Growing up Jewish in the South can be challenging, leaving some young people conflicted about their identity. Others lean further into their Jewishness, pursuing deeper meaning and greater connection. Such was the case with Sam Jacobson who grew up attending West End ...
As I sit here writing my final note, I can’t help reflecting on how the world has changed in the six and a half years since I began my tenure as your editor. Tornadoes, global pandemic, two presidential elections, unrest in Israel, October 7th, hostages, Iran…I sound like a Billy Joel ...
Jewish women’s philanthropy is alive and thriving in Nashville. That’s according to Susan Morrow Zimmerman, newly appointed to the Jewish Federations of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy board. The appointment marks the first time someone from Nashville is serving in this ...
A new preschool has joined the roster of options for Nashville parents. The Rimon Preschool at Congregation Sherith Israel opened its doors last month, beginning with infants six weeks to 30 months old. The school is a continuation of Rabbi Saul Strosberg’s efforts ...
Antisemitism is rising steadily, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s most recent report. Over the past 10 years reported incidents have grown to number close to 10,000, the highest since reporting began in 1979. Here in Nashville, the Jewish community has also experienced increasing antisemitism ...
The traditional Passover seder focuses on retelling the story of the Jews’ experiences in Egypt and subsequent exodus following the 10 plagues. The historic goal of the telling is twofold. First is to remember the history of the Jewish people, and second is to educate the children. ...
The new year began with an ice storm that swept through Nashville bringing with it downed trees, burst pipes, and prolonged power outages. The event marked the first of its kind in 40 years, came during the coldest days of the season, and sent thousands fleeing to hotels and community warming ...
This year’s Jewish Community Relations Committee Social Justice seder, scheduled for March 26th, will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the historic document resulting from the second Vatican council held 1962-1965. The purpose of the council was to modernize the ...
This month I was privileged to interview a truly remarkable person in Nashville’s Jewish community, Eileen Handler who just turned 100 years old. I was moved by our conversation and decided to step from behind the byline to share the experience. I first met Eileen through her son and fellow ...
West End Synagogue celebrated the first lines of a new Torah commissioned to celebrate the congregation’s 150 anniversary. Rabbi Joshua Kullock is leading the year-long process. The scribe for what will be the synagogue’s first new Torah in 22 years, is Rabbi Gustavo Surazski. Pictured ...