With close to 20,000 Jews, 8,500 live in Memphis, 5,750 in Nashville, 1,650 in Knoxville, and 1,350 in Chattanooga. There are Jewish congregations in those cities, as well as in Jackson, Johnson City, and Oak Ridge. Organized Jewish life began in the state in 1845, first organized in Nashville and Memphis.

Literally, return, turning away from sin and back to God’s teachings. In the Bible, the prophets urge the people to return to God. In the Talmud, teshuvah becomes a central Jewish concept, beginning with repentance and culminating in divine forgiveness. The ten days between Rosh Ha-shanah and Yom Kippur are called the Ten Days of Repentance.

See Old Testament.