Dear Friends:
5784 is quickly coming to a close. It’s hard to believe that it has already been a year, and it is hard to believe that it has only been a year. Last year at this time, who could have imagined the challenges we would face in the year ahead. But because of those challenges, I’ve had the opportunity to experience the strength and beauty of this community firsthand.
I am incredibly proud of our community for stepping up and supporting Israel in her time of need. For contributing well over $1million towards the Israel Crisis Fund. For opening your doors to Israeli families who came here seeking respite. For celebrating Israel’s 76th birthday with pride. For finding grassroots ways to connect, from weekly hostage marches downtown with Run for their Lives, to lifting up Israeli musicians via The Promise Sessions. For letting our local Israelis know how much we love and appreciate them, and for letting our friends and family living in Israel know the same. And I’m grateful for the allies who made it clear they have our backs.
I’m proud that together, we stood resolute in the face of hate directed at us by extremists on both sides of the political aisle. For modeling our core principle of “b’tzelem elokim” – the belief that every human being is made in the Divine image and is of infinite worth. For rallying to fight baseless hatred (and Nazis). For advocating hard to ensure Nashville is an exceptional place to be Jewish. And for giving tzedakah – righteous charity – to help make it so.
I’m proud of our collective efforts to build meaningful relationships with our non-Jewish neighbors and elected leaders. For the staff and volunteers who have stepped up to lead our organizations and synagogues. And for being willing to collaborate across denominational differences, embodying the spirit of achdut – Jewish unity.
Reflecting on this past year, I’m grateful and humbled by those who go above and beyond to make Nashville such a special place. And I’m eager to continue doing the important work at Federation of building and securing our Jewish community, growing Jewish philanthropy, and caring for those in need with dignity – here, in Israel, and around the world.
As my close friend Rebecca’s grandmother (z’l) was fond of saying: may the best of this past year be the worst of the year to come.
Wishing us all a shana tovah u’metukah – a happy, healthy, and sweet new year, and a peaceful 5785. #bringthemhomenow
-Dan
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