The Jewish Observer
News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community | Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024
The Jewish Observer

Congregations October 2023

Congregation Micah 

Congregation Micah - an inclusive, innovative synagogue exploring and celebrating Jewish life - is committed to building community and repairing the world! We offer creative and diverse ways to live a Jewish life in Tennessee and beyond, using the rich beliefs and practices of Progressive Judaism as our foundation. Visit our 30+ acre campus or access our virtual programs from our website, www.congregationmicah.org. Like us on socials: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MicahNashville; sign up for our e-blasts; learn and pray with us in-person, or livestream our service on our website, YouTube, or Facebook.  In our tent, there is room for everyone! 

 

Weekly Events: 

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM 

At Micah, we approach God in many ways: the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, the authenticity of our intentions, and through the power of music and song. Join us in-person or virtually for services this month that will be as diverse as they are engaging, as moving as they are participatory. Come early and schmooze with us starting at 5:30 PM! Light refreshments are served. 

Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9 AM on Zoom 

Deep conversations about the text with thoughtful and caring people led by the clergy. 

Mah Jongg: Tuesdays from 12:30 PM- 3:30 PM 

Join our players for an afternoon of fun in the social hall! For more information, contact Paula: pgkwn@comcast.net. 

Schmooze & Views: Thursdays from 10:30 AM- 11:30 AM 

At Micah, we keep politics off the pulpit but not out of the building. Share your views in a round-table discussion on current events facilitated by Rabbi Flip and Dr. Bob Smith. 

 

October Events 

 

Adult Hebrew: Sundays, October 1, 15, 22, & 29, at 10:30 AM. 
Guest instructor Ethan Levin is patient and personal as he teaches any and all who want to begin the journey of learning the Holy Tongue.   

Micah Reads: Monday, October 2, at 7 PM on Zoom  
Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “Who By Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai” by Matti Friedman on October 2 and “The Flight Portfolio” by Julie Orringer on November 6. 

21st Century American Judaism: Tuesday, October 3, at 12:00 PM 
What are the key factors contributing to and influencing a changing Jewish landscape in this country? What will it mean for our institutions, for political engagement, philanthropy and more?  How does current tech/AI innovations affect todays Judaism, if at all? This Adult education opportunity is presented by Rabbis Laurie Rice and Shana Mackler, featuring guest Steven Windmueller. 

Mussar Class with Karen Strock: Jewish Spiritual Ethics 
Wednesdays, October 4, 11, 18, 25 
This Introduction to Mussar course is an invitation to enter 5784 with renewal, meaning, purpose, and hope. Join Rabbi Karen Strok, dear friend and rabbinic colleague to Rabbis Laurie and Flip, in a 4-week interactive Introduction to Mussar course, designed for beginners. We will cover the guiding principles of Mussar and spiritual practices that can make us even better versions of ourselves. Our text will be "Everyday Holiness" by Alan Morinis and we will have weekly reading assignments to enhance our learning. 

 

Simchat Torah: Friday, October 6, at 6 PM 

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Our clergy leads our celebration as we unwrap the Torah and wrap up the season on this magical night. Special Guest Michael Ochs joins us to play some classic melodies we all know and love. Our Pre-Neg begins at 5:30 with services starting promptly at 6 PM. 

 

ReJewVenation: Tuesdays, October 10, 17, 24, & 31, at 6 PM. 
Rabbi Laurie leads this educational opportunity to reconnect with you with your personal Judaism. 

 

Broadway Shabbat: Friday, October 20, at 6 PM. 

Wilkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to this special Broadway Shabbat Service. Don’t worry, we won’t make you steal any bread for your food – you can join us for our pre-neg starting at 5:30 for light hors d'oeuvres. Put some of those millions of minutes to use worshipping a Shabbat filled with Broadway references you don’t want to miss.  
 
Women’s Circle: Friday, October 20, at Noon 
Rabbi Laurie engages your intellect and inspires conversation on a variety of Jewish topics. All are welcome. Bring a friend. RSVP on Micah’s event page. 
 

Grief Group with Rabbi Laurie: Thursday, October 26, at 12 PM 

"The universe is made of stories, not of atoms." 

-Muriel Rukeyser, The Speed of Darkness 
 

We all have stories of loss. Maybe a loved one died, a marriage ended, a relationship went sideways, or a job slipped through our fingertips. Loss is often accompanied by grief, and grief is best explored and moved through by the sharing of stories in community. Rabbi Laurie will convene a grief circle monthly beginning in August. All are welcome to attend. This offering is in-person only. 

Anti-Israel Expressions & Anti-Semetic behaviors: Thursday, October 26, at 6:00 PM 
So, why now? What are the driving features in connection with what we are experiencing? What ideas, individuals and institutions are shaping attacks on Israel, Jews and Judaism? This Adult education opportunity is presented by Rabbis Laurie Rice and Shana Mackler, featuring guest Steven Windmueller. 

 

 

Sherith Israel 

 

Sundays, October 15th & 29th 

Tefillah Workshop with Cantor Dov 

9:30am - 11:00am (Library) 

Dive into a deeper understanding of our prayers, through the lens of songwriting.  

Daveners of all levels are welcome. 

Coffee and refreshments will be served. 

Torah will be shared. 

 

October 5 

Simchat Beit Hashoava 

Featuring the Music of Dveikus 

6:30 pm 

 

Saturday Night, October 7 

Simchat Torah Celebration and Festive Dinner 

6:30 pm. 

 

October 20 

Nashville Pre-JAM Fest Shabbaton 

Friday Night Dinner and Program 

 

October 28 

Eat, Learn, Sing 

Community Seudah Shlishit, Learning, and Musical Havdallah 

With Cantor Dov, Moreh Nechemya, and Rabbi Saul 

 

Come learn with us in our Communal music city Bass Midrash. 
On Wednesdays at Sherith Israel, between 8:00pm-9:30pm. 
Drinks and Refreshments will be provided. 
For any question please don't hesitate to contact Nechemya Rosenfeld nechemya@akivanashville.net 

 

 

The Temple 

October 2023  

 

Pirkei Avot: Jewish Wisdom for Today's World 
Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM  

Get ready for Shabbat with a little text study!  Each week we will study a piece of wisdom from Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of our Ancestors, an ancient Jewish text still relevant in our own times. Available in person at The Temple and via zoom.  

Shabbat Schedule for October  

Our Shabbat Services will be held in person at The Temple. You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org.  

 

Friday, October 6th ~ 6:00 pm- Simchat Torah Service and Festive Oneg 

 

Friday, October 13th~ 6:00 pm 

 

Friday, October 20th~ 6:00 pm-Family Service and Birthday Blessings 

  

Friday, October 27th ~ 6:00 pm – Celebrate Mitzie Russell’s service to The Temple and Blue Jean Shabbat 

 

Golden Lunch Bunch 

Will meet at Temple from 11:30-1:00pm on 

October 3rd: Bill Sleeter 

October 17th: Bryan Cumming 

RSVP to Jamie Maresca at 615-354-1686 or via email at helpinghands@jfsnashville.org 

 

Chevrah Torah Study 

 9:30AM on Saturdays  

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy. 

You can join us in person at The Temple or via zoom from thetemplehub.org 

 

 

Women's Torah Study 
October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 

10:30 AM 

Ongoing weekly women's Torah study led by Patty Marks. 

Available in person at The Temple and via zoom through thetemplehub.org 

 

Lunch with the Rabbi  
October 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th 
Lunch at 11:30AM 

Program12:00-1:00 PM 

$15 per person for lunch 

Engage with Rabbi Danziger and guests in a discussion of current and important issues from a Jewish perspective. 

RSVP on thetemplehub.org or by calling the Temple at 615-352-7620 

Available in person and via zoom.  

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org 

 

Monday Mah Jongg with Canasta  

Join Us for MAH JONGG Mondays at The Temple! 

October 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th 

1:00pm  

Drop in for Mah JonggWe’ll have coffee and water. Bring your friends, a card, and a set and have some fun. Mah Jongg cards and sets are available for purchase in The Temple Gift Shop.  

 

Writers of the Lost Ark 

First Wednesday of the Month 

October 4th 

7:00-8:00 PM 

Are you looking for a creative outletWriters of the Lost Ark, our Temple writer’s group, meets the first Wednesday of each monthThis is a safe, supportive, and no pressure environment to share your creative ideas whether they be stories, songs, poems, or praiseThe group is open to all regardless of how little or how long you’ve been writingThose curious to find their creative side are welcome as well. 

 

For more information, please contact ninapacent@bellsouth.net. 

 

 

Join the Temple and Congregation Micah for a Zoom Adult Ed with Steven Windmueller, Ph.D. Interim Director of the Zelikow School of Jewish Nonprofit Management of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion  

Tuesday, October 3 - Noon - 1:15 PM 

21st Century American Judaism: What are the key factors contributing to and influencing a changing Jewish landscape in this country? What will it mean for our institutions, for political engagement, philanthropy and moreHow does current tech/AI innovations affect todays Judaism, if at all? 

Thursday, October 26 - 6:00 PM 

Anti-Israel Expressions and anti-Semitic Behaviors  

For zoom access, please go to thetemplehub.org.  

 

NowGen Nashville and Next Dor Young Professionals Network and Nosh 

October 19th from 6:00-8:00pm at The Temple 

Ages 21+ 

 

It’s a Knitzvah Crafternoon! Sunday, October 1st 1:30 pm 

The Temple’s W.E.L.L (Women Engaged in Living & Learning) is joining with the Crafternoon crew and invites all knitters, crocheters, and anyone who just wants to learn how to knit a simple scarf to provide for the homeless women who are a part of the Room in the Inn during the cold winter. Or bring a craft project of your own. We will be in the Sukkah at The Temple to enjoy the company of women engaged in living & learningRefreshments will be served!  

Please RSVP to Rabbi Mackler at rabbisgmackler@templenashville.org. For more information, please go to thetemplehub.org or templenashville.org 

 

Celebrate with us in the Sukkah 

  • Intro to Judaism and Conversion Conversations Opening Gathering – Sunday, October 1st 

 

  • Preschool Parent Committee-Monday, October 2nd 

 

  • LGBTQ+ Dinner -Tuesday, October 3rd 

 

  • Hebrew School Dinner -Wednesday, October 4th 

 

For more Information, see thetemplehub.org 

 

Sukkot Yizkor Service- October 6th at 5:00pm  

 

Intro to Judaism-Conversion Conversations Led by Rabbi Shana Mackler 

Opening Gathering, Sunday, October 1 ~ 4:00 PM 

Online classes begin Tuesday October 10 @ 7:00 PM 

Join us for in-depth look at Jewish history, holidays, traditions, customs, and beliefsRabbi & Senior Scholar Shana Mackler leads these thought-provoking conversations about JudaismThere is no expectation of conversion upon completion of this class and syllabus, though many choose to do so. This is a great way to learn together and take the next steps towards living and leading a more meaningful Jewish life. 

Register at Thetemplehub.org/learning 

 

Temple’s W.E.L.L Group (Women Engaged in Living and Learning) is co-sponsoring the Monday Matinee film Sabotage of the Nashville Jewish Film Festival on October 23rd at the the GJCC. Lunch is available starting at 11 and the film will be screened at noon. Go to https://www.nashvillejff.net/ for more information.  

 

 

Family Pet Blessing at The Temple 

Sunday, October 1st from 11:30-12:30 

on the Patio (Rain or Shine) 

All of God’s creatures are welcome!  

Schedule:  

11:30AM-12:00PM-Social Time and meet and greet with pets and pet parents 

12:00PM- Blessing of the Pets by he clergy 

12:15PM- Pet Contest