Legislative Update: Jewish Federations in TN to Receive Security Funding

Tennessee’s state legislature passed two bills this year that will help make the state’s Jewish communities safer. The success is the result of a joint effort by the four Jewish Federations representing Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga and the relationships the groups fostered with the state’s legislators. “We would not have seen these results without the combined efforts of all the Jewish Federations in the state,” says Leslie Kirby, president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.

Dan Horwitz Named CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville

The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville announces that Rabbi Dan Horwitz will be its next CEO, beginning August 1, 2023. Dan brings extensive experience as a leader in innovative Jewish engagement, and as a charismatic Jewish educator, fundraiser, and non-profit executive.

B’nai Tzedek Update

Jewish Federation Celebrates Israel at 75 with Three Community Events

Israel is just about to turn 75 years old, and The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is celebrating the occasion with three fun, community wide events.

People Love Dead Jews: Author Dara Horn to Speak about Antisemitism

In her provocatively titled book, People Love Dead Jews: Reports from a Haunted Present, author Dara Horn delves into the notion that the world prefers stories about Jewish tragedy, like the Holocaust, rather than addressing the very real and current rise of antisemitism. “The central problem the book is exploring is the role dead Jews play in a wider society’s imagination,” says Horn.

JCRC Seder Filled the Soul and the Body

Federation Staffer Eitan Snyder Appointed to Nashville YLC

Luciana Berger, Former Member of Parliament to Speak About Antisemtism

Editor's Note April 2023

As Passover is just days away, I want to take a few minutes and share some reflections. This year has been both challenging and rewarding in ways I could not have foreseen when we last opened our Haggadahs.

Israel Fly-in

In Israel, Leslie Kirby, President of Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, shares concern for divisions that judicial reform debate is causing in Israel & among Jews worldwide

Federation Leads with Local Partners to Help Afghan Ally Make Daring Escape

Jewish Federation Takes the Lead with Local Partners to Help Afghan Ally Make Daring Escape to Freedom

Sylvan Park Becomes Latest Neighborhood to Fall Victim to Hate Crime

Sylvan Park Becomes Latest Neighborhood to Fall Victim to Hate Crime: Community Responds with Show of Unity, Support, Love

Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew

Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations Makes His 1st Visit to Nashville

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations spent a whirlwind 48 hours in Nashville last month. In his first ever visit to Music City Erdan met with Tennessee governor Bill Lee, Nashville mayor John Cooper, as well as with Jewish community leaders. He spoke publicly at a dinner that included local business leaders, elected officials, and leaders in the greater Nashville community. The visit was sponsored by Delek Logistics Partners and hosted by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville.

2023 Campaign Update

Tennessee’s Jewish Federation Join Together for a Day on the Hill

Cookbook Author & Chef Michael Twitty Bridges Cultures with Koshersoul

One Year Later, it’s Hard to Find Signs of Hope…But They’re There

In the nearly twelve months since our group visited Poland and the Ukrainian refugees, of all the scenes we witnessed, one image keeps coming back to me. It’s the sight of a line of mothers with children and strollers waiting patiently to get food, clothing and supplies provided by Jewish communities all over the world.

Pluralism in Israel: A Discussion with Yaron Shavit

JCRC Social Justice Seder Returns!

After three years of virtual programs, the JCRC Social Justice Seder returns in person on Thursday, March 30 from 6-8pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. In celebration of being back together in person, we have invited African American Jewish writer, culinary historian, and author Michael Twitty as our guest for the evening. Koshersoul, the title of his book and the theme of the evening, represents the marriage of two distinctive culinary cultures, African American and Jewish, and we will incorporate some of his recipes in the Seder-style meal to be served during the program. We will also incorporate his “African American Seder Plate for Passover” in the center of each table for the family style meal.