As a first-generation Israeli-American, the Jewish community has been a critical part of my life for as long as I can remember; and it is a joy to be joining the Federation and working to give back to the community that has been so important to me and to my family. Additionally, as a mother of two young boys (10 and 7), it is increasingly important to me to ensure that the next generation grows stronger with each day that passes, particularly given the hate and antisemitism that seems all too common these days.

In addition to working with Federation donors, I will be coordinating B’nai Tzedek, a teen-led program with the goal of educating Nashville’s Jewish Youth on how best to give back to their Jewish community. I am excited to refresh the B’nai Tzedek program and, in so doing, grow the community of participants as they become Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

I look forward to meeting and establishing a strong relationship with our current donors as well as our future donors in our growing Nashville Jewish community. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the B’nai Tzedek program, please contact me at HERE.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville condemns the despicable and cowardly hate crimes committed in Nashville’s Sylvan Park neighborhood Saturday night, and we are incredibly grateful for the hard work and support of the local police department as they attempt to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators.  

Antisemitic hate crimes continue to escalate in Tennessee and around the country. These white power and white nationalist hate crimes are not only targeted against Jews, but against everyone who does not fit their heinous ideology. Hate crimes affect everyone who lives and works here by eroding our collective sense of safety, security, and freedom.

We applaud Governor Bill Lee and Mayor John Cooper for publicly denouncing these acts of hate and we encourage all leaders to to do the same.

Neighbors in Sylvan Park came together immediately to clean these vile messages from their neighbors’ homes, and to create messages of love and inclusion. Together, we are stronger than hate. 

Read more about the incident here.

Statement from Governor Bill Lee:

"The Governor strongly condemns anti-Semitism, white supremacy, and hate of any kind. We understand local law enforcement is investigating and reiterate that acts of hate have no place anywhere and will not be tolerated in the state of Tennessee."

Statement From Mayor John Cooper:

"Nashville stands united against the hate and bigotry these disgusting acts represent. Grateful to Chief Drake & his team for their ongoing work to track down those responsible and hold them accountable. We will not tolerate antisemitism or discrimination of any kind in our city."

Yom HaShoah Commemoration & The Butterfly Project

April 23rd at 2 PM

Join us for the Yom HaShoah Commemoration service at the Gordon JCC as we mourn and remember the people who were murdered in the Holocaust and unveil the first Butterfly Project butterflies painted locally.

Akiva 6th graders and Jewish Middle School students were the first to participate locally in The Butterfly Project which honors the 1.5 million children who were murdered in the Holocaust. Each Butterfly Project participant paints a ceramic butterfly in memory of a specific child who was murdered. The butterflies painted locally will be part of an art installation at the Nashville Holocaust Memorial on the JCC Campus. Email Deborah Oleshansky to learn more.

Marriage & Money Panel

April 10th at 6:30 PM

West End Synagogue

Join financial advisor and PAC (The Federation's Professional Advisory Committee) member, John Dodd and his wife Kathleen for an hour of fun as they help couples identify problem areas and steps they can take to decrease relational friction and increase financial intimacy. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the main program begins at 7:00 pm.

Kosher for Passover dinner will be served.

Register HERE.

Shining a Light on Global Antisemitism with Luciana Berger

April 17 at 7 PM

Noah Liff Opera Center

Join a discussion with former Member of the British Parliament, Luciana Berger. Luciana will share her journey of standing up to antisemitism, and what ultimately led her to resign.

Register HERE.

Looking For NowGen Board Members!

NowGen, the young Jewish professionals division of Jewish Federation, is recruiting members for its board. Applications are open NOW for the 5784 (2023-2024) Board! If you are in your 20s or 30s, love Jewish life in Nashville, and want to see it THRIVE, apply here to join the team by March 31.