THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
Vol. 89 No. 10
OCTOBER 2024
28 Elul 5784 - 29 Tishrei 5785
Nashville at a Crossroads: Will a New Transit Plan Improve Safety and Mobility? By BARBARA DAB
N
ew York transplant Becca Groner moved to Nashville seven years ago to pursue a career in health care. She chose the city based on its size and accessibility to the various array of services, programs, cultural offerings, and its growing Jewish community. Groner also liked that she could navigate Nashville without need for a car. “I’ve lived here seven years without a car and would love to live here more than that without a car.” Lately, Groner says using public transportation has become even more challenging, with inefficient routes and often unsafe conditions at and around the bus stops. “I rely on the bus but walking after you get off the bus can be unsafe,” she says, “It’s not like you can just get on the bus and get where you’re going. You might need to cross the street 10 times just to find a sidewalk and now you’ve made your commute 30 minutes longer just for your own pedestrian safety.” Come November, Nashville voters will have the opportunity to address
Metro Council member Jacob Kupin (District-19) rides the WeGo bus.
concerns like Groner’s. Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s “Choose How You Move,” plan will cost an estimated $3.1 billion, and includes a half-cent sales tax increase. This year’s proposal is the latest in a string of failed transit initiatives, but proponents say this one has some significant changes that make it a more practical and realistic plan. Jeff Morris is Exectuive Director of Nashville Moves.
He says, “When comparing this to previous versions of this type of transportation improvement program that the city has undergone in the past is the idea that this is not any one singular thing.” Morris says that as Nashville continues to grow exponentially, citizens are specifically asking to address problems with traffic and affordability. “This plan Continued on page 24
Becca Groner does not own a car and relies on public transportation to navigate around town.
Influencer and Journalist Eve Barlow to Headline Women’s Philanthropy Brunch By BARBARA DAB
I
n the year since Hamas attacked Israel, antisemitism has risen globally and misinformation about Israel has spread on social media platforms. Celebrities and other influencers have stepped into the fray. One of those influencers is Eve Barlow, an LA-based writer and former music and culture journalist. Her recent pivot to high profile thought leader and Jewish advocate has grown her reach to over 1.5 million people per month who scroll, read, or tune in to her Substack newsletter Blacklisted, her many spots on high profile podcasts, and her own Instagram page. “We chose Eve because she represents a unique perspective - she is someone that amassed a huge following as a successful music journalist and influencer, all while fighting antisemA Publication of the
WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG
Journalist, influencer, and advocate Eve Barlow will speak at Federation’s Women’s philanthropy brunch on November 17.
Let Me Introduce Myself, page 2
itism. Not only is she an unapologetic Zionist, she is a proud feminist. She’s not afraid of being unpopular in service of her values and beliefs - a truly inspiring figure,” says Jason Sparks, chief development officer for The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. Barlow will be this year’s speaker for the Jewish Federation’s women’s philanthropy brunch on November 17th where she will be providing insights and information designed to help local Jewish women understand more deeply the implications of October 7th and provide tools to help them better handle difficult encounters. The brunch, titled Hope & Balance: Empowering Jewish Women with Wellness and Strength, is a highlight of the Federation’s programs that aim to engage and involve women in the comClarity in the Face of Adversity, page 4
munity. This year will follow a similar format with table topics for discussion and then question and answer with the guest speaker. While the focus is on advocacy around Israel, antisemitism, and anti-Zionism, Barlow will address the issue of mental health and stress management during a traumatic time. “The goal of the event is to allow a space for dialogue, well-being, and restoration in the wake of what has been a tough year for Jewish women,” says Sparks. Hayley Levy Kupin is a Federation board member and one of the event’s hosts. She says she did not initially know Eve Barlow but has since learned more. “I think this is an event people will really like. I did some research and I think what she has to share about how to talk about antisemitism and how Continued on page 13
Doctors & Lawyers Section, page 25