Adoption Lawsuit Raises Questions of Government Funded Discrimination

Liz and Gabe Rutan-Ram always planned to build their family through adoption. The Knoxville couple, who is Jewish, say they also decided to work through the foster care system rather than use private channels, and now their dream is being deferred by what they say is a discriminatory state law. The law known as House Bill 836, was signed by Governor Bill Lee in January of 2020. The law allows taxpayer funded child welfare organizations to deny services, like adoptions, to prospective families who, “violate the agency’s written religious or moral convictions.” The law has been condemned by human rights groups as targeting LGBTQ couples, interfaith couples, single parents, or any other prospective parents with whom an agency has objection. And now, according to Pam Kelner, Executive Director of Jewish Family Service of Middle Tennessee, this law is hitting home for the Jewish community. “These organizations are basically, ‘anti-other.’ If you don’t follow their specific religious beliefs, they won’t serve you. And this type of discrimination has been going on a long time, but when the agency is funded by taxpayers, it crosses the line.”  

Jewish Community’s Neighbors Pledge Solidarity Amidst Rising Antisemitism

“Despite vows of ‘Never Again,’ antisemitism still rears its head.” Those are the words of Leslie Kirby, Vice President of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and Chair of the Task Force on Israel and Domestic Antisemitism. She made them on January 27th, which is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz. This year, The Jewish Federation used the day as a call to action. At a virtual event, “Shine a Light on Antisemitism – No Hate in our State,” local leaders from Nashville’s academic, business, and political communities called on their constituents to take a pledge to stand against antisemitism in all its forms and in every place it occurs. 

Watch Now: No Hate in Our State

On January 27th, The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and MIddle Tennessee hosted, "No Hate in Our State: Shine a Light on Antisemitism." The virtual event, in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, featured comments by Governor Bill Lee, Senator Marsha Blackburn, Senator Bill Hagerty, Congressman Jim Cooper, Metro Nashville Schools Superintendent Adrienne Battle, and other leaders in the academic and business world. To view the event, click the link. Also visit Take the Pledge to take the Pledge to Shine a Light on Antisemitism. 

PROPOSED FEDERAL TAX LAW CHANGES-WHETHER, WHEN AND WHAT IF NONE TAKE PLACE?

Federation Welcomes New Staff

Young Adult Emissaries Share Insights About American Jewish Life

Incentive Grants Program Helps Teens Connect with Israel

Editor’s Note: Pandemic Reflections

It is hard to believe we are entering the third year of the COVID19 pandemic. When I first took the position of Editor of The Observer, there were mere whispers of a strange virus overseas and the hint that it may eventually make its way to our shores. No one could predict the havoc it would wreak, the deaths it would cause, and the irrevocable changes that would occur in our world. A mask was a costume element, or a beauty treatment. Social distancing was how I set boundaries with certain friends. Six feet was my son’s height. Lining up for vaccines was a distant memory from my childhood. And testing positive, well that meant something else entirely. In short, we not only have a new language, but we also have new behaviors to help us navigate an uncertain world. There has been much to grieve these last few years, and still, much to celebrate. In the pages of this newspaper, we have reported on marriages, births, job promotions, kids doing amazing things, diverse communities supporting each other. In short, the life of our local Jewish community, though changed, has marched on. I reached out to ask folks to share some reflections on how their lives have changed. I received several submissions, and here, I share a few.  

Nashville’s Jewish Community Responds to Texas Hostage Standoff

Last month on a normal Shabbat morning in Colleysville, Texas, a stranger walked into the Beth Israel synagogue ostensibly looking for something to eat. Rabbi Charlie Cytron-Walker, the congregation’s spiritual leader, welcomed the stranger and even offered to make him some tea. As the congregation watched in horror via Zoom, the stranger became a captor, holding the Rabbi and three congregants hostage for 11 hours. The details of the hours leading to the hostages escape and the gunman’s death are still being revealed. The situation sparked fear among the American Jewish community and ignited debate about how to balance the need for security with the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger. In Nashville, the reaction was much the same as elsewhere. Local congregational Rabbis, law enforcement officials, and professional staff of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, shared words of comfort, reflection, and hope with The Observer. 

Jewish Teens to Explore Philanthropy Through 2022 B’nai Tzedek Program

NowGen’s Hanukkah Party Was an “Ugly,” but Beautiful Celebration

Jewish Bluegrass Band Nefesh Mountain Closes out Hanukkah Tour

Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg, otherwise known as Nefesh Mountain, closed out their 2021 Hanukkah Tour at City Winery in Nashville. Performing Hanukkah hits by Woody Guthrie, as well as original music, with some James Taylor thrown in, the group played to a packed house. The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee hosted a VIP reception before the concert, which featured snacks, beverages, and a meet-and-great with the band. Below are some highlights from the evening. 

Dear Esther January 2022

Dear Esther, 

Nashville Joins Together to Shine a Light on Antisemitism

Local High School Students Create Positive Response to Antisemitism

Combatting Antisemitism with Bipartisan Efforts

In August 2017, many of us watched in horror as people with tiki torches chanting, “Jews will not replace us,” marched through Charlottesville, VA at the Unite the Right Rally.  In October 2017, the group Integrity First for America (IFA) filed a lawsuit against the organizers of the rally, specifically Jason Kessler and Richard Spencer. We learned about these efforts during a JCRC virtual program with IFA Executive Director, Amy Spitalnick, last year. On November 23, 2021, following a month-long trial in the Western District of Virginia, a jury decided that the defendants had engaged in a conspiracy to commit violence and intimidation that was illegal. The verdict held the defendants liable for the violent hate that deprived minorities and their supporters of their civil rights and led to the murder of Heather Heyer. 

Mission Possible 2022 Takes Flight!

Mission Possible, one of the signature programs of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, is ready for takeoff on zoom at 11:00 am on Sunday, February 6th. The mission is designed to introduce Nashville Jewish community members to the service providers and recipients of Federation funding. For participants who register in advance, you will receive a gift bag with specially curated treats and trinkets from the countries will be visiting online.  The typical bus tour of Jewish Nashville went virtual during the COVID19 pandemic, providing the opportunity to focus on the overseas programs and services of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and programs funded directly by the Federation. JAFI and the JDC are the two largest Israel and Overseas partners of The Jewish Federation. 

Ethiopian National Project is Making an Impact from Israel to Nashville

You can make a lot of money in the stock market.  Should I be investing?

An Unexpected Spy Visits Nashville for Women’s Event