15, at 11:00 a.m. For more information about enrollment or to RSVP, please email nashvillejewishacademy@gmail.com.
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