Dear Esther October 2021

Dear Esther,    The adult son of my close friend recently overdosed. It was such a surprise as no one knew he had relapsed. I feel bad for not seeing what was happening. What could I have done differently? How did I miss this? I find myself worrying about all my friends in recovery now. What do I need to look for and what can I do if I suspect a friend has relapsed? 

Introducing…Moishe House

Jewish Federation’s National Young Leadership Cabinet Kicks Off New Year

How will proposed changes in federal tax laws affect charitable giving?

Young Leader’s Cabinet Focused on Fighting Antisemtism Through Advocacy

Alarmed by the uptick in antisemitism both domestically and around the world, young Jewish leaders are setting an agenda focused on advocacy and mobilization. The Jewish Federations of North America’s National Young Leadership Cabinet gathered recently in Washington, DC to urge elected officials to make the fight against domestic terrorism and antisemitism a high priority. Included in Nashville’s delegation were current and former members of NYLC, and co-Chair Aron Karabel. “The event was really the beginning of what we want to do in the coming year, which is a three-pronged approach,” says Karabel, “First is the need to educate leaders about antisemitism and how it manifests itself in the United States. The second step is to continue to raise awareness about the ongoing acts. And third, is to mobilize leaders to action.” He says it is incumbent on the young generation of leaders to carry forward what was started at the event.

Moving Forward in Uncertainty

When President Trump launched Operation Warp Speed in May 2020, many breathed a tentative sigh of relief knowing that a safe, effective vaccine was our best hope in the battle against the COVID-19 virus, which had affected every aspect of our lives. Schools and businesses closed, travel all but completely terminated, celebrations postponed. Perhaps most tragically, those sick with the virus who were hospitalized were terrified and alone. Almost everyone is aware of at least one family member, friend or neighbor who had to sit helpless as a loved one died alone in the hospital without being able to say goodbye or even have a proper funeral. In the face of this tragedy, President Trump used all his executive power to position the United States to be a leader in the fight against the deadly coronavirus.

Jewish Federation Provides Emergency Aid to Haiti Earthquake Victims

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, through our overseas partner the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), provided aid to victims of the recent 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Haiti. The quake killed more than 1,300 people and injured thousands more. The JDC activated its emergency response team, along with its longstanding network of local partners, to deliver emergency aid. This is part of JDC’s longstanding commitment to Haiti, with its disaster response to the 2010 earthquake, and Hurricane Matthew in 2016.  According to Federation CEO Eric Stillman, “The emergency funding from our local Federation continues the tradition of providing aid in the case of a natural disaster such as this to help repair the world.”

Jewish Federation Introduces the use of New Inclusion Badge

As part of its ongoing commitment to make Nashville’s Jewish community more open and inclusive of people with disabilities, The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee is providing local congregations and agencies with a visual aid in the form of a graphic badge. The badge will be added to websites, flyers, and buildings to let people know accommodations can be made to aid in their participation in services, programs and other events. The use of the badge is also designed to educate and raise awareness in the community about grants and services that are available. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation, says, “The badge will hopefully give people the comfort level to know that the organization or agency using it is open and willing to find ways to accommodate various disability needs.”

The Israel Conundrum

By Dr. Frank Boehm

September 2021 Kvetch in the City

I recently happened upon an article that busted the myth that we only use 10% of our brains.

Title - Life Insurance confuses me. How do I know if I need it?

By Mike Levine

Jewish Federation’ Professional Advisory Council's New Direction

By Shannon Small

Jewish Pride and Unity: Stronger together

National and international headlines continue to report far too many stories about antisemitic incidents and attacks.  Locally we have been relatively fortunate so far, but we are not immune from these concerns.  The inherent danger of this Jew hating monster cannot be underestimated as it can rear itself suddenly and without warning.  Current statistics reveal a disturbing climb in the problem, but the hatred itself is as old as time.  The Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has been active in providing education, resources, and programming to create productive response to the growing problem.  We are now joined in the work to address the current crisis by the Task Force on Israel and Domestic Antisemitism chaired by Leslie Kirby. 

August 2021 Notes from Noam…

By Noam Harari, Community Shlicha

Music City Mazel Showcases Local Jewish Talent

Dear Esther August 2021

Dear Esther,  

A Sneak Peek at Nashville’s New Hub for Young Jewish Adults

Tucked onto a leafy avenue in the trendy East Nashville neighborhood, sits the newest addition to Nashville’s Jewish community. Moishe House provides home-based Jewish experiences specifically aimed at young adults looking for community in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Moishe House Nashville, which is home to Becca Groner, Shea Northfield and Rose Capin, recently held a housewarming party and kicked its programming with a Feminist Book Club Brunch. There will be a formal Mezuzah hanging ceremony in the fall, but for now, check out this sneak peek into life in MoHo Nashville. 

What Does It Mean to Be Jewish in Nashville and Middle Tennessee?

Eric Stillman is CEO of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee

How Much Do I Need to Save to Have One Million Dollars at Retirement?

Jewish Federation Sends Support to Miami Jewish Community

In the wake of the catastrophic condominium collapse in Surfside, Florida, The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee provided $1,000 in aid to the Miami’s Jewish community to assist victims and families of victims. The donation was distributed from The Federation’s Disaster Relief Fund and went directly to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation, says the Fund was created specifically to address these types of events and that the donation reflects the greater mission of The Federation. “The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee responded immediately to the tragic situation in south Florida with an emergency disaster donation to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation because we care for Jews in need, just as other Federations provided emergency assistance to the Nashville Jewish community when tornadoes struck here in early March 2020.” The Surfside neighborhood is described as a tight knit one and is home to close to 5,000 Jews. It includes several kosher restaurants, synagogues and a kosher grocery store. To date, approximately 100 people are confirmed dead, many of them Jewish, and recovery efforts are continuing.