The Jewish Observer
News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community | Friday, Oct. 18, 2024
The Jewish Observer

Congregations July 2024

Chabad of Nashville 

In G-d We Trust July 4, Kosher BBQ 

Chabad of Nashville will host the “In G-d We Trust - July 4 Kosher BBQ” on Thursday, July 4, at 6:00 PM, and invites the Nashville community to join the celebration of the Independence of the United States of America. 

We celebrate the opportunity that Untied States has afforded Jewish life, in allowing the freedom of religion and living life as proud Jews in our country, and in our city of Nashville, Tennessee. 

The Rebbe, Rabbi Schneerson of blessed memory, on several occasions, likewise referred to the uniqueness of America in providing a place where Judaism could thrive. 

“The United States has been host to the headquarters of our movement since 1940,” he wrote to President Gerald Ford in 1975. “Under the conducive conditions of religious freedom in this great country, whose motto is ‘In Gd We Trust,’ our 200-year-old movement, which I have been privileged to head and lead for the past 25 years, has been able to flourish with renewed dedication and vitality, and to make a lasting contribution, particularly in the area of education and youth activity, so vital in the present day and age.” 

The Kosher BBQ will include a buffet dinner of grilled chicken, meat, corn, beans, salads and more. RSVP at chabadnashville.com 

Meet in Person for Prayer and Cholent 

Chabad of Nashville is a happening place on Shabbat mornings. Join community and friends for Shabbat morning services, replete with joyful prayer, kavanah, simcha and great energy.  

Join Chabad on Shabbat mornings at 10:00 AM for prayer and Torah reading, inspiring learning and a weekly sermon, followed by a hot cholent, freshly baked Challah, a gourmet buffet lunch, and a weekly farbrengen with some friendly L’Chaim. 

Chabad to host two TGIS celebration in July 

Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy. TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evening, July 12 and 26, at 6:30 PM at Chabad of Nashville. 

There is no cost to attend the TGIS Shabbat experience, however we kindly request that you RSVP by letting us know you will be attending at chabadnashville@gmail.com 

Chabad to Host tribute to the Rebbe 

On Saturday, July 6, Chabad of Nashville will host a tribute lunch in honor of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson of blessed memory, in commemoration of his 30th anniversary of passing. 

For more than 40 years, the Rebbe led the Jewish people towards a spiritual renaissance out of the ashes of the Holocaust and the specter of assimilation. The Rebbe revolutionized the way we think of ourselves as people. He taught us to think of the Jewish people as a single whole, as a community, in which every individual is irreplaceable, and to embrace every Jew with the same concern and devotion. 

Over thirty years after the Rebbe’s passing, his presence is felt stronger than ever. His teachings continue to inspire and guide us, and his insights remain as fresh and relevant as if it were given today. Each of us is a beneficiary of the Rebbe’s inspiration in one way or another, and our lives are affected by his visionary leadership. 

On the anniversary of his passing, let’s honor his life’s mission to bring goodness and kindness into this world. 

We invite you to join us for Shabbat lunch, on July 6, at 12:30 PM, as we celebrate the Rebbe’s life and vision. The event will include a beautiful sit-down lunch replete with Shabbat delicacies, L'Chaim, Chasidic melodies and words of inspiration, with stories and insights about the Rebbe and his inspiration and impact on our lives. 

Shabbat morning services are at 10:00 and will be followed at 12:30 by a Kiddush lunch and Farbengen in honor of this occasion. 

Registration is open at the Chabad Hebrew School  

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The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School (CHS) has opened registration for the coming school year. Directed by Mrs. Esther Tiechtel, CHS has earned a 26-year reputation of being an innovative program in which students excel in their Hebrew reading, Jewish knowledge, and pride for their heritage. 

Located at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, CHS meets weekly and caters to students ages 5 through 13. The new academic year will begin in August 2024, with a special program introducing this year’s theme, “Living Jewishly as a Community of One.” 

“The Bertram and Beatrice King Chabad Hebrew School emphasizes exploring the Jewish heritage is a creative and fun way, putting the FUN in FUNdamentals, with special focus on not only accumulating knowledge, but applying those lessons to our everyday life,” said Esther Tiechtel. She adds that through, “art, drama, songs, contests, and interactive activities, Judaism become real and alive to the students.” 

CHS prides itself on developing a community among its students, staff and parents. The Hebrew School's most important message is embedded in the culture and relationships it fosters, taking the time to build a community that attends to the needs of individual children, embracing them in an environment where their classmates become their good friends. The school is connected to congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, sharing a feeling of warmth and hospitality, establishing values and morals that are at the core of our Jewish heritage. 

During classes on Jewish values and holidays, children engage their minds of through peer discussions and hands-on experiences, and are challenged to analyze, evaluate, and compare texts, ideas, and ethical dilemmas. The cohesive, whole-school curriculum focuses on developing Emunah- Faith as the cornerstone in our lives. Children learn through stories of our heroes and heroines, illustrating how they used faith and connection to keep them grounded and strong. 

CHS creates confident Jewish learners by giving them the tools to read Hebrew and participate in the davening/prayer services. The Alef Champ Program is famous for instilling a love as well as fluency in Hebrew reading. This year, students will enjoy centers on Hebrew writing and language as well as interactive vocabulary 

For more information and to request registration forms, contact Chabad at 615-646-5750, or email rabbi@chabadnashville.com  

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, 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. 

July Events: 

Micah Reads

Education Director Julie Greenberg leads the discussion on “Thistlefoot” by Genna Rose Nethercott on July 1. 

Sherith Israel 

Join us this  for a lecture series later this summer, at Sherith Israel, given by Dr. Lenn Goodman on the occasion of the recent publication of The Guide to the Perplexed: A New Translation. 

Four Sundays in August 

Breakfast at 9 AM. Lecture at 9:30 AM 

The Rambam’s Life & times; Main Themes of the Guide to the Perplexed 

Biblical Poetry and How we humans can Think about God 

Prophecy and Revelation – How does God reach out to finite human minds? 

Human Suffering and Limitations; God’s Connection to the World we Know; Rambam Today 

To register for the lecture series and for book ordering information, please email office@sherithisrael.com. 

The Temple

All programming can be accessed via thetemplehub.org  unless noted to be in person only  

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 July/August 

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

Friday, July 5th ~ 6:00 pm –Red, White & Blue Jean Shabbat 

Friday, July 12th~ 6:00 pm 

Friday, July 19th~6:00 pm- Song Writers Shabbat & Birthday blessings  

Friday, July 26th ~ 6:00 pm –Blue Jean Shabbat 

Song Writers Shabbat 

July 19th at 6:00pm 

For the eighth year in a row, The Temple is excited for Songwriter's Shabbat on Friday, July 19th at 6:00pm - a fun Shabbat service featuring music written by our own Temple members! This service has become a beloved tradition in our Temple community and we look forward to a night of beautiful music and pride in our Temple family.  

You can also watch via zoom from thetemplehub.org.  

Golden Lunch Bunch  

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

July 2nd: Russ Davis 

July 16th: Game Day 

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 
July 11th, 18th, 25th  
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  
July 11th, 18th, 25th  
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! 

July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 

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.  

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  

7/12 – Shabbat Potluck – 6:00 p.m. 

Bring a pareve or dairy dish to share with friends. RSVP information to come. 

7/14 – Music and Me 

Families with young children under 3 are invited to join for a musical program plus schmooze time from 3:30-4:30 p.m. 

7/26 – It’s Shabbat 5:30-6:30 p.m. 
Friday night Shabbat Celebration & Oneg for Families with Young Children. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org 

 Learning opportunities: 

Talmud on Tuesdays 

Guest Rabbi Ari Bursztein leads a lively Talmudic discussion at 7:30 a.m. in person and on Zoom every Tuesday, immediately after morning minyan. Come and join us! 

Religious Services: 

Shacharit (in person) 

Our minyanaires are always looking for more people to strengthen the only egalitarian minyan in town!  Sunday services are at 9:00 a.m. and Monday-Friday at 7:00 a.m. Thursday minyan is followed by breakfast. 

Mincha (on Zoom) 

Join us for daily Mincha at 6:00 p.m., Sunday-Thursday. 

Kabbalat Shabbat  

You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat in person at 6:00 p.m.  

Shabbat Morning services 

You are invited to join us every Saturday morning in person or by Zoom at 9:30 a.m. Great davening, insightful learning of the Torah portion and a yummy (and nutritious!) kiddush lunch following services!