THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
You Can Help to Make Jewish Preschool and Summer Camp Programs More Accessible By MINDY HIRT, CHAIR, FOUNDATION STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL, AND BARRY ALLEN, DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING & ENDOWMENTS
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t is generally acknowledged that two things provide outsized benefits to children (beyond loving, stable, nurturing families). One is early childhood Jewish education, specifically preschool programs, and the other is Jewish summer camp. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville supports both activities through scholarships and grants, but every year we find the demand far exceeds our capacity to provide all the support that is needed. If you are a family with very young children of your own, or grandchildren of a certain age, you already know how much development — educational, cultural, social, and religious — occurs when the children are enrolled in Jewish preschool programs. You can see how the children blossom before your eyes, and you know that they are going to be better prepared for kindergarten and beyond because of their participation in these activities. As the children get older and go off to Jewish sleepaway camps (like Ramah, Barney Medintz, Blue Star or Young Judea, for example), or participate in Jewish day camps, they make new friends and learn new skills. Studies consistently show that children who go to Jewish summer camps are more likely to be involved in Jewish life in college and beyond. Since the cost of both preschool programs and summer camps is on an ever-increasing upward path, families have to weigh what they can afford against the obvious benefits. Sometimes, outside financial assistance is the only thing that Continued on page 3
A Publication of the
WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG
Vol. 91 No. 8
AUGUST 2026 18 Av - 18 Elul 5786
Hadassah Celebrates 100 Years in Nashville By MARLY BOEHM
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his October, Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, will celebrate 100 years in Nashville. The celebration dinner and fundraiser will be held on October 18 at 5:30 p.m. at the GJCC. The evening will feature live music and honor Marsha Ross Jaffa and other past presidents of the Nashville chapter. A volunteer organization, Hadassah has fought for women’s rights and supported Israel, before women could vote, and before Israel was a state. Today, it still carries on this work, championing Zionism and healthcare, combatting antisemitism, and promoting community. “The mission has always been to heal the world around us,” said Mindy Drongowsky, co-president of Hadassah’s Nashville chapter. “We learn together, we volunteer together…and it’s nice to support causes that are bigger than yourself.” The Nashville chapter of Hadassah Continued on page 4
Hadassah Hannukah Party 2025
Applications open for fourth Leadership615 Cohort By ERIN WIDES
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pplications are now open for the fourth cohort of Leadership615, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s six-month fellowship program designed to prepare emerging leaders for service in the Jewish community. In its first three years, nearly 40 Jewish leaders have completed the program, which helps participants become more knowledgeable, strategic and effective community leaders. Leadership615 is sponsored and supported by Dr. Mark Goldfarb and Beth Levine. The program is designed to help participants gain a deeper understanding of the organizations, people and issues that shape Jewish life in Nashville while developing the skills needed to lead with confidence. This is accomplished through monthly educational sessions, small-group discusB’nai Tzedek welcomes new leadership, announces annual gift at annual meeting celebration, page 3
sions, and opportunities to build relationships with fellow participants and community leaders. Sessions are taught by distinguished scholars from all over the country, respected community and business leaders, and local Jewish community leaders. “We’re excited. We have had three successful cohorts of leaders who are now involved in leadership positions across the community,” said Michal Eskenazi Becker, the Federation’s chief impact officer and program coordinator. This year’s cohort will feature an additional seventh educational session and increased opportunities for discussion. Eskenazi Becker said they want to invest more time in discussions and practice groups. She also praised the commitment participants bring to the program despite balancing careers, families and other responsibilities. “I love the engagement and the Jewish Nashville Pride 2026, page 9
commitment of the fellows because it is intensive,” Eskenazi Becker said. “Everyone has a very busy and full life, and there’s something about once they make a commitment to get in a room, they’re 100 percent there.” The diversity in participants is top of mind for the admission committee, composed of board members, staff, and past fellows. The cohorts are a mix of longtime Nashvillians and newcomers, along with participants representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The deadline to submit applications for the fourth Leadership615 cohort is Aug. 31, 2026. Individuals interested in developing their leadership skills, expanding their understanding of Nashville’s Jewish community and connecting with other emerging leaders are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply here, https:// www.jewishnashville.org/leadership615. • All Things Seniors Special Section, page 17