THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
Vol. 91 No. 9
Shana Tova 5787
SEPTEMBER 2026 19 Elul 5786 - 19 Tishrei 5787
SCN and Jewish Nashville Security Gatherings Focus on Community Connections, Preparedness By ERIN WIDES
A
s Jewish communities across the country continue navigating a complex threat environment, security leaders are emphasizing a simple message, preparedness can’t wait for an emergency. That was the focus when Michael Masters, national director and CEO of Secure Community Network (SCN), recently visited Nashville for two days of meetings and events with Jewish community leaders, law enforcement partners and other stakeholders. The visit was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and included a community town hall, preparedness exercises
and the first regional law enforcement working group meeting. SCN was created in 2004 and serves as a safety and security organization for the Jewish community across North America. Masters said SCN has grown from a small organization into a national network of more than 130 team members. The organization works with Jewish institutions and law enforcement agencies while sharing threat intelligence with partners. “We have said for some time that we are facing the most complex and dynamic threat environment to ever face the Jewish community or the country in the nation’s history,” Masters said.
Continued on page 2
SCN National Director and CEO Michael Masters addresses security town hall audience.
Orchestra Tikvah Creates Space for Jewish Musicians to Thrive By ERIN WIDES
F
or young musicians, finding an orchestra that challenges them artistically can be difficult. For Jewish students who observe Shabbat, finding one that also accommodates their religious lives can be even harder. Orchestra Tikvah was created to bridge that gap, bringing together Jewish string musicians for a chamber orchestra experience where musical excellence and Jewish identity find harmony. The youth orchestra launched its first cohort in Nashville this summer, bringing together 13 students and two counselors from nine states. The musicians spent several days rehearsing, performing and building connections with one another and with the Nashville Jewish community. For Artistic Director Dr. Zack Ebin, the idea for Orchestra Tikvah began more than six years ago when he was thinking of what could be created for young Jewish musicians who observe Shabbat. Ebin, who has played violin since he was three and comes from a family of musicians, said many high-level opportunities for young classical musicians conflict with Shabbat. All-State orchestras can rehearse A Publication of the
WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG
or perform on weekends, creating a barrier for observant Jewish students. The idea became even more urgent following Oct. 7, 2023, as antisemitism increased and Jewish students faced new questions about how proudly they could express their identity. “I’m concerned that if we as educators are trying to teach children to express themselves, what happens when part of their identity is something that the world is not so accepting of?” Ebin said. “But at the same time, if they’re a Jewish musician, they’re connected to a very rich heritage.” Orchestra Tikvah aims to give those students a place to be both serious musicians and proudly Jewish. They focus on music by Jewish composers and those who incorporated elements of their identity into their work. The program was made possible through an anonymous donation and support from the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. Students were recruited through Jewish and music education networks and arrived in Nashville with their music in hand. The group began rehearsing on a Sunday and had to be ready to perform by NCJW Celebrates 125 Years, page 8
Orchestra Tikvah performing for seniors at the Gordon JCC.
Thursday. Through readings, rehearsals, and learning together, they were prepared to perform for the Nashville community. The first for a senior lunch at the Gordon Jewish Community Center, next for residents at Abe’s Garden, and the final at Congregation Sherith Israel. For 15-year-old violinist Meir Kleinhaus of Manhattan, the opportunity was unlike anything he had experienced before. “For me it’s an opportunity for a Dara Freiberg Named Chief Executive Officer of the Gordon JCC, page 10
Jewish string musician to be in a totally Jewish and Orthodox setting while playing advanced pieces,” he said. Kleinhaus said finding a serious orchestra that does not conflict with Shabbat can be difficult. His school does not have an orchestra, and although he participates in a weekly ensemble, he said it is not as advanced as ensembles that play on Shabbat. With Orchestra Tikvah, he was able
Rosh Hashanah Greetings, page 21
Continued on page 16
At Our Congregations Including Holiday Schedules, page 26