The Jewish Observer Nashville

05/22/2025

02/20/2025

Refugees arriving through this process enter the country legally, after passing a comprehensive Homeland Security vetting process.

02/13/2025

Another month, another issue!

Jewish Observer Nashville newpaper

12/31/2024

Happy 2025 from The Jewish Observer!

12/26/2024

"We smiled as we shouted this movie-making phrase that tells actors and crew that filming of a particular scene or movie has finished. Our 2024 Nashville Jewish Film Festival (NJFF) completed its successful three-week run November 7th with closing night at The Belcourt Theatre. Over 150 people were in attendance, and after champagne, babka, Mandelbrot, and an entertaining intro by Rabbi/comedian Michael Danziger, the screening of the film THE CATSKILLS brought back memories of growing up Jewish and summer fun."

🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/it-s-a-wrap-the-24th-nashville-jewish-film-festival

12/26/2024

Shoutout to West End Synagogue!

“It’s our way of thanking them for their service on their holiday.”

12/23/2024

"This fall, Metro Council Member Sheri Weiner (District 22) was one of 29 people, including Mayor Freddie O’Connell and council members Terry Vo (District 17), Tonya Hancock (District 9), and Zulfat Suara (Metro Council At-Large). The trip was part of the Sisters Cities of Nashville (SCN), a chapter of Sister Cities International, based in Washington, DC. The volunteer organization aims to create connections and shared experiences between Nashvillians and friends around the world.

Weiner shares some reflections about the trip in the interview below."

🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/building-bridges-metro-council-member-sheri-weiner-s-reflections-on-cultural-exchange-and-community-bonds-in-japan
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By Barbara Dab, Editor, The Jewish Observer

12/19/2024

"Vanderbilt Hillel had an incredible October. One specific week of October illustrates all Vanderbilt Hillel has to offer Jewish students at Vanderbilt University.

During the third week of October, Vanderbilt Hillel students connected with our local Jewish community. Fourteen students visited five families for the “Sunday Night Family Dinner” program. Thank you to Avi and Rachel Spielman, Erin Coleman, Jason and Abby Sparks, Daniel and Dalia Cohen, and Sean and Keri Ross for hosting the students in their homes. In addition, the Nashville Council of Jewish Women-Nashville Chapter (NCJW) joined students for “Shabbat for a Cause” where they spoke to students about their plans for voting and enjoyed Shabbat services and dinner."
🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/a-week-in-the-life-of-vanderbilt-hillel
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By Shannon Small, Vanderbilt Hillel

12/15/2024

"During our Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy program on Sunday, November 17, guest speaker Eve Barlow was asked about her thoughts on how to best combat antisemitism. In her answer she echoed what several other guest speakers, including author Dara Horn, have recommended to us at prior programs. Antisemitism is as old as Jewish tradition and has been something we and our ancestors have faced over the entirety of our peoplehood. Our best approach to address the challenge is to stay committed to building and strengthening Jewish community, take care of each other, celebrate our Jewish holidays with joy, and stand loud and proud in our culture, traditions and way of life."

🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/loud-and-proud-judaism
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By Deborah Oleshansky, Director, JCRC

News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community

12/11/2024

Cohort 2 of Leadership 615 is in full swing. Read about the Cohort's activities so far this year at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/cohort-2-of-leadership-615-shaping-the-future-of-jewish-leadership-in-nashville

12/08/2024

"During her short life Lori Ann Fishel overcame many challenges, yet she never lost her love for living life to the fullest and doing it with joy. She was fortunate to have access to opportunities that provided her access and acceptance to the community. And now, thanks to the Lori Ann Fishel Special Needs Fund, and the vision of Lori Ann’s family, others can have the same opportunities. The Fund was created to serve the needs of Jewish individuals with disabilities with an emphasis on activities that Lori Ann enjoyed. Lori Ann’s father James says, 'Our initial plan was to take applications from individuals in the community that had similar needs as Lori, our daughter, did, and the idea was to put a smile on her face even though she isn’t here.'"

🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/the-lori-ann-fishel-fund-spreading-joy-and-opportunity-for-individuals-with-disabilities
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By Barbara Dab, Editor, The Jewish Observer

12/05/2024

"Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein and Rebbetzin Nechama Rothstein began their tenure at Vanderbilt Chabad 17 years ago. Just in their early 20s when they arrived, they have grown from what Nechama says was a 'big sister, big brother' relationship with the students into what they now say is a living example of Jewish family life. 'We provide a full vision of vibrant Jewish life,' says Nechama."

🔗 Read more at https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/article/2024/12/vanderbilt-chabad-opens-new-building-to-usher-in-a-new-era
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By Barbara Dab, Editor, The Jewish Observer