As treasurer of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, I am honored to reflect on the incredible generosity our community has shown over the past year. In 2024, we raised $2.47 million through our annual campaign, beating our goal by over $100k. A huge congratulations goes out to our professional staff and lay leaders who worked tirelessly to successfully close out the campaign in the final weeks of 2024.
However, the need for support continues to grow, both locally and overseas. Our annual campaign has remained relatively flat for over a decade, while inflation and Nashville’s Jewish population continue to grow. This year, we are setting an ambitious goal to increase our campaign to reach the $3 million mark, for the first time ever, and I ask for your partnership to meet this critical need. We must increase our gifts, reengage lapsed donors, and integrate new-to-Nashville Jews into Federation to meet this goal.
The annual campaign stands as the cornerstone of our mission to uplift individuals and families in need, expand educational opportunities, and fortify our community’s infrastructure. A strong campaign is essential for ensuring that Jewish life not only survives but thrives right here in Middle Tennessee and across the globe. The funds we raise empower a diverse array of initiatives—combating antisemitism, delivering essential social services to Jews in our community, enriching Jewish education, and promoting cultural programs, as well as providing aid and advocating passionately for Israel.
The Jewish community in Nashville is growing, and with that growth comes both increased giving capacity and an increased demand for resources. Many of our local organizations, including Jewish Family Services and our synagogues, are providing vital support to individuals in need—whether through food assistance, mental health services, or senior programming. When Nazis marched through our streets, Federation came together to remind Nashville that never again means never again and worked with local and state government officials to crack down on hate. Our Federation works with the other Tennessee Federations to fund a lobbyist who has helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in security grant money for our congregations from the state to keep our communities safe while worshipping.
Additionally, Jewish education is a top priority for Federation. We are blessed to have four Jewish daycares in addition to Akiva, Jewish Middle School, and Kehilla High School in our community, where students last year received over $250k in Federation-funded scholarships. Our community’s children will inherit the future of Jewish life, and it is our responsibility to ensure they have access to the tools and experiences that will instill in them a deep connection to their Jewish identity and values. The success of these programs is crucial not just for today, but for the continued vibrancy of the Nashville Jewish community for generations to come.
Along with supporting our local Jewish community, our Federation sends around 18% of our grant money to Israel and other overseas needs. This is in addition to the funds we raise for our Israel Support Fund. In Israel, we are proud to support our Partnership2Gether region through the Jewish Agency for Israel. While no Federation money goes directly to the Israeli government or the military, it is essential in the wake of October 7th to show our solidarity and support to our brothers and sisters on the ground in Israel.
Federation plays a critical role in providing resources to organizations that assist Jews in Israel and other countries in need. Whether it’s funding for emergency relief, programs for vulnerable populations, or supporting youth and educational programs, our efforts are vital. Our solidarity with Israel is paramount, especially in moments of crisis, and we must continue to invest in its well-being, ensuring that Jews worldwide have the resources they need to thrive.
As we set our sights on raising $3 million for the 2025 annual campaign, it is essential to remember that this is not just about numbers—it is about the people whose lives will be impacted by our generosity. It’s about providing a lifeline to those in need, fostering Jewish education, and ensuring the continuity of Jewish life in Nashville, Israel, and beyond.
I urge every member of our community to consider the role you can play in this effort. With your support, we can build a future where our community thrives together. We can make a meaningful impact and strengthen the ties that bind us together as Jews.
Let us stand united and demonstrate the power of our collective commitment to a vibrant Jewish future.
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.
