Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Jewish Rep. Steve Cohen will not run for reelection after Tennessee GOP redraws his district

Andrew Lapin in JTA · 15 May

Rep. Steve Cohen, the only Jewish Democratic representative from Tennessee, announced he will not seek reelection after the state's Republican-led redistricting split his Memphis-area district, which is predominantly African-American, into three parts.

0 Culture Gender/Identity

1912 Yiddish operetta tackles class conflict and women’s rights

Jon Kalish in Forward · 13 May

"Khantshe in Amerike," a landmark 1912 Yiddish operetta, returns to the stage, exploring themes such as class conflict, women's rights, and gender fluidity through its protagonist, who defies societal norms by working as a male chauffeur.

0 Politics Antisemitism

As Supreme Court dilutes Voting Rights Act, Tennessee’s first Jewish congressman could lose his seat

Hannah Feuer in Forward · 30 Apr

The weakening of the Voting Rights Act by the Supreme Court may jeopardize the seat of Steve Cohen, Tennessee's first Jewish congressman.

0 Politics History

What it means for Jews when Trump administration officials misquote the Bible

Stu Halpern in Forward · 29 Apr

The article discusses the historical and contemporary practice of American leaders citing the Bible, accurately or not, in their public speeches and writings.

0 Culture Education

Harnessing America’s 250th birthday to reimagine our civic culture

eJewishPhilanthropy · 12 Mar

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Semiquincentennial represents a vital opportunity to reshape the nation's civic culture.

0 Jewish Law Leadership

When Rabbis Meet AI

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action · 9 Mar

In an era of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, rabbis are increasingly integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into their ministrations, primarily for administrative assistance and exploring how algorithms can support Torah study and preparation of religious materials.

0 Politics History

The Nazis massacred innocents when their regime was crumbling. What does that say about Minneapolis?

Fredric Brandfon in Forward · 27 Jan

Drawing parallels between historical and contemporary events, Fredric Brandfon argues that mass violence by governments often signifies instability rather than strength.

0 Communities Antisemitism

Mississippi’s Jewish community rallies after antisemitic arson

Haley Cohen in Jewish Insider · 20 Jan

In a powerful display of resilience and unity, Mississippi's Jewish community came together for Shabbat services in a Baptist church after an antisemitic arson attack heavily damaged Beth Israel Congregation, the sole synagogue in Jackson.

0 Communities Antisemitism

‘We are not made of wood and paper’: Jackson synagogue marks first Shabbat after arson

Grace Gilson in JTA · 18 Jan

After an arson attack targeted Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, the Jewish community gathered for a resilient Shabbat service at Northminster Baptist Church, reaffirming their strength and unity.

0 Communities History

What Jackson, Mississippi's only synagogue means to its city — in the wake of arson, and beyond

Austin Albanese in Forward · 15 Jan

Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, has a history of resilience and community involvement dating back to its founding in 1875.

0 Leadership Communities

Life Lessons from My Stint as Junior Gabbai

Rabbi Akiva Males in Jewish Action · 17 Dec 2025

Reflecting on his childhood role as a junior gabbai in his Cleveland synagogue, Rabbi Akiva Males shares a formative lesson on humility and equitable leadership imparted by his mentor, Rabbi Doniel Schur.

0 Communities Education

With antisemitism and costs of living on the rise elsewhere, this Jewish day school in Dallas is booming

Larry Luxner in JTA · 4 Dec 2025

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency article discusses the growth of the Jewish community in Dallas, Texas, particularly focusing on Akiba Yavneh Academy, a modern Orthodox Jewish day school.

0 Politics Communities

ESPN’s Paul Finebaum nearing decision on bid for Tommy Tuberville’s Senate seat

Emily Jacobs in Jewish Insider · 25 Nov 2025

Paul Finebaum, ESPN host and prominent Jewish sports commentator, is considering a Senate bid for Alabama's open seat in 2024.

0 Politics Israel

Rep. Steve Cohen draws younger, far-left challenger hostile to Israel in primary

Matthew Kassel in Jewish Insider · 13 Oct 2025

Rep. Steve Cohen faces a new primary challenge from Justin Pearson, a far-left state legislator known for his outspoken opposition to U.S. military support for Israel.

0 History Israel

REVIEW: ‘Ghosts of a Holy War’

Alan D. Abbey in Hadassah · 3 Oct 2025

Yardena Schwartz's "Ghosts of a Holy War" delves into the often-overlooked 1929 Hebron massacre, an event that epitomizes the complex layers of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

0 Politics Communities

Deploying the National Guard - The Rabbi's View

Emes Ve-Emunah · 18 Sep 2025

The piece explores the contentious issue of deploying the National Guard in major U.S. cities like Chicago and Memphis to curb crime, drawing parallels to previous actions in Washington, D.C. The author supports the deployment as a means of enhancing security, noting substantial declines in crime in D.C. following federal intervention.

0 Politics Culture

Are Conservatives Now Doing the Canceling? Plus. . .

The Free Press in The Free Press · 16 Sep 2025

The Free Press explores the evolving dynamics of cancel culture, discussing whether conservatives are now engaging in cancellation tactics similar to those they opposed on the progressive left.

0 Music Prayer

Between Nusach and Niggun: The Chazzan’s Evolving Role

Yosef Lindell in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

The role of the chazzan in Jewish prayer has evolved significantly over time.

0 Communities Leadership

Building a Community: Stories from the Ground Up

JA Staff in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

The article showcases a series of narratives highlighting the indispensable efforts of individuals and families in fostering Jewish communities across various U.S. cities.

0 Communities Leadership

Warmth Beyond Sunshine in Phoenix: Shaun and Gary Tuch

Sandy Eller in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

Shaun and Gary Tuch, motivated by high living costs and the bustling pace of Los Angeles, moved to Phoenix with their families to build and grow within a Jewish community that offers opportunities for personal and communal contributions.

0 Communities Leadership

How a Shul Rewrote Its Story: Yosef Kirschner

Judy Gruen in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

The revival of Golf Manor Synagogue in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a story of effective leadership and community transformation.

0 Communities Leadership

Modeling Leadership in Memphis: Noam and Dr. Deena Davidovics

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

Noam and Dr. Deena Davidovics are key figures in strengthening the Orthodox community in Memphis, Tennessee, where they have resided since 2012.

0 Communities Culture

Where Is Tennessee?

Rachel Schwartzberg in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

Rachel Schwartzberg reflects on her life in Memphis, Tennessee, after moving from New York City with her husband.

0 Communities Education

Inside Ariel’s Jewish Campus Scene

JA Staff in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

The article highlights the vibrant Jewish campus scene at Ariel University, facilitated by OU-JLIC (Orthodox Union's Jewish Learning Initiative on Campus) under the leadership of Asaf and Shlomit Olshitzki.

0 Communities Leadership

Building a Community: Pointers from the Pros

JA Staff in Jewish Action · 15 Sep 2025

To build a thriving Jewish community, essential elements include establishing a K-8 day school and a high school to retain families, as well as infrastructure like a shul, mikveh, and eruv.

JL;DR

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