THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
Shalom, Nashville By JUDY ALPERIN
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y quest to learn as much as I can—quickly—about Jewish Nashville began the moment I landed at BNA. The first lesson I learned: Southern hospitality is everything it’s rumored to be. Jewish Nashville truly understands the meaning of Shalom. I’ve received such a warm welcome and feel incredibly fortunate to be meeting so many people who are generously sharing their insights and experiences with me. I want to hear your stories. Please feel free to reach out: judy@ jewishnashville.org. My second lesson: Always carry an umbrella! Seriously though, I do appreciate how beautifully green Tennessee is from all the precipitation. The Nashville community is a remarkably special place. It might not always be apparent in the bustle of day-to-day life but take it from someone seeing it with fresh eyes— the warmth and openness to Jewish life here is not something to take for granted. Sadly, it’s not the norm across the country. I’m looking forward to proudly sharing Nashville’s unique spirit as I connect with colleagues nationwide. Our patriarch Abraham taught us about the tent of meeting—the idea of throwing open the tent flaps to welcome others in. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is an extension of that tent: a welcoming, inclusive central address for Jewish life, where all are encouraged to participate. There’s a song by Stealer’s Wheel from 1972, “Stuck in the Middle with You,” that’s been covered more than 35 times across a wide range of genres. That diversity of interpretation says something powerful: people from very different places and perspectives are seeking common ground. Finding comfort in the middle isn’t easy. It requires a willingness Continued on page 12 A Publication of the
WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG
AUGUST 2025
Vol. 90 No. 8
7 Av - 7 Elul 5785
Nashville Holds Hate Accountable in Landmark Civil Rights Conviction By BARBARA DAB
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Canadian member of a neo-Nazi group was found guilty last month of misdemeanor assault and civil rights intimidation after he attacked a man last summer in downtown Nashville. The attack came after members of the Goyim Defense League, a white supremacist and antisemitic group, descended on Nashville in July 2024. During their time in town, the group demonstrated outside of West End Synagogue, disrupted Metro Council meetings, and marched down Broadway carrying hate filled banners and signs. The convictions are being hailed as a victory for the city, according to Metro Council member Jacob Kupin (District 19), whose district includes downtown. “Nashville is showing that we’re going to
PHOTO CREDIT: RAY DIPIETRO
hold people like this accountable. We’re not going to tolerate what I believe the mayor called, ‘terror tourism.’” He says Nashville’s high profile is what attracts these types of hate groups but is hopeful the convictions send a clear message. “It’s heartening to see how quickly, albeit government quickly, we’ve responded.” The Jewish community is also pleased
with the outcome. Judy Alperin, CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, says she is happy to see the levers of the justice system used to both enforce existing laws, and to hopefully set a new precedent. “We are happy to see law enforcement and the courts working together, as they should, to combat antisemitism and hate in all its forms,” she says, “While we support everyone’s right to free speech, it is clear Nashville is a city where inciting violence against Jews or any other group is unwelcome.” The attack by Ryan McCann occurred in a parking lot downtown. The victim was Jewish and said he was hit and kicked while others in the hate group watched. Judge Dan Eisenstein was present during some of the trial and says comments by the defendant were Continued on page 20
Our Community, Our Future: It’s Time to Meet the Moment By JACOB KLEINROCK AND ARLENE AVERBUCH, 2025 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS,
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he story of Nashville’s Jewish community is one of vibrancy, of growth, and of a warm, welcoming spirit that embraces newcomers and lifelong residents alike. From the splashes at the Gordon JCC pool emanating from senior water aerobics to the joyful sounds of children in our schools, we have built something truly special here in Middle Tennessee. We are proud to co-chair the 2025 Annual Campaign for the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. We are filled with both immense pride and a profound sense of urgency. This year, as you likely have seen, we are setting an ambitious goal: to raise $3 million. This represents a 20% increase from last year’s campaign, and it is a number we did not arrive at lightly. It is a number born out of necessity. Nashville’s Jewish community continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The Jewish Nashville of today is diverse and includes people from around the Community Mourns Annette Schaffer Eskind, page 2
world, as well as legacy families. From West to East Nashville, from Franklin to Murfreesboro, this growth means our needs have also grown and changed right along with the community. In addition, we all know the shadows of antisemitism are lengthening. On college campuses, online, and in the streets, this ancient hatred has found new voices both abroad and here at home. We have witnessed Nazis marching down Broadway, demonstrating in front of West End Synagogue, and disrupting Metro Council meetings. To be a Jew in 2025 is to live with a renewed sense of vigilance. Our spirit is strong, and we must meet that fighting spirit with increased resources. This year, more than ever, it is important we all commit to achieving our goal with renewed vigor and dedication to all our community faces today, and what we hope for our future. It is up to all of us to ensure we continue to care for each other and to prioritize our security. We deserve to worship, congregate, and celebrate all of life’s milestones peacefully and with joy. Erin Wides Joins Federation Team, page 6
Together we can continue building a safe, secure, vibrant Jewish community. We are asking you to consider increasing your previous gift by 20%. This increase sends a clear message that the safety and future of Jewish Nashville is non-negotiable. If you have not given previously, please consider how you can support our community now and into the future. Your generosity fuels every part of our shared mission. Federation ensures that the areas of Jewish life that need help the most get it quickly and fairly, both here in Nashville and abroad. A significant portion of our campaign directly supports our brothers and sisters in Israel, providing a lifeline of solidarity and strength. Locally, your dollars are the engine behind everything we do: combating the poison of antisemitism through education and advocacy, enriching Jewish life with cultural programs, ensuring our synagogues and community buildings are secure, and inspiring the next generation with a love for their heritage. Continued on page 13 All Thnings Seniors Special Section, page 21