News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community |
Thursday, April 10, 2025
The 2021/22 state legislative cycle ended with some big wins for the Jewish community. The success is the result of ramped up efforts by the Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, in collaboration with the three other Jewish Federations in the state. Eric Stillman, CEO of The Jewish Federation, says, “Through a concerted collective effort by the Jewish Federations in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis, and Nashville, together with our professional lobbyists, we were able to make the case to the Administration and State Legislature of the urgency of these issues, especially given the sharp rise in antisemitism and antisemitic acts which are occurring.” The various pieces of legislation saw broad support from both chambers of the State Legislature. And according to Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson), involvement from the Jewish Federations was a key factor in gaining that support. “The engagement from the Jewish community was very important. The number one responsibility of our government is to provide a safe environment for our citizens,” he says. And on the House side, Rep. Ryan Williams (R-Cookeville), Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, credits the Jewish community’s leadership with making a direct impact. “The Jewish community has always had a voice, but this time they really led the effort. As soon as the bill was filed, my phone began to ring with other legislators offering support.”
Chabad of Nashville will present an evening with Kabbalah Coach Shimona Tzukernik, on Tuesday, May 31, 7:30 PM on Zoom. Shimona will present a talk on, “Forgiving for Good,” as participants will learn when and how to let go and move on.
Israeli dance doesn't require any previous experience or fitness level. It's a fun and easy way to get exercise, make new friends and it's free! Please come join us! Tues evenings - 5:30-6:45 PM at the JCC - Easy to Advanced Sessions held in the gym. Contact Judy Given for more information given223@bellsouth.net Friday mornings - advance session only - 11:15 -12:45 at the JCC in the gym. Contact Evelyn Koch at kochevelyn@hotmail.com
On May 12 @ 7:00pm join the Disabilities Inclusion Committee for Let’s Talk About It, an online roundtable discussion about mental health wellness and awareness, featuring teen, young adult and adult speakers and a special guest. Look for more information about the program in The Observer and online.
In 1982, Rabbi David Hartman wrote a powerful essay titled, “Auschwitz or Sinai?” There, Hartman asks himself about the defining event that should be shaping our Jewish identities today.
