It was March 2023. I was browsing Facebook when a post from Moms of Franklin caught my eye.
Annie, a California mom, was “in the process” of moving her family to the area. She asked, “Where are the Jews in Franklin?” Then she elaborated, “I know there are Jews in Brentwood and Nashville, but I’m specifically looking at Franklin.”
There I sat chuckling to myself, “Here we are! Most of us fit into one house.” And then I checked the comments — HOLY…. WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE?! I scrolled through to see again and again, “We are Jewish. We would love to meet other families in the area…”
As a branding and identity specialist who dabbled in social media for clients many times, I knew I needed to do what any good Jewish mother would do. I HAD TO find THOSE children of THESE MOMS of Franklin so that MY children could see they are NOT the only ones who celebrate Hanukkah.
And so, I did. I created a private Facebook group called Jewish Franklin, TN. People began pouring in, while the rest of us watched giddily in shock, with every single one.
At 41 members, we were in a state of awe — 41 Jewish people WITH families who live here in Franklin!?! That means more like 120 plus.
The group continued to grow. We were welcoming Jews unknown to the Nashville community, some even from the outskirts and others from the Nashville community itself. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville offered support and ideas. Michal Eshkenzai Becker,chief impact and planning officer for The Federation says, “Supporting groups like Franklin Jewish Social is a big part of the Jewish Federation's mission to grow our community.We are here to professionally guide them, help them with issues in planning events, and support them through our grants. We are so proud of what this group has accomplished.”
Over time, we hosted playdates, Shabbat potlucks, comedy and movie nights, a white elephant party, ladies’ happy hours, cooking class, brunch gatherings, a Yom Kippur break-fast, walking, coffee and book clubs and even one massive Passover seder, all pulled together by random but very dedicated volunteers who just wanted to know other Jewish people.
Then came October 7th.
There we were, alone together in a city that embraced its Christian values but did not even know it housed Jews. Many of us believed we were in the safest place possible while others feared the worst.
In November, Helen Crowley posted an ask about a menorah lighting. We knew time was of the essence. Many of us had awakened to a new sense of Jewish pride that we did not previously even know lived within us. And yes, that was even after moving to an area with full understanding that we were just a little too far to easily take part in any sort of Jewish community.
Just days later, I happened to be at a small event where the City of Franklin’s Mayor Ken Moore spoke. I approached the mayor and asked if the City would be open to hosting a public menorah lighting. Funny enough, he had already heard from someone else in the group via email. The next thing I knew, he was introducing me with open arms to the City’s event planner.
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Fast forward a few weeks — we were given a beautiful venue and the City’s support. They said they had no idea we were here, to which we responded, “neither did we.”
A week later, we were surprised with new Hanukkah light post banners decorating the streets of the historic district.
When the Federation caught wind of our plans to host Franklin’s first public Hanukkah, they offered to cover a large portion of our costs and even present the insurance. Volunteers jumped in for additional fundraising, supplies, talents and support. It came together so quickly, along with a clear picture of just how strong, supportive and multi-talented our little community was.
The City of Franklin’s first Hanukkah celebration took place. Planned in a miraculous eight days and eight nights, this literal miracle came together without an event planner… and with very little sleep.
We were honored to host musical entertainment by Grammy award-winning Dennis Scott with Rabbi Danziger leading the story and blessings, two food trucks, and a beautiful sea of menorah candle lights. Local city officials, Senators and Representatives were involved, and we received huge support from our neighbors.
The night was beyond our wildest dreams with over 400 attendees, so many that we ran out of parking. But the best part — when the evening ended, the first thing the city representatives said to Erin Wood and me was, “You have already outgrown this venue. Next year will be bigger!”
By March, the city of Franklin had already reached out to get us on their 2024 calendar. We selected Franklin’s historic Public Square this time. They told us to expect at least double the crowd. The streets would be shut down and secured. A stage was encouraged. More food trucks were a must. We said – whoa – and ran with it!
Erin and I poured our hearts and lives into producing a meaningful night with the help of so many others. We were inspired by the state of this world and dedicated to the memory of Rose Lubin z’’l, whose grandmother, Franklin resident Eva Marx, would be present.
A few months out, Meital Nisim, who we called our Israeli angel, magically appeared and took on the role of Assistant Producer and Emcee — in 2023, that magical person was Liat Zilberman.
The Promise Sessions organized musical entertainment, and The Star of David designed and curated the art show and market. Rabbi Saul led the candle lighting, and Patricia Heaton of O7C spoke just after Eva Marx and Franklin’s Police Department’s Max Winitiz.
We saw that we were growing into a full-fledged festival for the entire community, neighbors, allies and all by year two! We invited all the Jewish organizations we had contacts for and made calls for volunteers. The goal was to create a true festival for hope and healing — The Miracle of Light.
Through the planning process, we changed our name to accommodate a new local friend — Williamson Chabad – the county’s first rabbinical presence, choosing its home after seeing our group’s growth and evolution.
And that is how we became Franklin Jewish Social. The new name felt most appropriate — we are not affiliated with any institution or sect of Judaism. We are a bunch of locals seeking to live kind and meaningful lives, just BEING Jewish together.
Here we are now utilizing the rigorous vetting system known as Jewish Geography, which has brought in over 500 locals from far and wide. We have a private group and a public-facing page for allies, both of which can be found through our website — franklinjewishsocial.com. ?
FUNNY FACT: Sweet Annie, who inspired this all, never actually moved to Franklin. But she will always be a part of our mishpacha.
