In this episode, host Barbara Dab speaks with author, historian, and scholar Dara Horn about her latest book, "People Love Dead Jews." They dive into Horn's notion that the world prefers to view Jews through the lens of ancient history and the Holocaust, rather than exploring the reality and richness of modern Jewish life and culture. The two also talk about Holocaust education and its impact on antisemitism. It is a free ranging and freewheeling conversation that is both funny and touching.

Host and Jewish Observer editor Barbara Dab chats with cookbook author, chef, and James Beard award winner, Michael Twitty about his latest book, "Koshersoul." Michael discusses the intersection of food,identity, Judaism, and Black culture. Michael will be the host and leader of this year's Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville's annual Social Justice Seder on March 30th, 2023. 

Late last month Anat Sultan-Dadon, Israeli Consul General for the Southeast Region of the United States, made her first in person visit to Nashville. During the two-days, she toured the Tennessee Holocaust Memorial, the art galleries at the Gordon Jewish Community Center. She also enjoyed dinner with Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee leaders and participated in a community briefing at The Temple where she was interviewed by Rabbi Michael Danziger and answered questions from those in attendance. Finally, she sat down for an interview for Nashville’s Jewish Observer podcast where, in a free-ranging conversation, she touched on a variety of topics, including antisemitism, Israeli elections, and the role of women in Israeli leadership.

Over the summer, Nashville's Jewish Observer podcast host Barbara Dab, sat down with the three residents of Moishe House. Shea Northfield, Rose Capin, and the newest addition to the house: Rachel Pozin. They chatted about everything Moishe House, including favorite programming, future plans, life in East Nashville, and how the three are getting along. Some of the programs have already passed, and the leaves of summer are mostly fallen, but the conversation is still fun and lively, and you're sure to come away inspired about the future of Jewish life in Nashville, and around the world. 

Vanderbilt Hillel celebrates the 20th anniversary of its home, The Ben Shulman Center for Jewish Life. The celebration kicks off October 7th during Homecoming Weekend, and the festivities continue in the coming weeks and months. We spoke with Ari Dubin, Executive Director of Vanderbilt Hillel to learn about this special building and the role it plays in Jewish life on campus and in the greater Nashville community. For information about the celebration, visit vuhillel.org. 

Nashville's Jewish Observer host Barbara Dab finally had a chance to sit down with Community Shlicha, Noam Harari. Noam's three years in Nashville have been challenging, eventful, emotional, and fulfilling in ways she never imagined. In this moving farewell to her home away from home, Noam shares the highs and lows, and the lessons learned. She also delivers a heartfelt message to her newfound family.

Barbara Dab talks with Nashville community member, Marsha Raimi, about her recent trip to Poland to learn more about her Holocaust survivor father's life before, during, and after the war. Marsha shares her emotional, surprising, and personal journey into her family's past. She also offers tips about how others can learn about their family's history. 

We continue the conversation with the participants in the mission to Poland on behalf of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. In Part 2, we hear more about the people they met, their reflections on the unfolding crisis, and learn some action steps.