Jewish Jewish Federation to Provide Meals to Local First Responders
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the Jewish bserver www.jewishobservernashville.org Vol. 85 No. 6 • June 2020 8 Sivan - 8 Tamuz 5780 Israel Update from Consul General Anat Sultan-Dadon By BARBARA DAB to addressing the pandemic. To that end, General says on the Palestinian front, she also reports that recently Israel’s Prime Israel recently received praise from the srael, like the rest of the world, is Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged United Nations for its assistance helping Idealing with the ongoing challenges $60 million to be used for research and the Palestinians combat COVID-19. “It of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in development of a vaccine. Currently, as is something we see as important to both addition, it faces challenges around the cases are declining, Israel is easing restric- Palestinian and Israeli interests to see the latest elections and the creation of a tions in a very measured way but is far virus contained within the Palestinian new government and the continuing from opening up completely. territories,” she says. To that end, Israel existential threats plaguing the country. As restrictions in Israel include is offering supplies and training of medi- In a recent Town Hall briefing, Israel’s unprecedented inbound travel limitations, cal staff to treat those who are ill with the Consul General for the Southeastern Sultan-Dadon says another casualty of the virus. Additionally, Sultan-Dodan says United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon, gave pandemic is economic as it relates to tour- there are those in Israel’s neighborhood an update about how the country is ism. But she says the Ministry of Tourism who are gradually seeing potential ben- battling the virus and adjusting to new is working to plan and prepare for that efits to a relationship. As Iran, in par- political realities. critical, “day after.” “The field of tourism ticular, continues to be a threat in Israel On the battle against COVID-19, order to be fully self-reliant. For example, is so essential not just for the Jewish com- as well as the region and beyond. “The Sultan-Dadon says things are slowly in addition to PPE, technology is being munity, but also for those who travel reg- United States is also concerned with improving. “Fortunately thanks to steps utilized in cooperation with the Israeli ularly on pilgrimage and those who come the Iranian threat,” she says, “That is an that were taken early on, we are seeing a Airforce to develop ventilators that are for so many other reasons.” She stresses example where a common threat and a decline in the number of people infected.” easily assembled and are open sourced, that Israel will return to its popularity as a common enemy provides an opportunity She also says that while supplies are scarce meaning the technology can be accessed tourist destination. for cooperation.” in Israel, as most other places, the goal is by anyone anywhere. She says it is that In the midst of the crisis, there is Sultan-Dodan says she also sees what to manufacture what is needed there in global cooperation that is really the key some progress to report. The Consul Continued on page 3 Community Jewish Federation to Provide Town Hall Meals to Local First Responders Announcement By BARBARA DAB to St. Thomas West Hospital, Vanderbilt then a couple more strong storms.” He University Medical Center and Summit says his officers are still doing overtime he world around us is taking uring the continuing COVID-19 Tristar Hospital. For the hospital workers, assignments in the tornado affected areas Tinitial steps to slowly ease back Dpandemic the spotlight has shined the meals are not only a morale booster, and it has been even more challenging into what is being called “the next on the city’s first responders. Workers but a much-needed service since many to stay safe and healthy. But his officers normal.” As we figure out what that at area hospitals, police and fire stations of them are spending long hours at work are very grateful. “They love it. I can tell means for the Jewish community of have been stretched to their limits caring without an opportunity to shop for and you anytime we do work with the Jewish Nashville and Middle Tennessee, for and protecting Nashville’s citizens. prepare food for their families. Cynthia Federation, it’s wonderful.” As the area you are invited to participate in a Some days there is no time for a break or Warner, Lead Administrative Assistant begins to slowly reopen, there are new Town Hall gathering with a dis- even a regular meal. But thanks to a gen- for Volunteer Services at VUMC, says, challenges facing the first responders. cussion led by the clergy and the erous donation by the Maria & Bernard A. “Everyone who comes to the campus is Lieutenant Douglas Bell, of the Metro volunteer and professional leadership Pargh Family Foundation, through The a first responder. That includes medi- Nashville Police Department, says the of our congregations and agencies Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation cal personnel as well as Environmental support from the Jewish community is on Thursday, June 11th, at 7:00pm. of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, over Services, Emergency Services, and Parking much appreciated. “What a nice surprise This online event will be streamed 600 meals will be delivered to help pro- Services.” She says the staff were surprised it was to learn of this most generous and live on YouTube with an opportunity vide some much-needed sustenance and by the donation and very appreciative. thoughtful gesture. We are looking for- to ask questions both in advance and a morale boost. Eric Stillman, Executive Meals will also be delivered to Metro ward to it and it definitely helps to keep through the chat in real time. To Director of The Jewish Federation and Nashville Police Department West the morale of the officers up as we con- register in advance, submit your ques- Jewish Foundation, says, “It is so import- Precinct, Belle Meade Police Station tinue, like so many others in our commu- tions, and receive the link, RSVP to ant that we recognize the heroic efforts and Metro Nashville Firehouses. For nity, to live and work through new and [email protected] • of the healthcare workers, police, fire local police, the challenges began in ever-changing challenges and routines.” and emergency medical workers who are early March when an outbreak of tor- The meal deliveries will take place Thursday, June 11th keeping our community as healthy and nadoes tore through the area, followed over a two-week period beginning in late safe as possible.” shortly by the “Safer at Home,” order May. Eric Stillman says, “This is a won- at 7:00 pm The meal delivery program is a team surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. derful gesture on the part of our commu- effort that includes local Kosher cater- Sergeant Eddie Rucker, of the MNPD nity through The Jewish Federation. A big on YouTube ers SOVA and Goldie Shepard, Jewish West Division, says, “The stress is real. thank you to Maria and Bernie and family RSVP for link Federation staff and volunteers. The plan It’s been a challenge ever since the tor- for bringing this initiative to the Federation is to deliver the individually boxed meals nado, followed by the COVID-19 and and generously funding the program.” • A Publication of the Beit Miriam Leslye Lapidus Coupon Issue School Year and JFS Staff Special 2019-2020 to be honored Section, ENDS ON ZOOM!, at JFS annual page 19 page 6 meeting on June 18th, page 14 WWW.JEWISHNASHVILLE.ORG Gordon JCC Announces Phased Re-opening Process By LESLIE SAX everywhere to wash your hands and are requesting members wear masks The Outdoor Pool will be open for lap clean your fitness equipment after use. when entering the building. Staff will swimming and water walking outside the e thought the decision to temporar- • Social distancing is also important. be wearing masks, and possibly face camp hours, in the early morning and late Wily close the doors to the Gordon We have established one-way direc- shields, per the Mayor’s guidelines. afternoon. Unfortunately, we will not be JCC was difficult but choosing when tional traffic and separated entrances We anticipate opening in phases. able to open the Locker Rooms, except for and how to reopen has been much more and exits in most of our building. With Mayor Cooper’s amended plans, restroom access, so swimmers will have to challenging. After consulting with local Everything will be clearly marked the Fitness Center will open on June 3rd. come dressed in their swimsuits. Capacity officials and medical professionals, and in 6-foot increments, but we also We have moved Fitness Center equip- will be limited, and to make it easier for pouring over hundreds of pages of CDC need your patience and cooperation ment around and expanded the Fitness everyone, we have established a simple, guidelines, we have decided to move for- to achieve this. Center into the Group Exercise Studio to easy to use reservation system. ward with our programs this summer. • Temperature and symptom monitor- accommodate more people and provide We will also open the ECLC on June With necessary safeguards in place, we ing are another way to prevent the for social distancing. Initially capacity 3rd and Camp Davis will begin on June look forward to welcoming preschoolers, virus from entering the building. We will be limited to 18 members per time 8th. With a large campus and room to campers, and exercisers back in June. will be conducting assessments before slot, and reservations will be required.