As a historic ice storm gripped Tennessee over the weekend of Jan. 24-25, Chabad of Nashville opened its doors to provide shelter, warmth and hot kosher meals to individuals and families left without power or heat. Over this past week, widespread ice accumulation caused trees to collapse, roads to become impassable, and power lines to fall, leaving entire neighborhoods in darkness.
With temperatures remaining below freezing—bringing dangerous conditions not seen since 1994—and emergency services stretched thin, many residents were unable to leave their homes or access basic necessities.
Despite the hazardous conditions, Chabad of Nashville remained operational, thanks to a recently installed generator, allowing the organization to become a hub of light and support in an otherwise darkened neighborhood.
“Last night, the entire area around us was pitch black, yet our building was lit and open to anyone in need,” said Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel, co-director of Chabad of Nashville with his wife, Esther. “In moments like these, having power isn’t just a blessing. It’s a responsibility.”
With streets coated in ice, volunteers with snow-capable vehicles delivered hot meals to residents who were homebound, ensuring no one was forgotten. Chabad also provided shelter and hospitality to travelers stranded in Nashville due to the storm, offering them a warm place to stay and a sense of family during uncertain days.
Among those who stepped forward to help was a man named Robert from New Jersey, who became stranded in Nashville due to the weather. Rather than wait out the storm, he spent hours assisting Chabad staff in cutting and clearing fallen trees around the property, helping reduce ongoing safety hazards caused by ice-laden branches.
Power in the surrounding neighborhood has been out since Sunday morning, Jan. 25, and remained unrestored for days, leaving many families without heat or electricity. In response, Chabad of Nashville continues to welcome anyone in need of hot kosher dinners, warmth, and connection as temperatures drop and Shabbat arrives.
“In times like these, no one should feel alone,” said Tiechtel. “Even when the lights are out, we can still create warmth, hope, and community—together.”
