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

Congregations December 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. 

December Events: 

Micah Reads: Monday, December 4, at 7 PM on Zoom   

Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “Kantika” by Elizabeth Kraver on December 4 and “Safekeeping” by Jessamyn Hope on January 8.  

ReJewVenation: Tuesdays, December 5 and 12 at 6 PM  

Rabbi Laurie leads this educational opportunity to reconnect with you with your personal Judaism.  

Micah and Temple Clergy with Dr. Steven Windmueller on Zoom  

Anti-Israel Expressions & Anti-Semitic behaviors:  

Wednesday, December 6, at 6 PM   

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?  

Channukah Shabbat and Dinner: Friday, December 8 at 6 PM  

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Our annual Channukah Shabbat Dinner and Chanukiah Contest returns this year. Come celebrate the miracle of light and meet with members of the congregation. Make sure you enter a Chanukiah into our contest! See details for submission on our website. 

Micah’s Got Talent: Friday, December 8 at 6:45 

Back by popular demand, Micah’s Got Talent is your chance to showcase your Skills! Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, do gymnastics, or are a Rubik’s cube master, step into the spotlight and let the community see what you do best! The show begins immediately following Shabbat services. Register to attend or perform on our website. 

Grief Group with Rabbi Laurie: Thursday, November 30, 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. 


Sherith Israel 

December 2  

Eat, Learn, Sing 

Community Seudah Shlishit, Learning, and Musical Havdallah 

For more information, visit www.sherithisrael.com 

December 9 (Motzei Shabbos) 

Annual Chanukah Party 

Menorah Lighting, Food, Music, and More 

For reservations, visit www.sherithisrael.com   

December 16 

Community Melava Malka 

6:30 pm Music, Stories, Food 

For all ages. 

For more information, visit sherithisrael.com 

 

The Temple 

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 December 

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

Friday, December 1st ~ 6:00 pm  

Friday, December 8th~ 6:00 pm-Chanukah Service with Noam Katz and festive oneg to follow 

Friday, December 15th~Ninth Night of Chanukah Service   

Friday, December 22nd ~ 6:00 pm – Blue Jean Shabbat 

Friday, December 29th ~ 6:00 pm – Blue Jean Shabbat 

Ninth Night of Chanukah 

December 15th at 6:00pm 

Chanukah is a celebration of Jewish pride, survival and hopeIt is a holiday of bringing light into a darkened world, and on these days that darker, we join together to add more light with our Ninth Night of ChanukahJoin us for Shabbat as we add more light to the world. 

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 

Tot Shabbat for families with young children.  

December 9th @ 4:00pm-Chanukah with Musician in Residence Noam Katz. Come for Tot Shabbat and stay for our community menorah lighting and Havdallah 

Women's Torah Study 
December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 

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  
December 7th, 14th, 21st 

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! 

December 4th, 11th, 18th 

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.  

The Temple’s Adult Education Series 

Hello My Name Is…. 

 Learn Jewish History, Innovation, Culture, and Values through Famous Jews with Familiar Names.  

Hello My Name is Jerry: Tuesdays, 11/28, 12/5, 12/12 at noon at The Temple. 

Our clergy will be leading these sessions. For more information, go to thetemplehub.org. 

Golden Lunch Bunch 

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

December 5th: Hanukkah Party featuring Cantor Fishbein 

December 19th: Ayla Schwartz 

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

Hike & Havdallah at Percy Warner 

Presented by The Temple’s Worship and Music Committee 

Saturday, December 16th 

Where and When for the Hike? Meet at the top of the steps at the end of Belle Meade Boulevard at 3:45 PM with the hike of the 2.5 mile white trail to begin at 4:00 PM. If you are not hiking, please meet us for Havdalah at the stone gate entrance to the park at 5:30 PM. 

Who? All ages! Bring friends and family.  

For more information or questions, please contact Anne Davenport at adavlaw@comcast.net 

Chanukah at The Temple 

Temple Chai Society Pre Chanukah Dinner and Movie 

Chai Society is for members 65+ 

Sunday, December 3rd at 5:30 pm 

Please join us for a fun evening of food and the heartwarming movie Full Court Miracle that is based on a true story of determination, faith and friendship. Cost is $15 per person. 

Next Dor and Now Gen Young Adult Bourbon Tasting 

December 13th at 6:30pm.  

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sheri Rosenberg at sheri@templenashville.org 

Noam Katz – Musician In Residence 

Rabbi Noam Katz is one of the most exciting and influential voices in contemporary Jewish musicHe has brought his high-flying energy and soulful melodies to Jewish and interfaith audiences across North America, Africa, and IsraelA longtime song leader/educator at several URJ camps and programs, Noam’s music and wisdom are widely known throughout the Jewish worldHe currently serves as the Rabbi/Dean of Jewish Living at The Leo Baeck Day School in Toronto, Ontario. 

Schedule for Noam Katz: 

Friday, December 8th Shabbat Service at 6:00 pm with a Festive Oneg to Follow 

Saturday, December 9th Chevrah Torah at 9:30am 

Saturday, December 9th Tot Shabbat at 4:00pm  

Saturday, December 9th Chanukah Havdallah with Community Menorah Lighting at 5:00pm 

Ninth Night of Chanukah 

December 15th at 6:00pm 

Chanukah is a celebration of Jewish pride, survival and hopeIt is a holiday of bringing light into a darkened world, and on these days that darker, we join together to add more light with our Ninth Night of ChanukahJoin us for Shabbat as we add more light to the world. 

 

West End Synagogue 

For links to the following online services or programs, please email office@westendsyn.org or visit our website calendar for more information https://westendsyn.shulcloud.com/calendar  

12/1 - Potluck Shabbat Dinner 
Join us Friday, December 1st for an intimate Shabbat dinner experience with delicious food and fabulous company. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.or and plan on brining a pareve or dairy dish. 

12/3 - Music & Me - 10:30 a.m. 
Join Amber Ikeman for a Musical Program plus Schmooze time for Families with Young Children under three years oldSunday morning, December 3rd from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Get ready for Chanukah! 

12/6 - Wednesday Wind Down – 4:30 p.m. 

December 6th from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Join us for snacks and games in the May Internet Café at WES. No RSVP needed. 

Hanukkah at WES! 

12/7 - Ma’ariv & Hanukkah Candle Lighting at 6:00 p.m. Beer tasting with Trent Rosenbloom 6:30 p.m.  

Join us for a delightful Hanukkah celebration at West End Synagogue!  

Indulge in a unique Beer Tasting event with the renowned Trent Rosenbloom.  

Discover the perfect pairing of craft beers and festive Hanukkah delicacies.  

Reserve your spot today ($10 suggested donation) and let the holiday spirit flow with every sip!  

RSVP - bit.ly/WES1night23  

12/8 - Tot Shabbat 5:30 p.m./ Kabbalat Shabbat Services 5:30 p.m. (instead of our regular 6 p.m.), followed by Catered Hot Chicken Shabbat Dinner.  
Join us for either our regular Kabbalat Shabbat service or our FWYC Tot Shabbat service. Both services will be followed by a delicious Hot Chicken Catered Shabbat Dinner with vegan and non-spicy options for everyone. Experience the warmth of the season at our Shabbat Dinner, filled with traditional delights and joyful community spirit. Tot Shabbat for Families with young children 1st grade and under will be led by Nili Friedman and Sharon Paz. RSVP for Tot Shabbat and/or Dinner here: bit.ly/WES2night23 

12/9 - Kid’ish Club, aka Jr. Congregation  

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning, Saturday December 9th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kiddush lunch to follow.   

12/9 - Havdalah, Hanukkah Candle Lighting, & Board Game Night.  

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. RSVP Required. Get ready to light up your Hanukkah at West End Synagogue! Ignite the holiday spirit with a beautiful Havdalah ceremony and candle lighting. (don’t forget to bring your own hanukiyah!)  

Let the fun continue with our Board Game Night! Bring your friends, family, and your playful spirit for a night of laughter, games, and delectable Hanukkah treats.  

RSVP - bit.ly/WES3night23  

12/10 – Beit Miriam Hanukkah Family Program 

Join us for a Chanukah play put on by our high school students; a bounce house, Chanukah carnival activities, latkes, sufganiyot and Chanukah songs with musicians Amber Ikeman and Bel Gelzer 10:30-11:55 a.m. 

12/10 - Music City Sisterhood Torah Fund – An Afternoon of Learning and Music  

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Featuring West End's new Assistant Rabbi, Natan Freller and his wife, Bel Gelzer. RSVPs required and open until noon on December 6th 

RSVP - bit.ly/TorahFund2023  

12/11 - 20s & 30s Hanukkah Candle Lighting, Snacks and Shmooze, & A Rugrats Hanukkah Screening Hosted by Rav Natan Freller & Bel Glezer 

RSVP for address: bit.ly/Hanukkah20s30sWES  

12/13 - The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ - 11:00 a.m. 

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation. 

Speaker: Jean Roseman. Topic: “The Evolution of Nashville’s Synagogues 

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $3.00  

RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org. 

12/13 - Women's Torah Group (on Zoom) – 11:00 a.m. 

Join us on December 6th, at 11:00 a.m. Rabbi Joshua leads our study of the book of Deuteronomy.