News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community |
Thursday, May 21, 2026
In 1982, Rabbi David Hartman wrote a powerful essay titled, “Auschwitz or Sinai?” There, Hartman asks himself about the defining event that should be shaping our Jewish identities today.
This month represents a bit of a departure from my usual advice column where I answer reader’s letters. With all the conflict in the world right now, I felt it timely to talk about resolving conflict. When two people have a disagreement, either party (or both) can find it difficult to apologize. Making amends can be tough but it doesn’t have to be if you follow a few basic steps. Reading the steps is simple, but sometimes it’s easier said than done.
In honor of the Festival of Passover Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel from Chabad of Nashville met with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and shared a gift of Hand Made Shmurah Matzah from the Holy Land of Israel. Governor Lee also signed a special proclamation designating Tuesday, April 12, as Education and Sharing Day USA, in honor of the birthday of the Rebbe of Blessed Memory.
Recently, we read on Shabbat about the laws of kashrut, and we learned of the two characteristics which render creatures of the sea Kosher. It is stated in the Book of Leviticus, chapter 11, “These shall you eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales.”
