Kvetch in the City August 2021

I’ll never forget the day my mom was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. From her hospital bed in NYC she called and told me the dreadful news. I quietly and quickly bought a ticket and flew up to the city the next morning. I went straight from the airport to her hospital room. I remember walking in and seeing my mom sitting up in bed in her silk Donna Karan robe, make up, and hair all combed and in place. What struck me most though, and has never left me, was the absolute way her eyes lit up when I surprisingly walked in the room. To this day, I realized there are few people, if any, whose eyes light up, the way my mom’s did that day, when I walk in a room.  To tell you the truth, I noticed, most times people don’t even bother to look up at all. Which lead me to think about unconditional love and Aunt Tootsie. 

JCC Capital Campaign Update

Jewish Middle School Welcomes New Head of Judaic Studies

Daniel Hoffman welcomed as new Head of Judaic Studies at Jewish Middle School of Nashville 

Hadassah Happenings

Bake Challah with Hadassah in advance of the High Holidays. On Sunday, August 29, Hadassah Board member Emily Smachetti will teach Challah baking at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Recipe and ingredients will be provided in advance so you can bake along with Emily.  RSVP @ imemilyr@gmail.com.  

Gordon JCC Inducts New Board of Directors

A Sneak Peek at Nashville’s New Hub for Young Jewish Adults

Tucked onto a leafy avenue in the trendy East Nashville neighborhood, sits the newest addition to Nashville’s Jewish community. Moishe House provides home-based Jewish experiences specifically aimed at young adults looking for community in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Moishe House Nashville, which is home to Becca Groner, Shea Northfield and Rose Capin, recently held a housewarming party and kicked its programming with a Feminist Book Club Brunch. There will be a formal Mezuzah hanging ceremony in the fall, but for now, check out this sneak peek into life in MoHo Nashville. 

NJFF Brings Films Into the Theater and Into Your Living Room              

As The Pandemic Ends…Don’t Go Back To Normal

By Greg Goldberg

Congregations July 2021

Pew Study Finds US Jewry is Shifting Profoundly and Chabad is on Rise 

The recent Pew Jewish Population Study finds Chabad involvement is growing. Some 40% of American Jews have some involvement with Chabad, and the younger the demographic, the higher the number. Previously, the study organizers did not look at Chabad as a demographic, but this year it figures prominently in terms of its significant and growing impact on American Jewry. 

Defending The State of Israel From Afar

Let’s be clear from the start: The defense of the State of Israel, at all times, is the sacred responsibility of every single member of the Jewish people. This does not mean that every action or policy of the Jewish State is perfect, flawless, and therefore, beyond disagreement, debate or constructive dialogue.  

Jewsic City and Camp Davis’ Emily Groff Releases EP

Emily Groff is no stranger to Nashville’s Jewish community. An active member of Jewsic City and song leader at Camp Davis, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter is bursting onto the national Jewish music scene with her energetic new EP Breathe. 

What the Media Gets Wrong About Israel and Water

By Toby Irenshtain

July 2021 Hadassah Happenings

Hadassah and The Inquirers Book Club will honor our beloved past president  Victoria Cohen-Crumpton, who has moved to Brasstown, North Carolina,  on Sunday, July 11 @ 4pm via Zoom. Victoria was president of Nashville Hadassah from 2009-2012.. She was also the president of The Inquirer's Book Club which is in it's 71st year. It is the second oldest Jewish Women's book club in Nashville. The Inquirer's Book Club, which was started in 1950,  is a spin-off of the Magazine Circle, which  began in 1898.   Victoria was president of The Inquirers from 2017-2019. Please rsvp by 7/9 to Sarah Ruden @ spm5222@gmail.com or to Deana Goldstein @ 615-438-5225.

Congregation Micah Offers Comprehensive Religious School Programming

Congregation Micah’s Religious School is the home and heart of joyous and progressive Jewish education, bringing the best of formal and informal study to our families.  Our weekly family service fills our sanctuary with music, prayer and playful participation in the ever-present and unfolding Jewish story. 

NCJW, Nashville Section, Has Productive Year Despite Pandemic

By Jennifer Goldstein

July in the Gordon JCC Galleries

The Janet Levine March Gallery will feature the work of Lauren Karp. Lauren is a nature photographer who specializes in artistic wildlife photos. Raised in the bucolic countryside of Pennsylvania, Lauren spent her childhood in lush fields, meandering creeks and scenic farmlands. Amid this backdrop, she pursued many forms of creative expression including painting, calligraphy and clothing design. Her artistic journey continued as an art director for an international print and poster company. Having been inspired by world-renowned photographers, she combined her love of art and nature with a passion for photography. Exploring with her camera at her side, Lauren now travels extensively, capturing her vision of the beauty in the natural world. Her images capture a snapshot in time, giving viewers a quiet moment of emotive contemplation.   

In Our Own Backyard

The Secret of Chabad

One day, my phone rang. 

Tennessee Holocaust Commission Holds Successful Virtual Day of Remembrance

By Alyssa Trachtman