JCRC Social Justice Seder
The JCRC Social Justice Seder was started as a way to bridge the Jewish and general communities in greater Nashville. The idea for a social justice seder was brought to Nashville by the late activist Avi Poster, and is presented each year to strengthen, broaden, and deepen our partnership and relationship with people and organizations devoted to the work of social justice, promoting the values of justice, kindness, compassion, inclusion, and respect for the way diversity makes us stronger together. Each year, we host over 300 guests from several different local groups around Nashville. These groups include Vanderbilt University, University School of Nashville, Community Foundation, Nashville Public Television, Metro Council, Islamic Center of Nashville, YWCA, Habitat for Humanity, Metro Nashville Schools, and Metro Nashville Police Department.
We hope to see you at our 2026 JCRC Social Justice Seder on March 26th. Click below to learn more and reserve your seat.
About Avi Poster
When Avi and his beloved wife, Joie, moved to Nashville from Chicago, he brought with him the vision of a Social Justice Seder. As he became involved with the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville, he encouraged our Jewish Community Relations Committee to create a similar program here.
Over the years, the Social Justice Seder has become a meaningful community tradition, exploring issues such as education, poverty, bigotry, and the importance of multifaith and multicultural relationships. From its inception, the Seder was designed to serve as a bridge between the Jewish community and the broader Nashville community.
Avi played a central role in that effort. His personal email list—affectionately known as “Avi’s List”—was remarkably broad and inclusive, reaching local elected officials, civic and business leaders, nonprofit executives, community activists, and clergy of many faiths. We relied on that network to ensure the Seder reached the widest possible audience.
In 2020, the JCRC Social Justice Seder was honored with the Nashville Scene Nations United Phila Award, which recognizes individuals and organizations that use food as a way to comfort, welcome, and empower those seeking an inclusive and equitable community table.
In honor and loving memory of Avi, we have created the Avi Poster Social Justice Seder Fund to endow this important community event.
Thank you for contributing.
