THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
Vol. 91 No. 4
HAPPY
PA S S O V E R
APRIL 2026 14 Nisan - 13 Iyyar 5786
The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Welcomes New Security Director By BARBARA DAB
A
ntisemitism is rising steadily, according to the Anti-Defamation League’s most recent report. Over the past 10 years reported incidents have grown to number close to 10,000, the highest since reporting began in 1979. Here in Nashville, the Jewish community has also experienced increasing antisemitism and a growing presence of White Nationalists in and around the state. To address the growing needs for a coordinated, strategic security plan, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville in partnership with the Secure Community Network is pleased to welcome John Curatolo as the new community security director. “We are so pleased to welcome John to our community. During these
challenging times, it is both comforting and exciting to have his experience and wisdom to help us navigate the landscape and create a safer, more secure environment where we can all enjoy the fullness of Jewish life,” says Judy Alperin, CEO of the Federation. Curatolo brings more than forty years of experience in law enforcement and over thirty years in leadership roles spanning emergency management, homeland security, intelligence operations, and public safety at the local, state, and international levels. Over the course of his career, Curatolo has held senior command positions within municipal policing, including serving as Deputy Police Chief with
the Ithaca Police Department and later as second-in-command of a municipal police department, where he provided executive leadership over operations, administration, and strategic planning. While at the Ithaca Police Department, he oversaw agency administration, budgeting, grant management, emergency management planning, and the command of major critical incidents. Curatolo previously served as a Supervisory Special Agent with the Tennessee Office of Homeland Security and as Co-Director of the Tennessee Fusion Center, where he led statewide intelligence and information-sharing initiatives. In his earlier role as Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources
Protection Coordinator, he oversaw critical infrastructure protection efforts across Tennessee and collaborated closely with federal, state, and local partners to strengthen public safety. He also served as a Regional Commander and U.S. Police Advisor in Afghanistan under the U.S. Department of State, where he managed complex operations and mentored senior Afghan police leaders in high-threat environments. Curatolo says a career in law enforcement is his lifelong passion, beginning at age four, “Ever since I was a kid, it was just what I wanted to do.” He says his relationship with the Jewish community began several years ago when he was working with the State. “I was head of critical infrastructure in a key Continued on page 4
A New Beginning: Rimon Preschool Opens Doors for Nashville’s Youngest Learners
By BARBARA DAB
A
new preschool has joined the roster of options for Nashville parents. The Rimon Preschool at Congregation Sherith Israel opened its doors last month, beginning with infants six weeks to 30 months old. The school is a continuation of Rabbi Saul Strosberg’s efforts to provide a comprehensive Jewish education for all of Nashville’s children, and this new preschool is another step in that direction. “Everyone in the community knows how much I personally love the energy and spirit that our
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Catherine Carroll is Head of School at the newly opened Rimon Preschool at Sherith Israel.
Lead infant teacher, Sonja, cuddles the newest child at Rimon Preschool.
Martina is the new music and movement teacher at Rimon preschool.
youngest members bring. I’m excited to see and hear babies, infants and toddlers in the building.” Strosberg is also pleased with the new educational leadership of Rimon.
“I’m excited about the phenomenal staff that we were able to recruit for this program. Already very much beloved by the community.” The Head of School is Catherine Carroll, newly arrived from
Michigan, with a 17-year career in education. She says the road to opening the school was a lengthy one that began last summer. “I came in August and
Susan Morrow Zimmerman Takes National Stage as Nashville Women’s Philanthropy Thrives, page 3
Heart of the Matter, page 10
Continued on page 8 D.I.Y. & Home Improvement Special Section, page 21