The Jewish Observer Nashville

10/21/2022

Amid increase in antisemitism, how Tennessee's Jewish communities are responding

Antisemitism in on the rise in Nashville, as well as around the world. In today's Tennessean, Liam Adams highlights how the Jewish community is responding. Check it out, and thanks Tennessean for focusing on The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee's first ever audit of antisemitism in our community. Shabbat Shalom, y'all!

The Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee published a report containing first-ever dataset of antisemitic incidents.

10/10/2022

09/21/2022

Wishing everyone a sweet, happy, healthy New Year. And listen to this beautiful and inspiring musical holiday message from Cantor Tracy Fishbein of The Temple, and Cantor Josh Goldberg of Congregation Micah.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neXxOX2FP90

08/04/2022

Once again, antisemitism rears its ugly head in Nashville. Read the joint statement by Jewish community leaders and Metro Nashville leaders. And please, report incidents when you witness them.

City Leaders Respond to Antisemitic Messages

Please see the joint statement from the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Chief of Police, two Metro Council Members, our Federation, and the Gordon JCC, in regard to a recent incident of antisemitic messages.

You may view the press release here: https://bit.ly/3SuP4Kq

If anyone in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee Jewish community receives such antisemitic materials, please contact Adam Bronstone, Director of Planning & Israel Partnerships, by email at [email protected].

08/02/2022

Spotify – Web Player

It's hot outside, so take a break and check out the August issue of The Observer. And, head over to Spotify to listen to the latest podcast, a conversation with Community Shlicha Noam Harari. She shares her reflections on three years in Music City, and has an emotional message for everyone.
https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1oxG6ng5Y8Hw4KASOSmZV4

07/21/2022

Conversation with Marsha Raimi: Journey into the Past | Nashville Observer

A new episode of Nashville's Jewish Observer Podcast is live now! It's a terrific conversation with Marsha Raimi about her journey to Poland to search her family's roots. And, lots of great tips on how you can do the same thing. Plus, info on how to become a docent at Nashville's Holocaust Memorial. Check it out
https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/our-podcast/conversation-with-marsha-raimi-journey-into-the-past

Barbara Dab talks with Nashville community member, Marsha Raimi, about her recent trip to Poland to learn more about her Holocaust survivor father's life before, during, and after the war. Marsha shares her emotional, surprising, and personal journey into her family's past. She also offers tips abou...

07/01/2022

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Shabbat Shalom y'all! The July issue of The Observer is online! Don't wait for snail mail, you can get all the news right now! Check it out at www.jewishobservernashville.org
May the 4th be with you!

With the Russian invasion now underway and multiple locations under fire, support for the Jewish community is needed urgently. Immediate and short term needs already total $20 million and include:

06/29/2022

Congratulations to the Federation's very own Barbara Rimerman Dab, the editor of The Jewish Observer Nashville, on winning the Simon Rockower Award for excellence in Interfaith Reporting. We are all so proud of your wonderful work! Kol ha-kavod Barbara!

"Circle of Friends Unites Jews and Muslims for the holidays and Beyond"

To read the article that won the award, please check out this link (starts on page 2):https://cdn.fedweb.org/fed-9/2/Observer1-2021-Simchas-WEB.pdf

05/26/2022

Nashville's Jewish Observer

Part 2 of the "Mission to Poland" podcast is online now. Give it a listen. There are some great stories being told about the efforts on the ground to help the Ukrainian refugees. And make sure to share with your friends and family. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0HXsyinQ4a1ltjHdW3ZgXL

And if you missed Part 1, you can catch up here:
https://open.spotify.com/show/39zL80xgf3GgXLqiENa2bc

Listen to Nashville's Jewish Observer on Spotify. This podcast takes a deeper dive into the people, events, and issues facing Nashville's Jewish community.

05/23/2022

Mission to Poland Part 1 | Nashville Observer

A few weeks ago, six members of Nashville's Jewish community traveled to Poland on an humanitarian mission to bring needed supplies, to volunteer, and to listen to the stories of the refugees fleeing Ukraine. We sat down with the participants to hear their stories. Check out the first part of the conversation in Mission to Poland Part 1. And be sure and share with your friends. https://www.jewishobservernashville.org/our-podcast/mission-to-poland-part-1

Early this month, six delegates from Nashville’s Jewish community journeyed to Poland to bear witness to and provide aid to refugees fleeing Ukraine during the Russian invasion. The mission participants traveling on behalf of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tenn...

05/04/2022

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Have you seen the latest issue of The Observer? The May issue is online now at www.jewishobservernashville.org
Don't miss out on all the important news from Nashville's Jewish community.

With the Russian invasion now underway and multiple locations under fire, support for the Jewish community is needed urgently. Immediate and short term needs already total $20 million and include:

04/15/2022

Despite danger and disruption, Ukrainian Jews prepare to celebrate Passover in public seders - Jewish Telegraphic Agency

This Passover, we are thinking about our Jewish brothers and sisters both in Ukraine, and those who have fled to other countries. Despite the danger and trauma of war, they are preparing to celebrate Passover and the Jewish exodus from slavery in Egypt to freedom. We pray for their safety and the future of their country. Their seders are made possible by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
https://www.jta.org/2022/04/14/global/despite-danger-and-disruption-ukrainian-jews-prepare-to-celebrate-passover-in-public-seders?utm_source=JTA_Maropost&utm_campaign=JTA_DB&utm_medium=email&mpweb=1161-42997-226067

The response is seen as a testament to Judaism's revival in a part of the world where Jews had been forbidden to worship for decades.

01/31/2022

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Happy Monday, Everyone! The February 2022 issue of The Observer is online now. Print edition, coming to your mailbox in the next couple of days.
www.jewishobservernashville.org

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

01/28/2022

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Did you miss The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and MIddle Tennessee's "No Hate in Our State" event yesterday? Want to see it again? The recording is now live at www.jewishobservernashville.org, or click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9UTByd49Lk&t=147s

Then visit www.jewishnashville.org to take the pledge to Shine a Light on Antisemitism.

Watch, share, sign the pledge.

Shabbat Shalom.

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

01/05/2022

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Happy New Year! As we enter another year adapting to life in the COVID19 pandemic, how are you doing? The February issue of The Observer would like to publish your comments, stories, reflection, and photos about how you have dealt with, and evolved during this time. Please send your items to Barbara Dab, Editor, at [email protected].

And, for the most recent news and information about Nashville's Jewish community, visit www.jewishobservernashville.org January issue is online now!

Stay safe, y'all!

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

12/16/2021

Last night's Nefesh Mountain concert at City Winery was ah-mazing! Check out some clips and do not miss them the next time they're in town. Jewish Bluegrass! And congrats to Doni Zasloff and Eric Lindberg on their Grand Ole Opry debut 🎼🎤🎻🎸

12/02/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Wishing everyone a Happy Hanukkah, filled with light and hope. And, the December issue of The observer is online now! Check it out for all the local news and information about Nashville and Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community. And, Chag Sameach!

www.jewishobservernashville.org

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

11/05/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Have you read the latest news? You haven't? What are you waiting for??? The November issue of The Jewish Observer is online now. www.jewishobservernashville.org

Shabbat Shalom, y'all!

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

10/13/2021

Basement East - Sunday, Oct 17th Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/3cRnhAA
Noga Erez:
“Musician and producer, Noga Erez finds her feet on KIDS, her bold second album for City Slang made with her creative and life partner Ori Rousso. Building from the raw politics of her 2017 debut, Off The Radar, KIDS moves closer to home while retaining her signature smarts and swagger. Its earworms and crisp productions are locked around lyrics that deal with the personal and the political; mortality and loss; war and peace, insecurity and ambition. As with Off The Radar, Erez never pulls her punches, whether that’s with politics or production. The album’s political tracks like the stripped back productions on ‘Fire Kites’ and ‘KIDS (feat. Blimes)’ strut around heavy bass drops, addressing the conflict in her region – on mothers bringing up kids on either side of the divide, and incendiary devices at the border. Mortality is a running theme in tracks like the sprung RnB of ‘End Of The Road’, after a personal loss changed their outlook –evident in the album's closing track, ending on a whispered late night lullaby that swells with emotional strings.

10/05/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Facebook is back, and The Observer is back with the October issue, online now, at www.jewishobservernashville.org Check it out for all the news, events and information from Nashville's Jewish community.

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

09/17/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Shabbat Shalom, everyone! Check out The Observer website to learn about the upcoming appearance of author, activist, and actor, Noa Tishby. She'll be speaking in Nashville on October 5th, both virtually and in person, about her new book, "Israel: A Simple Guide To The Most Misunderstood Country on Earth." To learn more, visit www.jewishobservernashville.org

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

08/31/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

The September issue of The Observer is now online! Check it out for all High Holiday info from Nashville's congregations, as well as Local News and Federation Features. www.jewishobservernashville.org

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

08/19/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Are you planning for the upcoming High Holidays? Looking to see what Nashville's congregations are doing for services and any COVID related protocol changes? Check out our new website for a complete schedule of holiday services and events. www.jewishobservernashville.org

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

07/30/2021

Homepage | Nashville Observer

Have you heard the latest news? The Jewish Observer has a new website! Check it out and let us know what you think. www.jewishobservernashville.org

Enjoy the August issue and Shabbat Shalom from Music City, y’all 🎉🎈

Want to advertise in The Jewish Observer? Click here to download our latest advertising packet. To contact the Advertising Manager, Carrie Mills, email her at [email protected].

07/19/2021

Why antisemitism cannot be only a Jewish problem | Opinion

This article by Rabbi Joshua Kullock of West End Synagogue in Nashville is a must read, regardless of religion or politics.

Anti-Semitism continues to be an issue across the nation. This is not a fight just for the Jews, but for mistreated alike.

07/08/2021

A Line in the Sand: Use of N**i Yellow Star Sparks Outrage and Prompts Reflection

The July issue of The Observer is online now! Check out our top story and more at http://jewishobservernashville.org/2021/06/30/a-line-in-the-sand-use-of-nazi-yellow-star-sparks-outrage-and-prompts-reflection/

Holocaust memories continue to be a hard line in the sand for most American Jews.

05/14/2021

Special Message from Steven Hirsch, President & Eric Stillman, CEO

Special Message from Steven Hirsch, President & Eric Stillman, CEO

Regarding the Violence and Terror in Israel May 14, 2021 Dear Friends, Earlier today, the following letter was submitted to The Tennessean in response to a recent opinion piece which was published, wh

05/11/2021

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05/03/2021

It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health

As headlines and conversations continue to be focused on threats to our physical health, an equally alarming yet less frequently discussed health crisis is unfolding right under our noses. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and well-being has been massive, with huge increases in prevalence because of stress, isolation, fear, and trauma. According to the latest data from the CDC, one in every three Tennesseans is experiencing major symptoms of anxiety or depression. Younger age groups are disproportionately impacted, with two in three young adults reporting clinical anxiety or depression and one in four “seriously considering su***de in the last 30 days.” These are alarming numbers that demand our community’s urgent attention, as su***de and overdose deaths continue to rise in Tennessee.

Learning more about mental health and how to help yourself or a loved one is well worth the time. Check out mentalhealth.gov or namitn.org, for example. With recent changes in state law, virtual therapy and other services are now more widely available without leaving your home.

With fewer social obligations away from home, what better time than now to prioritize your mental health!

BYLINE:
Jeff Fladen is Executive Director at the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Tennessee, a nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to mental health ([email protected]). Elliot Pinsly is Chief Executive Officer at the Behavioral Health Foundation, a data-driven nonprofit policy center to advance mental health ([email protected]). The authors welcome you to reach out directly with any questions.

04/28/2021

Our newest advertiser, Saint Elle!
An elegant event space.
They also own the Cordelle.
Contact them now for your next engagement.
Read about them here and in the May issue of the Observer.
https://www.thesaintelle.com/

04/05/2021

Artist’s Legacy Helps Disaster Victims Make a New House a Home

What a pleasure it was to share this story in The Jewish Observer Nashville April issue. Kaaren was a beautiful spirit and her legacy continues through her amazing art.

“It’s a proud moment for all of us and giving the artwork has become a ritual.”

03/16/2021

The Tennessean

The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee's President, Steven Hirsch, and CEO, Eric Stillman, wrote the following letter to The Tennessean. Read it here, or visit www.tennessean.com Thank you Steve and Eric for speaking out on this issue:

Israel unfairly targeted

The recent decision made by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open an investigation of Israel is discriminatory, unauthorized and beyond the scope of ICC jurisdiction. Israel is not a party to the ICC and has not consented to the Court’s jurisdiction.

Given the lack of standing, the action taken by ICC is a clear attempt to attack the Jewish state. We unequivocally oppose any action that seeks to target Israel unfairly. This maneuver will only serve to unnecessarily politicize an already deeply sensitive situation.

This action by ICC serves to undermine any sincere efforts to create opportunities for productive dialogue on behalf of those in the Middle East toward mutually beneficial security and prosperity. It will simply inflame tension and complicate already tenuous attempts to move toward the goal of a negotiated two-state agreement.

The United States and Israel have existing legal procedures for investigating and addressing alleged violations of the rules of war. Neither the United States nor Israel has joined the ICC.

Countries who have not joined ICC cannot be governed by ICC investigations or determinations. Andrew Tucker, Director of the Hague Initiative for International Co-Operation writes, 'The ICC was set up to bring criminals to justice. That’s its job. It should not be making determinations about statehood and territory of states… a tribunal like the ICC cannot decide about ‘who owns the West Bank’ because international law does not provide an absolutely clear answer on this. When there is any doubt on jurisdiction, the Court should decide that it does not have jurisdiction.'

We support the bipartisan effort of U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Rob Portman to take additional action to stand with Israel against this unjust investigation. We thank Sen. Marsha Blackburn for joining and urge Sen. Bill Hagerty to add his name to this bipartisan effort to oppose the unfair targeting of Israel.

Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Steven Hirsch, President
Eric Stillman, CEO

Nashville news, weather, Predators, Titans, Vanderbilt, Vols, music, restaurant, things to do and investigations from the Tennessean and USA TODAY NETWORK staff.

03/12/2021

Here's a little something to kick off Shabbat. Even this sweet kitty reads The Observer...do you? Thanks to Jewish Family Service's Ashley Franklin and her daughter Sophia for sharing the newspaper with Lil Puff 🥰.

03/02/2021

The Jewish Observer

The March issue of The Observer is online now! Visit www.jewishobservernashville.org for the latest news, information and stories from the Nashville Jewish community at home and around the world.

Newspaper | Nashville Middle Tennessee | Publication of Jewish Federation

02/10/2021

How to dismantle the white supremacist movement: from Charlottesville to the U.S. Capitol | Opinion

The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-defamation League have documented a rise in antisemitism in America. Check out this editorial in today's Tennessean by Deborah Oleshansky, Director of the Jewish Community Relations Committee, and Avi Poster, Co-Chair of the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable. Then, sign up for the, "Fighting White Supremacy from Charlottesville to Capitol Hill," event, tomorrow at 7:00pm. bit.ly/IFANashville

https://www.tennessean.com/story/opinion/2021/02/08/dismantle-white-supremacist-movement-attend-feb-11-event/4444071001/

The public is invited to attend the “Fighting White Supremacy Form Charlottesville to Capitol Hill" event at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11.

02/09/2021

The Jewish Observer

Hi Everyone! Have you checked out the February issue yet? You can read it online at www.jewishobservernashville.org

And, next month we are taking a look back at this crazy year. We want to hear from you how you've coped, what you've learned, what you are looking forward to in the future, Passover plans and photos! Please send your reflections, stories and photos to [email protected]

Deadline for submissions to be featured in the March issue is Monday, February 15th!

Newspaper | Nashville Middle Tennessee | Publication of Jewish Federation

02/01/2021

The Jewish Observer

Happy February everyone! The February issue of The Observer is online now. www.jewishobservernashville.org Enjoy!

Newspaper | Nashville Middle Tennessee | Publication of Jewish Federation

01/15/2021

Noam, Nashville Community Shlicha (Israeli Emissary), has a NEW podcast episode available featuring Jacob Kupin and Hayley Levy! Listen via Spotify or Youtube.

SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HDCSiR0SpQpTovQryxVLM?si=znjuTLnbR-yBhK-OtAdKgA
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T-m4ntILN4&feature=youtu.be