You are viewing a preview version of this site. The live site https://jewishobservernashville.org has been archived on FedWeb.

Posts by Rabbi Mark Schiftan

A Rabbi and Doctor Discuss Israel’s Conundrum

By Rabbi Mark Schiftan and Dr. Frank Boehm

Mark: Frank, what do you make of the current political situation in Israel?

You know, I love Israel. Its creation is the fulfillment of our people’s hopes and dreams. But lately, I worry about her future as a democratic state.

Frank: Mark, I to…

The Federation of The Future

Alarmingly, Federation donations, in terms of the number of donors, has been in a serious decline for decades. In Nashville, the annual campaign figures have neither significantly increased over the past decade, nor has the level or the amount of giving kept up with the rate of inflation. …

Faith and the Next Generation

On Erev Rosh Hashana, we opened our pulpit to listen to the emerging Jewish voices of the next generation. As they spoke, we listened, and we learned. We learned of the continued importance of inclusion and embrace of newcomers within the Jewish tent. We were reminded of the need n…

The “Nones” Aren’t Nothing. They’re Everything.

The recent results of the Pew Study of American Jewish Community shared the astounding conclusion that the number of, “Nones,” those Jews who claim no religious affiliation or identity, is increasing in number, particularly among the younger demographic slice of our Jewish communitie…

Defending The State of Israel From Afar

Let’s be clear from the start: The defense of the State of Israel, at all times, is the sacred responsibility of every single member of the Jewish people. This does not mean that every action or policy of the Jewish State is perfect, flawless, and therefore, beyond disagreement, debate or …