2026 Guide to Jewish Nashville
Your Journey Begins Here
T H E B E S T O F N A S H V I L L E RE A L E S TAT E
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2 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
SCAN TO VIEW OUR LISTINGS
Welcome from the CEO Welcome to the 2026 Guide to Jewish Nashville. Whether you are visiting Nashville, considering moving here, or are a long-time member of the community, your journey begins here. Within this guide you will find everything you need to know to engage fully in Nashville’s Jewish community. The first stop on your journey should be the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville’s pages where you will find an overview of the community’s services and programs and be introduced to the many ways you can become involved. From our vibrant diverse local synagogues to our high-quality Jewish schools and programs, to our many social and service organizations for people of all ages, there is truly something for everyone. In addition to the many organizational offerings, I invite you to also look at our listings for Kosher restaurants, cafes, and grocery offerings. Check out our advertisers who represent the breadth of Nashville and all it has to offer in the way of services from realtors to shopping and much more. Jewish life in Nashville is exciting and fulfilling and the Jewish Federation is proud to be your guide as you embark on learning more. I hope to see you around the community and remind you that our doors are always open. Wishing you a nesiyah tovah, a good journey, Judy Alperin Chief Executive Officer Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Contents Feature:
Focus on Belonging: Disability and LGBTQ+ Inclusion.... 12 Middle Tennessee Jewish Parents Collective......................... 13
Listings:
Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville ....................................5 Gordon Jewish Community Center............................................14 Jewish Family Service....................................................................... 21 Synagogues........................................................................................... 23 2026 B'rit Mitzvahs.....................................................................33 Jewish Schools and Preschools..................................................35 Jewish Youth Groups........................................................................43 Young Adult Organizations...........................................................45 Cultural, Service, Social, and Politcal Organizations...................................................................................... 50 Community Educational Resources..........................................55 Kosher in Nashville.............................................................................58 LEGEND Disability Inclusion Badge
Religious School
Young Family Programming
LGBTQ+ Inclusion Badge
Preschool
Youth Group Programming
Mikvah
Gift Shop
Senior Programming
Cemetery
Young Adult Programming
Publisher................................................................................Judy Alperin Editor...................................................................................... Barbara Dab Editorial Associate..........................................................Emma Canter Advertising Manager.......................................................... Carrie Mills Layout and Production................................................... Tim Gregory Editorial Contact............................................................(615) 354-1653 barbaradab@jewishnashville.org Advertising Contact.................................................... (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org Cover Art...................................Joelye Davis, marketing associate While the Guide to Jewish Nashville makes an effort to accept only reputable advertisers of the highest quality, we cannot guarantee the kashrut of their products.
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Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 3
4 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville of Greater Nashville
801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 www.jewishnashville.org (615) 356-3242 info@jewishnashville.org Every day, the Federation helps Jewish life thrive in Nashville, in Israel and in 70 countries around the world. Your generosity makes it all possible. This is an exciting time for Nashville and for the Jewish community. The Federation is the central voluntary organization of the Nashville Jewish community, with a growing and increasingly diverse Jewish population. Through fundraising, planning and community relations efforts, either independently or with other Jewish organizations, we work to promote the general welfare, viability, and cohesiveness of the Nashville Jewish community and to ensure the continuity of the Jewish people locally, in Israel and around the world. Our work centers around five areas: • funding ongoing and innovative programs that promise to improve Nashville and world Jewry, • convening local Jewish organizations to implement shortand long-term community-building strategies, • building bridges with allies and local partners outside the Jewish community, • deepening connections between Israel and the Middle Tennessee Jewish community, and • creating endowments to ensure a Jewish future for generations to come. In every area of Jewish Federation activity and programming, we work to meet the evolving concerns in our community, including individuals and families in need. With your help, we assist our own and other Jewish communities when disasters strike. Whether it is a local tornado, a hurricane in another state, or a worldwide global pandemic, we can efficiently and nimbly respond to emerging needs. In the aftermath of October 7, we raised over $1million in emergency aid to Israel with all funds going directly to provide emergency aid on the ground. In the past several years, we have successfully obtained over a
million dollars in federal nonprofit security grants for our community, as well as successfully lobbied for supplemental state funding. We hold numerous events and coordinate initiatives aimed at combatting antisemitism. And we provide resources to our community with educational events on timely issues and teach our community members to be effective advocates. We hold inclusive events that allow our entire community to come together. And we give out 2 million dollars a year in grants to benefit our local community as well as national and international programs. Alongside an incredibly hard-working and dedicated staff, the board, and all our wonderful volunteers look forward to continuing our mission into the future. Partner with us to support and sustain Jewish life and plan for a vibrant Jewish future. Only with your help can we do our sacred work of serving vulnerable populations, building bridges within our community and with outside partners and allies, and supporting Jewish life and learning - in Greater Nashville, in Israel, and throughout the world. •
Welcoming Newcomers Are you new to Nashville? Considering moving to our community? Let’s talk! The Jewish community in Nashville is an exciting, dynamic and friendly community. Our outreach services will connect you to the community resources you are looking for. The Jewish Federation works with the local synagogues and other Jewish organizations and agencies to make newcomers feel at home. Our goal is to welcome every newcomer with a copy of the Guide to Jewish Nashville and other information about local congregations, agencies and organizations. To learn more about connecting as newcomers, contact emma@jewishnashville.org. • @ůōń &ůŵǧ GĈýĺĽħŅǢ ńħĽĈƱ áŅă &ħ]ƁƺħōǢ
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Submit articles to barbaradab@jewishnashville.org
801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 www.jewishobservernashville.org Contacts Barbara Dab, editor (615) 354-1653 barbaradab@jewishnashville.org Emma Canter, editorial associate (615) 356-3242 emma@jewishnashville.org Carrie Mills, advertising manager (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org
Jewish Foundation Barry Allen Director of Planned Giving & Endowments (615) 354-1637 barry@jewishnashville.org Being a Jewish philanthropist is for those who believe in the Jewish future. The Jewish Foundation of Nashville was established more than 35 years ago, as the endowment arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. It offers a variety of estate planning and charitable giving opportunities to enable donors to meet their individual financial and estate planning needs, realize their philanthropic dreams and create a legacy for our Jewish future. Moreover, the Jewish Foundation provides a major source of funds to support the vital work of the Jewish Federation and the broader community to make Nashville a thriving city for Jewish life. The Jewish Foundation not only helps connect donors’ interests and values to the legacies they wish to create within the Jewish community; it also helps to create a culture of generosity by educating teens on the importance and rewards of giving. And it provides a framework for Nashville’s Jewish organizations to create the financial resources that will enable them to continue to provide service in the years ahead. The LIFE & LEGACY™ program, now in its sixth year, is an initiative of the Jewish Federation in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The LIFE & LEGACY™ program has enabled Nashville’s Jewish community to strengthen its financial future through a systematic approach to creating endowments. Initially, 14 Nashville Jewish organizations, including all five synagogues, participated in the program. This year, two Jewish schools have joined the program. Since 2017 more than 400 people throughout the community have signed over 880 letters of intent pledging to support Jewish Nashville with after-lifetime gifts. To help community members learn more about legacy giving,
The Jewish Observer is the monthly newspaper for the Jewish community of Nashville, published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. We cover local stories, updates from local Jewish organizations and news of Jewish interest from around the world. We strive to be a primary source for community information, both in our print edition and online at www. jewishobservernashville.org We welcome submissions from our readers, including articles and digital photos, suggestions for stories or information about upcoming events. Readers also may submit letters to the editor and op-ed columns with a Jewish perspective about current events and trends. Email submissions are preferred; all submissions are subject to review by the editor and/or editorial board before acceptance for publication. Deadline for submissions, including ads, is the 15th of the month before the intended month of publication (Jan. 15 for February issue, for example). We appreciate the support of our advertisers, so please let them know that you saw their ads. • our Professional Advisory Committee offers a series of seminars each year. The PAC is a group of attorneys, accountants, financial planners, and wealth advisors that provide education to the Jewish community related to wealth transfers to families and for charity. To learn more about the Jewish Foundation, contact Barry Allen, barry@jewishnashville.org, or Norma Shirk, norma@ jewishnashville.org. •
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Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 7
Jewish Community Relations Committee Harold Benus and Arthur Perlen, Co-Chairs Adeline Ellison, JCRC Associate adeline@jewishnashville.org The Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC) is the public affairs and government relations arm of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. JCRC serves as the outward face of the Jewish Federation and provides education and resources to schools, elected officials, businesses, and civic groups. The goal is to establish relationships between the Jewish community and the greater community of Middle Tennessee. The JCRC is guided by Jewish values, and its primary focus is on addressing issues of antisemitism and educating about Israel, as well as presenting the Jewish community’s stance on other important issues as they arise. The JCRC’s chairs serve on the Jewish Federation board, and the members represent the diversity of our local Jewish community, branches of Judaism, generations, and geography. Our flagship program is the JCRC Social Justice Seder. People
representing all aspects of the greater Nashville community join us for this festive event. The program uses the format of a Passover Seder to both welcome and teach about our culture and traditions, and to forge partnerships to address issues of mutual concern. To learn more about the work of the JCRC, contact Adeline Ellison, adeline@ jewishnashville.org. •
B’nai Tzedek The B’nai Tzedek program establishes a Foundation fund in the name of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah aged teen and has proven to be attractive to teens, who are learning the value of tzedakah, righteous giving. Make a tax-deductible contribution of $175 or more to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. Your contribution will then increase with an additional $125 from the Al Feldman Memorial Fund and $250 from the Feldman/Hassenfeld Fund for B’nai Tzedek. VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION
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With the additional contributions your starting B’nai Tzedek Fund total will be $550, housed at the Jewish Federation. B’nai Tzedeks meet four times a year for various events, including community outreach and gift planning. Every Spring they come together to make their annual recommendations to various charitable organizations. In 2024, the B’nai Tzedek program donated more than $11,000 to the organization they agreed upon and have reached nearly 450 members! Family members, friends, teachers and the BT themselves can donate to the fund at anytime by going to https://www. jewishnashville.org/donate and writing the name of the B’nai Tzedek the gift is intended for in the comments section. To sign up to become a B’nai Tzedek visit https://www. jewishnashville.org/bnaitzedek To learn more about the B’nai Tzedek Program please contact Leeron Stark Resnick at leeron@jewishnashville.org • Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org
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Partnership2Gether
Our Jewish Federation has emerged as a key leader in our Partnership2Gether program, which brings together the Hadera-Eiron region in north central Israel and several Jewish communities in the southeastern United States, including Nashville, and the Czech Republic, including Prague. Nashvillians are taking national leadership roles with the P2G Joint Steering Committee and on the Jewish Federations of North America’s board of trustees. Nashville is proud to participate in the Jewish Agency for Israel's (JAFI) Partnership2Gether (P2G) program connecting Jews in Israel, the United States, and the rest of the world through "sister city" style regional partnerships. Through this program, Nashville is part of a consortium of Jewish communities in the Southeast United States including Charlotte, Charleston, Chattanooga, Florida's Gulf Coast, Greensboro, Northeast Florida, Lee and Charlotte Counties in Florida, and Richmond which has a partnership with the Hadera-Eiron region in Israel as well as the Jewish communities of the Czech Republic. The Hadera-Eiron region in Israel includes the City of Hadera, Pardes Hanna-Karkur, Menashe Regional Council, and Alona Local Council in the Haifa district in northern Israel. The Partnership aims to deepen our communities' relationship with Israel through one-on-one relationship building between Americans, Israelis, and Czechs of all ages. Participants in Partnership programs develop a more personal, three-dimensional relationship with Israel and with Jews all over the world. For over 20 years, this Partnership has built deep, long-lasting friendships be-
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tween people and communities and has helped build understanding and respect between Jews all over the world. These relationships are built through programs like the Get Connected summer teen high school trip, the One2One program matching American teachers with Israeli teens learning English, and the Local2Global (L2G) virtual exchange program. The Partnership is also integrated into Israel activities throughout our Consortium, including Birthright trips and solidarity missions. The Partnership's stateside activities are operated out of Nashville. If you are interested in participating in Partnership activities, joining the local P2G committee, or learning more about how our Partnership works, you can reach out to P2G US Community Coordinator Jessica Banish at jessica@jewishnashville.org. •
Security The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville takes the security of the community seriously. We believe we have the obligation to take the lead in ensuring members of our community can enjoy the fullness of Jewish life today and for generations to come. We partner with local and federal law enforcement to ensure our congregations and beneficiary agencies remail safe places to gather. We also assist these agencies in applying for and receiving non-profit security grants through the Department of Homeland Security and the state of Tennessee. The Jewish Federation is also partnering with the Secure Community Network to hire a community security director, based in our community. The director is more than a security expert—they are a strategic partner embedded in the community. In addition to their work conducting site assessments for synagogues, schools, agencies, and gathering places, training staff and volunteers in threat awareness and emergency protocols, coordinating with law enforcement at all levels and serving as a crisis liaison and leading response efforts when needed, they can utilize SCN’s intelligence network for real-time threat monitoring and national briefings. For more information about security in the Jewish community, contact Judy Alperin, judy@jewishnashville.org. •
Federation Staff Senior Staff Judy Alperin, chief executive officer (615)-354-1639 judy@jewishnashville.org
Planning and Engagement Jessica Cohen Banish, P2G coordinator jessica@jewishnashville.org (615)-354-1650
Michal Eskenazi Becker, chief impact and planning officer (615) 354-1696 michal@jewishnashville.org
Barbara Schwarcz, events coordinator (615) 354-1630 barbara@jewishnashville.org
Barbara Dab, chief communications officer, Observer editor (615) 354-1653 barbaradab@jewishnashville.org
Ziv Shemesh, community shlicha (Israel emissary) (615) 354-1632 ziv@jewishnashville.org
Becky Gunn, chief financial officer (615) 354-1624 becky@jewishnashville.org
Finance and HR Nicole Nistal, Akiva School business manager (615) 432-2554 nicole@jewishashville.org
Jason Sparks, chief development officer (615)-354-1639 jason@jewishnashville.org Financial Resource Development Barry Allen, director of planned giving & endowments (615) 354-1637 barry@jewishnashville.org Leeron Resnick, donor engagement associate (615) 354-1698 leeron@jewishnashville.org Norma Shirk, LIFE & LEGACY™ community coordinator (615) 354-1678 norma@jewishnashville.org Erin Wides, donor engagement associate (615)-354-1643 erin@jewishnashville.org Communications and Marketing Emma Canter, communications and engagement associate (615) 914-7978 emma@jewishnashville.org Joelye Davis, marketing associate (615) 356-1642 joelye@jewishnashville.org Lynn Fleischer, Jewish community archivist (615) 354-1655 archives@jewishnashville.org Carrie Mills, Observer advertising manager (615) 354-1699 carrie@nashvillejcc.org
Tania Bukengolts, accounts manager/systems administrator (615) 354-1668 tania@jewishnashville.org Allen Cummings, IT director (615) 354-1675 admin@jewishnashville.org Heath Hinson, accounting and human resources (615) 354-1654 heath@jewishnashville.org Keep up to date with our upcoming programs via our weekly newsletter. You can see archives of the newsletter and sign up to receive the newsletter here: https://www.jewishnashville.org/newsletterarchives.
Major Jewish Holidays and Festivals 2026
*Jewish Holidays begin the night before listed dates
February 2: Tu BiShvat March 3: Purim April 2–9: Passover May 2-3: Shavuot July 23: Tish’a B’av September 12-13: Rosh Hashanah September 21: Yom Kippur September 26-October 2: Sukkot October 3: Shmini Atzeret October 4: Simchat Torah December 4-12: Chanukah Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 11
Focus on Belonging
Focus on Belonging: Disability and LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Nashville’s Jewish Community
T
he Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville believes in creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for everyone in the Jewish community. The Jewish Federation distributes approximately $2 million annually to organizations, congregations, and agencies throughout the local Jewish community here in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The grants are the single largest infusion of funds that support services and programs locally each year and represent approximately 85% of the total funds raised by The Jewish Federation annual campaign. The Lori Ann Fishel Fund for Special Needs, housed in the Federation’s Jewish Foundation, has expanded its focus to offer
grants to organizations, as well as to individuals. The effort has served to broaden the reach of the services and programs of The Jewish Federation. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville strives to provide meaningful support and resources for our local Jewish LGBTQ+ community members. We work to foster safe, affirming, and inclusive spaces across congregations, organizations, and communal life. By investing in inclusive initiatives and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, the Federation reinforces its commitment to a Jewish Nashville where people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are seen, valued, and celebrated. Visit our pages below to learn more about #JewishNashville’s dedication to inclusion. •
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Parents Collective & Reporting
Middle Tennessee Jewish Parents Collective Connecting and Supporting Families in #JewishNashville
T
he purpose of the Parents Collective is simple: to connect, support one another, and share resources for raising Jewish children in our community. Led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville staff and lay-leaders, the Collective is a warm and welcoming space for families with school-aged children to build connections, learn from one another, and navigate Jewish life with kids in Middle Tennessee. Families are invited to join, share what they are looking for, and receive updates about opportunities to engage. We are excited to connect with you, learn from one another, and build a supportive community for our children and families. Contact emma@jewishnashville.org or visit jewishnashville.org/parents to learn more and get involved.
jewishnashville.org/parents
Reporting & Resources Our world feels increasingly dark, and for Jews, that darkness has deepened with the dramatic rise in antisemitism. Since October 7, antisemitism in the U.S. has reached an all-time high. Antisemitism is not just a distant problem; Nashville has seen numerous local incidents in recent years. The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville works daily to address this growing threat. To better support those impacted, we launched a local antisemitism reporting form focused on school settings, where most local incidents occur. While anonymous reports are not accepted, families may submit reports for data collection only or request assistance in working with schools. Responses vary by district and age appropriateness, and privacy laws often limit our insight into specific disciplinary actions. This reporting form helps us track incidents, coordinate local responses, and hold leaders accountable in reducing antisemitism in our schools and community. Scan here to report. •
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 13
Gordon Jewish Community Center Gordon Jewish Community Center (Gordon JCC) 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170 www.nashvillejcc.org info@nashvillejcc.org @nashjcc
of Greater Nashville Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Contacts Dara Freiberg, President Marilyn Rubin, Executive assistant (615) 354-1679 Mari-Lynn Latta, Sr. Director of Programs (615) 354-1663 For contacts for all departments: www.nashvillejcc.org/team The Gordon Jewish Community Center is the home of Jewish life in Nashville. We welcome all, build community, and provide excellent programs rooted in Jewish values to enrich the mind, body and soul. Our goal is that you will feel at home, whether you are Jewish, Jew-ish, not sure, or not Jewish at all! Enrich your mind with thoughtful annual events such as the Nashville Jewish Film Festival, which just celebrated its 25th and most successful year. The NJFF aims to create a forum for the wider Nashville community to understand the complexity of issues surrounding Jewish life in contemporary society. The films chosen each year are meant to demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Jewish cultural, religious, historical, and social conditions of the modern era. Each spring, we host Art on the West Side, a juried art show featuring local and regional artists. The Madeline Pargh Arts and Crafts Center offers classes like oil painting, watercolor, and more, there’s something for everyone, children and adults alike. You can join us for regular bridge and mah-jongg games and classes. Thank Goodness It’s Thursday (TGIT), featuring talks through a Jewish lens, on the latest trends in the arts, business, science, and pop culture feeds and entertains our Seniors each week. Our dynamic and diverse arts and cultural activities throughout the year nourish your soul and aim to connect the Nashville Jewish community, regardless of religious or spiritual affiliation. Under One Roof, our annual Sukkot community arts project connects local organizations in Nashville to create a panel of 14 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
artwork around a chosen theme to be displayed in our sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot. Each organization’s interpretation of the theme brings a poignant reminder of the importance of community. The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken Festival and Jewish Arts & Music (JAM) Fest brings spicy food lovers and music lovers together for an exciting all day festival. Jewish musicians from around the world perform on a large outdoor stage, showcasing many genres and spiritual affiliations while teams of community members compete to have their Kosher versions of Nashville’s famous Hot Chicken bring home the trophy. Hanukkah Fest, our annual celebration of the Festival of Lights brings families together at the J for holiday fun, games, food, and of course Bernie’s Famous Latkes. These events typically draw 300-1000 people, including many of those new to Nashville. The Gordon JCC Fitness Center has everything you expect, and more to enrich and nourish your body. We offer a great variety of cardio equipment to get your heart pumping including a full-strength Cybex circuit. Extensive weights and dumbbells are available along with Olympic benches and racks, plate-loaded equipment, dumbbells, barbells, plates, and an indoor track. Group exercise classes including indoor cycling, yoga, and mat Pilates, allow our members to be walked through a workout with thoughtful, intentional direction. Personal training offers individualized support and training and massage therapy is also available. Continued on page 17
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WEST END
Stay Connected to Your Faith, Close to Everything You Love. At Clarendale West End, your exciting lifestyle comes with the convenience of being near others in Nashville’s Jewish community. Whether attending services or celebrating traditions, you’ll be just minutes from local synagogues: • 1 mile to West End Synagogue • Less than 1 mile to Congregation Sherith Israel • Less than 4 miles to The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom Enjoy the perfect blend of location, community, and connection – all in a brand-new senior living community made for you to live your most authentic, joy-filled life. To learn more about our community, call 629-276-3239 or scan the QR code. INDEPENDENT LIVING ■ ASSISTED LIVING ■ MEMORY CARE 3416 Park Drive | Nashville, TN 37203 | ClarendaleWestEnd.com O F F I C E 629-276-3239 |
16 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Gordon Jewish Community Center Continued from page 14
Our Mind/Body studio offers Tower Pilates classes and private Pilates sessions for members and non-members alike from skilled, classically trained instructors ready to work with all levels from beginner to seasoned pro. Our aquatics program is one of the most robust and soughtafter aquatics programs in the city. Our classes and teams are led by highly qualified and trained instructors. We have a magnificent indoor 25-yard pool and infant/toddler pool, and a world-class Olympic sized outdoor pool. The outdoor pool includes 50-me-
ter lap swimming lanes, and a shaded baby pool. We offer swim team, water fitness classes, and lifeguard classes. Mind, body, and soul enrichment begins in our tiniest members here at the J. We provide a continuum of programs for children of all ages. Infants and preschoolers attend ECLC programs, have fun at Tot Shabbat, and learn to swim in our Aquatics program. Camp Davis, one of Nashville’s premier summer day camps for children in grades K through 9; has been “getting kids dirty since 1930” and providing incredible summer experiences for local families for over 95 years. Some of our current campers are the great-great-grandchildren of those who first attended so many years ago. Since its inception, the Gordon JCC has always been committed to providing a growth-based summer camp program for all members of the Nashville and Middle Tennessee Community. For more information about school age programs, contact Max O’Dell, director, (615) 354-1681, or visit the camp website at campdavisnashville.com Camp Davis Clubhouse, our after-school program, Continued on page 17
THE GORDON JCC for the
MIND
BODY AND SOUL NASHVILLEJCC.ORG Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 17
Where art is for everyone!
• Explore world-class exhibitions • Create your own works of art in Martin ArtQuest®
• Discover delightful treasures in the Frist gift shop • Savor tasty treats in Café Cheeserie • Experience family fun at events like Frist Arts Fest and Family Sunday
Become a Frist member and enjoy an entire year of inspiring experiences!
Youth 18 and younger are always FREE!
FristArtMuseum.org Downtown Nashville 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
18 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Supported in part by
Gordon Jewish Community Center Continued from page 17
and School’s Out Days, are out-of-school programs delivered for children in grades K through 6, providing a fun, safe experience for school-aged children when they are out of school. Check our website for future information at NEED UPDATED URL HERE. Our programs for teens include the JCC Maccabi Games, an Olympicsstyle competition for sports and camaraderie; AZA and BBG, the two local BBYO groups, and BBYO Connect for middle-schoolers. Contact Rebecca Moriarty at rmoriarty@bbyo.org for more information regarding teen programming. As stated above, the Gordon JCC is the home of Jewish life in Nashville, and we welcome you in with open arms. Visit our website at nashvillejcc.org, or contact membership services at pascale@ nashvillejcc.org for more information and to schedule a tour. We hope you feel as comfortable in our home as you do in your own. •
PJ Library
• Enjoying Library Pete Story Time for Tu B'Shevat (the Birthday of the Trees) • Meeting Jewish sports heroes at a Nashville Predators game 801 Percy Warner Blvd. of Greater Nashville Every program is designed to bring families together, make Nashville, TN 37205 memories, and explore what makes Judaism special—all while Supported by www.nashvillejcc.org/pjlibrary having a blast! your gift to pjlibrary.org Got a great idea for a program? We'd love to hear it! Share the Jewish pjourway.org Federation of your thoughts with Alyssa at aseibers@nashvillejcc.org. @PJLibraryNashvilleMiddleTennessee Greater Nashville Ready to join the fun? Sign up today at www.nashvillejcc.org/ pjlibrary/ and start receiving your free books! • Alyssa Seibers, coordinator PJLibrary@nashvillejcc.org (615) 354-1681 The PJ Library is not a physical library but rather a program where Jewish children ages 6 months to 8 years can receive highquality Jewish children’s books and music each month for free. An affiliated program, PJ Our Way, offers children ages 9-11 the opportunity of choosing their own Jewish books each month. This incredible program reaches over 1000 Nashville children each month. The affiliated programs are made possible by a partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. The J partners with various synagogues, Akiva, and the Federation to run in-person and engaging PJ Library events, to build community between receiving the books at home. Books, activities for kids, families Imagine this: It's bedtime, and your little one is snuggled up with a brand-new book that just arrived in the mail—a gift from PJ Library! These aren't just any books—they're beautifully crafted stories that bring Jewish values, traditions, and culture to life in ways that spark curiosity and conversation. Harold Grinspoon, the program's founder, had a brilliant idea: families already read together at bedtime, so why not make those cozy moments Jewish moments? Since then, PJ Library has delivered over 5 million free books to children in more than 200 communities worldwide! But wait—there's more than books! PJ Library families in our community get to join us for incredible hands-on programs throughout the year, like: • Picking apples at a local farm to celebrate Rosh Hashanah • Getting creative with real clay for art projects • Singing and dancing at our Peace, Love, Havdalah celebrations
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Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 19
Nashville Holocaust Memorial 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville, TN 37205 www.nashvilleholocaustmemorial.org Felicia Anchor, chair, Nashville Holocaust Memorial Committee The Nashville Holocaust Memorial, located on the campus of the Gordon Jewish Community Center, was dedicated in 2006. The Nashville survivor community and their descendants, with the support of many generous donors,created the Memorial and educational site to honor the Jewish victims of history's monumental tragedy. The Memorial hopes to inspire visitors and especially future generations to become "upstanders" and be guided by the principle: "Never again to us or anyone". Designed by architect Manuel Zeitlin, the Memorial is undergoing modifications to become more interactive. It will welcome the visitor through self guided or arranged docent tours to learn about the Holocaust through the distinctive history of Nashville survivors and their families. The site includes an eternal flame and granite memorial walls inscribed with the names and personal information of loved ones who perished in the Holocaust. A focal point is the symbolic sculpture, the " Book of the Jewish People" which was inspired by Holocaust Survivor, Irvin Limor and created by his son, Alex. Felicia Anchor chaired the creation of the Memorial and the private donor funding efforts.
A tour brochure is provided at the site and a revised self guided tour will soon be available. Docent tours can be arranged by emailing: nashvilleholocaustmemorial@gmail.com. The Memorial is funded by private funds. Donations are greatly appreciated and can be made through the website or mailed to the Gordon Jewish Community Center's Holocaust Memorial Fund at the address above. In October 2026, the Memorial will commemorate its 20th Anniversary. •
2
20 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Jewish Family Service
of Nashville and Middle Tennessee Inc. clude friendly visiting, telephone reassurance, transportation to medical appointments and the grocery store, Shabbat observance, holiday gift basket deliveries, and Jewish programming in assistedof Greater Nashville living facilities. In addition, Helping Hands matches musicians and trained OMA facilitators with people living with Alzheimer’s Supported by and other forms of dementia for one-on-one musical visits or art. your gift to 801 Percy Warner Boulevard, 103 Since 1958, we’ve been Suite passionate The Kosher Food Box Program provides vital food assistance the Jewish Nashville, TN 37205 providers of comprehensive Federation of to those experiencing financial hardship. The Chanukah Gifts (615) 356-4234 social services. We are advocates, Greater Nashville for Children Program provides holiday presents for children who Fax: (615) 301-0676 allies, educators, cheerleaders, would otherwise go without. Emergency Financial Assistance can and Jfsnashville.org guides who create solutions help alleviate a temporary financial crisis by helping to pay for to problems facing families and info@jfsnashville.org basic needs such as rent, utilities and food. individuals of all ages, including: www.facebook.com/Jewish-Family-ServiceFees are charged for some services. Counseling fees may be covof-Nashville-and-Middle-Tennesseeered through private health insurance and Medicare. A slidingAdoption Services scale fee is available for those without insurance or who choose Inc-233398806777505/ Chaver Mentor Program not to use it. JFS also serves as a professional resource, offering Counseling and Psychotherapy consultations and other services to agencies and congregations Contacts Older Adult Services throughout the community. Tara Goldberg, president of board of directors Care Management Family Life Education Information & Referral Pamela Kelner, executive director Support Groups (615) 354-1644 Helping Hands Volunteer Program pgkelner@jfsnashville.org Kosher Food Boxes Emergency Financial Assistance Jewish Family Service supports our community – one child, Hanukkah Gift Program one adult, one family at a time. Our agency has provided social School Supplies Program services to the Nashville Jewish community for over 170 years. JFS Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! offers a comprehensive range of social services — including adopMusical Helping Hands & OMA tion, financial assistance and programs for children and seniors – to people of all incomes, ages and backgrounds. Since its beginnings in 1853, Jewish Family Service has provided continuity in our ever-changing community. From the birth 615.356.4234 of a baby to the passing of an elder, enormously complex and chaljfsnashville.org lenging issues are met with compassion, professionalism and sensitivity by our staff and volunteers. People from many backgrounds walk throughNavigating our doors. Last year alone, JFS served more than Life’s Transitions. 1,700 people. We are here to help Navigate Life’s Transitions. Together. Together. Please take a look at our website, www.jfsnashville.org to find out how we can assist you. Among our services, we offer professional, affordable and fully confidential counseling services, provided by licensed clinical social workers. Counseling can address issues such as depression; anxiety; significant transitions such as divorce, job loss or illness; relationship conflicts with friends, spouse or partners; loss and grief; domestic violence; issues of aging and child behavior problems. In addition to individual counseling, we are currently sponsoring two support groups: Caring for the Caregiver, and Anxiety Support. Helping Hands supports senior citizens and people with disabilities. Volunteers match their interests and skills with the needs of seniors to create a mutually rewarding experience. Services in-
Continued on page 20
Since 1958, we’ve been passionate providers of comprehensive social services. We are advocates, allies, educators, cheerleaders, and guides who create solutions to problems facing families and individuals of all ages, including: Adoption Services Chaver Mentor Program Counseling and Psychotherapy Older Adult Services Care Management Family Life Education Information & Referral Support Groups Helping Hands Volunteer Program Kosher Food Boxes Emergency Financial Assistance Hanukkah Gift Program School Supplies Program Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing! Musical Helping Hands & OMA
615.356.4234
jfsnashville.org Navigating Life’s Transitions.
Together.
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 21
Jewish Family Service Continued from page 19
Please support Jewish Family Service by volunteering your time, by making a financial contribution and by attending the annual JFS Chesed Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Save the date now! •
The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
ADOPTION JOURNEYS:
A Program of Jewish Family Service 801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-4234 Fax: (615) 301-0676 www.jfsnashville.org/services/adoption-journeys/ Toni L. Jacobsen, LCSW, adoption supervisor Ashley Franklin, LMSW social worker info@jfsnashville.org Adoption Journeys has been bringing children and adoptive families together for more than 40 years. Jewish Family Service is a Tennessee-licensed adoption agency that, through its Adoption Journeys program, provides confidential professional services to prospective adoptive parents, adoptees and birthparents without regard to race, religion, marital status or sexual orientation. Whether a prospective adoptive parent is seeking a child domestically or internationally, independently or through an agency, JFS can provide the required education, preparation, home studies and post-placement services. We maintain relationships with domestic and international placing agencies across the country, our services are available both during the adoption process and also throughout the life of the adoptive family. JFS does not provide placement services for expectant couples but does offer counseling to enable them to examine the available options in order to make a decision that is in their best interests and that of the child. Such counseling may also be offered to support them through the placement process and with issues of post-placement grief and loss. If the expectant parent decides to make an adoption plan, Jewish Family Service will provide referrals to a list of licensed adoption agencies and attorneys within the Middle Tennessee area. Jewish prospective adoptive families may be eligible for adoption loans through the Earl Kirshner or the Abe and Renette Corenswet Free Loan Program. Contact JFS for additional information. JFS adoption services are open to all in the Middle Tennessee region, regardless of religious affiliation, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. •
22 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Synagogues
SYNAGOGUES
and affiliated organizations Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-5750 www.chabadnashville.com
of Greater Nashville Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Contacts Brian Berry, Congregational President CongregationalPresident@chabadnashville.com Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel rabbi@chabadnashville.com Esther Tiechtel etiechtel@gmail.com Congregation Beit Tefilah (CBT), renowned for warmth and friendliness, is a synagogue and center of learning for Jews of all backgrounds, and engenders a feeling of comfort and belonging to all who attend. Even during the Covid era, CBT kept its doors open safely, and served the needs of hundreds of families that called upon us. Congregation Beit Tefilah offers true Jewish Southern hospitality in a place where everyone feels at home. Our congregation is diverse and is characterized by a culture that is welcoming and non-judgmental. CBT provides a place for our congregants to grow spiritually and to find a level of commitment with which they feel comfortable. Whether you're a longtime Nashville resident or a newcomer, CBT welcomes you and offers something for everyone. Come for Shabbat services, lifecycle events, study groups and much more. More about us Imagine worshipping in an atmosphere of total acceptance, where you are welcomed and implored to be nonjudgmental of your neighbors. Services are traditional and conducted primarily in Hebrew, with select readings in English. Neither the language you use nor your pace is of paramount importance. Our beautiful sanctuary, enveloped in a natural environment, is the perfect setting to feel connected to G-d.
Many friends and family, joined together for the multi-generational Thanksgiving Babka Bake at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad. This beautiful event was celebrated by children, parents, grandparents and people of all ages. It was a joyful event of gratitude and appreciation for all the blessings bestowed upon us all by the One Above.
Shabbat shalom As the sun sets on Friday, everyone streams in for that magical moment of candle lighting when the spirit of Shabbat settles upon Nashville. Congregants lift their voices in song and prayer. Mystical insights from the rabbi bring in a meditative peace. Prior to the Covid era we hosted on the second and fourth Friday of the month, a grand T.G.I.S. (Thank G-d It’s Shabbat) dinner follows services and is open to the entire community, always at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat morning brings the reading of the Torah, as the rabbi tells the story of the weekly Torah portion, and guest cantors lead musaf prayers. Children also enjoy the CKids Shabbat morning service, which includes story time, edible crafts and prayer. Bar and bat mitzvah and other lifecycle events take place in our new ballroom and are tailored to the talents and personality of each child. Community members enjoy a weekly Shabbat buffet lunch following the services, including a cholent and an array of Shabbat delicacies. Jewish study roundtable Join us on Shabbat afternoons for the popular Jewish Women’s Circle that features discussions on values and ethics led by Rebbetzin Esther Tiechtel. Beit Tefilah also hosts weekly classes that explore the weekly Torah portion and other topics, including Jewish mysticism, and adult Hebrew reading. Youth programming At Chabad Hebrew School, children study the Treasures Curriculum, mark the holidays with family workshops and learn to read Hebrew with the nationally acclaimed “Aleph Champ” reading curriculum. Teens enjoy their first foray into kabbalah and their chance to wrap tefillin together. Continued on page 24
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 23
SYNAGOGUES
Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad Continued from page 23
Chesed and caring We extend a welcoming hand to guests, giving all visitors a warm welcome and the feeling of being with mishpacha – family. Our “Chicken Soup Squad” brings hot foods to the homebound or ill. Congregation Beit Tefilah is a place you want to call home. Come and visit and we are sure you’ll want to stay. L’Hitraot! To Join or visit, please drop by, or call or email us at the phone number at the beginning of this listing. •
Mikvah Mei Chaya A Spa for the Mind, Body and Soul For private appointment, call (615) 480-4225 https://chabadnashville.com/mikvah Mei Chaya is the first and only mikvah built in Nashville exclusively for the mitzvah of taharat ha-mishpacha – family purity. Experience the beauty of this special mitzvah in the privacy of a luxurious mikvah fully equipped with all your spa needs and beautifully appointed to make your visit a pleasurable one. All materials – from the travertine stone imported from Turkey to the glass tiles, from elegant lighting fixtures to the exquisite furnishings and paintings, from the limestone vanities to the
surround-sound audio system – were selected by a team of top interior designers to make it a five-star “mikspah” experience. Mei Chaya was built with the needs of the local Jewish community in mind. It offers women the opportunity for a Mikvah Mei Chaya is a spa for moving, spiritual experience – the body and soul to bring holiness and purity to every a spa for both body and soul. Jewish family. To make an The facility boasts a well-ap- appointment for the Mikvah call pointed reception room, two 615-480-4225 luxurious preparation rooms and a uniquely designed mikvah that offers both a tranquil and spiritual setting. Mikvah means “a gathering of natural water.” Unlike an ordinary tub or pool, complex laws and specifications govern construction of a mikvah. The primary uses of a mikvah cover many elements of Jewish life, but the most significant usage today is by brides and married women practicing taharat ha-mishpacha— the Jewish laws of family purity. The mikvah lies at the heart of the beauty and spirituality of the marital relationship, endowing it with a charming dimension of sanctity and love. For thousands of years, it has been Judaism’s secret to harmonious marital living and Jewish survival. The mikvah is available by appointment only. Please call for an appointment 48 hours in advance. •
Chabad of Williamson County Chabad of Williamson County is now serving Brentwood, Franklin, Leipers Fork, Spring Hill, and all their surrounding cities. We offer local programs to enhance Jewish tradition and heritage for the local Jewish Community. With the growing numbers of families from the east and west coast moving to this area, Chabad is here to help them establish with programs for families, as well as classes, as well as sharing the joys for the traditions. Last year we held a Sukkot festival for families in Fieldstone park,
24 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
many Chanukah parties, and challah bakes in honor of Shabbat. Children flock to the library programs held in the local public library that highlight the traditions from each holiday with a craft and a story. Families that have settled into the local public schools know they can count on Chabad to supplement their children's Jewish education with Hebrew reading and knowledge of Jewish history and values. For all those that asked for learning Judaism one on one, there is now a local Rabbi and Rebetzin ready with a cup of coffee, and a book of Torah to explore their philosophical questions, as well as practical ones. We welcome all ages, all backgrounds, all levels of observance, and we celebrate what we have in common, our souls. Our Motto is, this is a place where all Jews feel they belong. •
SYNAGOGUES Congregation Micah is a mission-driven spiritual community. Founded on the principles of our namesake – the Prophet Micah – together we seek justice, practice compassion and walk of Greater Nashville humbly with the Divine. Located at the convergence of Davidson and Williamson Counties, Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, Supported by our 30+ acre campus is home to a decorated pre-school with a your gift to world-class playscape, exceptional religious school, awe-inspiring the Jewish Federation of sanctuary, cozy chapel, elegant social hall, outdoor patio, memoGreater Nashville rial garden and serene cemetery that now includes a columbarium. Reflecting Nashville’s reputation as Music City USA, our services are musical and participatory, our classes and programs are engaging, and our social gatherings are undeniably fun. We are committed to Israel, the larger community and world in which we live, as well as the well-being of each other. Taking the concept of inclusivity seriously, our congregation is comprised of people from various locations, religious backgrounds, Website: Congregationmicah.org age brackets, observance levels, sexual identities, economic staFacebook: Congregation Micah tuses, and political ideologies. We welcome singles, couples, inInstagram: MicahNashville terfaith families, and traditional Jews alike. Through teaching, singing, storytelling and technology, our rabbis and cantor teach 2001 Old Hickory Blvd classes and lead regular worship services, holiday celebrations and (615) 377-9799 life cycle events by crafting holy moments that are personal and by marking sacred times in the life of the community in invenContacts tive ways. Bringing holiness, respect, self-awareness, and love of Karen Green, Administrative Coordinator Judaism into everything we do, our clergy foster creative ways for members to strengthen their relationship with God; increase their office@congregationmicah.org knowledge of Torah; feel a sense of belonging in Klal Yisrael (the Jewish People); and act on the notion that we are here to help Rabbis Philip “Flip” and Laurie Rice Continued on page 27 rabbiflip@congregationmicah.org rabbilaurie@congregationmicah.org
Congregation Micah
Josh Goldberg, Cantor jgoldberg@congregationmicah.org Kerry Tapia, Executive Director kerry@congregationmicah.org Julie Greenberg, Education Director jgreenberg@congregationmicah.org Gabriel Bedne, Communications Coordinator gabriel@congregationmicah.org Emily Grove emily@congregationmicah.org Annahi Tapia annahi@congregationmicah.org Ron Heady, President “An inclusive, innovative synagogue exploring and celebrating Jewish life, committed to building community and repairing the world.”
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 25
SYNAGOGUES
The Micah mural could include...
At Congregation Micah, we believe Judaism thrives when everyone has a place at the table. Come as you are — to learn, to pray, to celebrate, and to connect. Our doors are open to every story, every background, every family. Together, we create a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community for today and tomorrow.
www.congregationmicah.org 615-377-9799 | office@congregationmicah.org 2001 Old Hickory Boulevard | Brentwood, Tennessee 26 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
SYNAGOGUES
Congregation Micah
truth, righteousness, intellectual searching, and integrity, and we feel compelled to see those values through to realization – from Continued from page 25 heal the world. These activities build on an ancient Jewish for- the classroom to the playground. Fostering positive Jewish identimula of fostering community: together, we gather, eat, socialize, ties, its curriculum includes Jewish history, Torah study, Liturgy, sing, pray, study, learn, and grow as we explore what it means to be Hebrew language, Jewish holidays, Israel, arts, music, life cycle a Jew in the “Buckle of the Bible Belt.” events, cooking, gardening, mitzvot, and Reform Judaism as well Our active programming includes weekly Shabbat experienc- as B’nai Mitzvah preparation - our clergy tutor our students. Kids es, including Friday evenings, Tot Shabbat, Religious School, To- delight in meaningful Jewish exploration in informal, structured rah Study, Schmooze and Views (political conversations), as well classroom environments. Our teachers are all dedicated volunas social activities like Mah Jongg, Sports Trivia, Knitting, and teers. With a child-centered focus, they embody professionalism, more. Monthly, ladies gather for Women ‘s Circle with Rabbi Lau- knowledge, dedication, commitment, enthusiasm, creativity, inrie Rice. There are opportunities to meet new people and engage tegrity, patience, and accountability. They share their time to enwith scholars and invited experts. An active Social Action and sure the continuation of Jewish growth and development, with Social Justice Committee engages members in food drives, hosting their own Jewish education as a priority. Interaction with our the unhoused (RITI), education, advocacy and various chances to clergy is a part of every Religious School Day. help heal the world. Are you or one of your loved ones a MillenOur congregation is committed to supporting and advocating nial or Gen Z-er? Make sure to tell them about Micah-Nections, for the State of Israel while holding her up to our highest Jewish our social group specifically geared toward young Jews between the values. The name Yisra-El means to struggle with God. As such, ages of 21-39. Our “Late Night Shabbat” has been a big hit, bring- we wrestle with the many aspects of what it means to be a Jew in ing in young adults from around the Nashville area. America, but also seek to make connections to Israelis and other Under the direction of our talented and seasoned educator, Jewish communities throughout the world. We offer opportunities JLAB – our Religious School, is a safe haven for Jewish kids. Our to travel to the Holy Land, celebrate its culture, and make space program teaches kindness, compassion, respect, accountability, for the opinions of all our members. •
Congregation Sherith Israel www.sherithisrael.com Rabbi Saul Strosberg rabbisaul@sherithisrael.com Congregation Sherith Israel is a vibrant and inclusive community dedicated to fostering a meaningful Jewish life by connecting the traditions we cherish with the modern world we navigate. Our mission is to provide a warm, welcoming space where every individual, regardless of background, observance, or knowledge, can experience the depth and beauty of Orthodox Judaism. Founded in the mid-19th century, Congregation Sherith Israel has deep roots in Nashville’s Jewish history. Originally established by Hungarian im-
migrants as the Hungarian Benevolent Society, it provided community support and religious services for 17 years. In 1905, Sherith Israel became Nashville’s first Orthodox congregation, initially loof Greater Nashville cated downtown near the iconic Ryman Auditorium. In 1949, as Nashville’s Jewish community expanded westward, the congregaSupported by tion moved to its current West End Avenue location. your gift to 120 years later, Sherith Israel continues to be a warm and acthe Jewish Federation of tive community. Our participatory services are marked by inspirGreater Nashville ing Divrei Torah, beautiful singing, and a sense of connection that extends beyond the sanctuary. With youth and adult education programs, social events, and community service initiatives, we continue to foster a love for Torah, Jewish life, the State of Israel, and each other. Educational opportunities are central to Sherith Israel. Sherith offers classes for adults of all backgrounds, exploring Torah, HafContinued on page 28
Ourr open-orthodox congregation is a family bou un by love, mutual respect, and lives bound com m committed to Torah. Traditional, but inno o innovative, we are deeply committed to stre en strengthening the bonds of understanding amo o amongst different movements within the Jew w Jewish community. Com m experience Shabbat, holidays, and Come prog g programming! Rabbi Saul Strosberg, Senior Rabbi | Canto Cantor George Lieberman, Cantor Emeritus
3600 West End Avenue, Na Nashville, Tennessee 37205 615-292-6614 | www.sherithisrael.com
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 27
SYNAGOGUES
Congregation Sherith Israel Continued from page 27
tarah, Talmud, and the meaning of Shabbat and holiday prayers. For those wishing to lead services, read Torah, or recite Haftarah, our clergy offer personalized guidance. Our community also focuses on creating meaningful experiences for women through Rosh Chodesh gatherings, challah bakes, Women’s Tefilah, and Sisterhood events. Youth are cherished as vital members of our community. From infants to teens, Sherith Israel nurtures and empowers its young members through religious school, cheder programs, social events, and NCSY regional events. Our children are active participants
in services and synagogue life, embodying the values we uphold. Shabbat at Sherith Israel is filled with warmth, song, and community spirit. Friday night begins with Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by monthly dinners open to all. Shabbat mornings feature spirited services and learning opportunities. For families, we offer babysitting, children’s groups, and a Family Tefillah, making Shabbat inclusive for all ages. Each week concludes with Mincha, Seudat Shlishit, Maariv, and Havdalah. With open arms, we welcome everyone to join us as we live out our mission and strive to ensure that Jewish life Nashville continues to thrive for generations to come. •
of Greater Nashville
The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Reform 5015 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 352-7620 www.templenashville.org info@templenashville.org https://www.facebook.com/groups/templenashville/ Instagram: @templenashville Contacts Senior Rabbi, Michael Danziger rabbidanziger@templenashville.org Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler Senior Scholar rabbisgmackler@templenashville.org Rabbi Michael Shulman Director of Education and Family Programming rabbishulman@templenashville.org Cantor Tracy Fishbein cantorfishbein@templenashville.org Todd Evan, Executive Director todd@templenashville.org Sheri Rosenberg Director of Membership & Inclusion sheri@templenashville.org
28 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Candace Bouton Director of Temple Preschool candace@templenashville.org Mark Shepard Director of Hospitality & Facility Management marks@templenashville.org Alyssa Trachtman President president@templenashville.org Ben Russ Vice President/President Elect president@templenashville.org The Temple was established in 1851 as the Vine Street Temple. In 1873, we became a founding member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, now the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ). Our mission is to nurture and cultivate a caring, inclusive, educated, and vibrant Reform Jewish congregation through the four primary functions of synagogue life: House of Learning (Beit Midrash), House of Worship (Beit Tefilah), House of Community (Beit Knesset), and House of Social Justice (Beit Tikkun Olam). In fulfilling these integrated functions, The Temple strives to foster an environment where our members create and participate in the shared experiences of learning, living, and growing as Jews. Continued on page 30
SYNAGOGUES
We Have a Bright Future & We Invite You to Become a Part of Our Temple Family
THE TEMPLE a congregation of the heart a community of the spirit
The Temple 5015 Harding Pike ~ Nashville (615) 352-7620 ~ www.templenashville.org Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 29
SYNAGOGUES
The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom Continued from page 28
Onsite and Online, One Community The Temple is committed to staying connected through a wide range of programming, worship and study opportunities for all ages that can be accessed in person or virtually. We hope you join us to deepen your Jewish knowledge and understanding while strengthening your connections to our congregation. You can learn more about our programming on thetemplehub.org or via www.templenashville.org. More about us The top 10 things people are saying about The Temple: Welcoming and Inclusive We have a diverse membership from singles to married and same-sex couples, interfaith and intercultural families, newcomers and natives, families with children, mid-lifers and senior adults. Our members live all over greater Nashville. Embracing We honor and cherish all of our members and families no matter what their background – Jewish and non-Jewish, traditional and interfaith. For those seeking to learn more about Judaism, our Into to Judaism/Conversion Conversations program provides opportunities for deeper understanding and connection. Approachable Clergy and staff are available and accessible to meet your lifecycle and pastoral needs. Our clergy participate actively in the life of our larger Jewish and Nashville community. Joyous Shabbat worship and holiday celebrations are filled with music, warmth, creativity and joy. Our preschool and religious school hallways are filled with the laughter of children. Innovative We offer relevant, current and intentional programs including: • Interfaith/collaborations such as Thanksgiving concert, Habitat for Humanity, clergy dialogues and social justice initiatives; • Scholar Series featuring rabbinic, national and community experts and leaders; • Social justice initiatives focused on advocacy for criminal justice reform, racial injustice, immigrant issues and LGBTQ+ rights; • Holiday programs such as Rosh Hashanah by the Creek, Clergy in the Kitchen, Sushi in the Sukkah, Purim with a Purpose, and 8 nights of Chanukah fun • Vibrant musical programming including the Temple Mazel Tones (youth choir), Temple Volunteer Band, Musicians in Residence, collaboration with local Jewish musicians and mitzvah concerts; and
To access the Jewish Federation Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”
30 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
• Fun, engaging monthly programming for young adults and families with young children. Evolving We strive to improve on our successes year to year. We find opportunities to try new approaches and programs to meet the needs and desires of our growing and evolving congregation, including our wellness initiative, lay-led study groups and programs to connect people throughout our city. Enriching We offer dozens of opportunities to learn and grow Jewishly throughout the year with our weekly Lunch with the Rabbi, Shabbat morning Torah study and Women’s Torah Study, family and parent education programs on Sundays, and scholars-inresidence series. Connecting We work hard to connect our members to one another through our programs throughout the year, including Next Dor (social events for young adults and couples ages 22-40), creative and meaningful Passover Seders for all, W.E.L.L (Women Engaged in Living & Learning), Temple Tribes (building community through shared interests), Temple Together (social events for adults ages 35-50), 50’s & 60’s Social Club, Chai Society (social events for adults ages 65+) and Caring Connection (congregants helping congregants at times of joy and sorrow). Making an Impact Our congregation continues to expand and deepen our commitment to making our Nashville community a better place in so many ways: the Boulevard Bolt, Urban Housing Solutions, MNPS Family Support, monthly collections of food and other needed supplies, social action and social justice initiatives, interfaith programming, and connections with other local congregations. Proud We kvell (feel happy and proud) over our: • Preschool, with its top-rated, full-time program, innovative and stimulating curriculum with dynamic and caring teachers. • Religious school and its emphasis on learning in the context of community through fun, creative, relevant, engaging and meaningful experiences for our students and families. • Our strong and rich tradition as the heart of Reform Judaism in Nashville since 1851. To participate Don’t just take other people’s word for it. Experience The Temple for yourself. You are always welcome. Give us a call or check out our website and find a Jewish home here at The Temple!•
SYNAGOGUES Contacts Rabbi Joshua Kullock rabbi@westendsyn.org of Greater Nashville
West End Synagogue
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Debby Wiston, Executive Director dwiston@westendsyn.org Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning spaz@westendsyn.org Marc Jacobs, Engagement and Program Director mjacobs@westendsyn.org
Conservative 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37205 (615) 269-4592 Fax: (615) 269-4695 office@westendsyn.org www.westendsyn.org
Ben Doochin, Board President bdoochin@comcast.net West End Synagogue is Nashville’s traditional, egalitarian congregation. Our diverse community is united by the shared values of Torah (learning), avodah (prayer) and gemilut chasadim (kindness).
Continued on page 32
Rabbi Joshua Kullock Debby Wiston, Executive Director Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning Marc Jacobs, Engagement and Program Director
A center for Jewish community life, inspiration, and celebration
Spirituality
Education
Service
Creative Holiday Programming Children’s Services Family Activities Youth Groups
Excellent Religious School Camp Ramah Torah Study Adult Education
Social Action Senior Programs Sisterhood Men’s Club
West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205
615-269-4592
www.westendsyn.org
/WestEndSyn
office@westendsyn.org
@westendsynagogue
@WestEndSynagogue2559
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 31
SYNAGOGUES
West End Synagogue Continued from page 31
Together, we strive to imbue ancient rituals with modern meaning. Torah Torah study and lifelong learning are integral to the West End experience. Our Religious School, Beit Miriam, led by Sharon Paz, enriches the lives of our children. It gives them a sense of belonging and the skills to be proud and Jewishly engaged young people. We are proud that so many students spend summers at Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia, where they are fully immersed in Jewish life and community. We offer ongoing opportunities for adults to study “Torah” in a broader sense, learning the weekly Torah portion, Talmud, Jewish mysticism, and Bible on a weekly or monthly basis. We also host the special Learn and Lunch series for seniors. Guest scholars from Nashville and beyond teach us through our guest lecture series and our annual scholar-in-residence program. You can join dozens of students of all backgrounds for an Introduction to Judaism, taught by Rabbi Joshua Kullock on Sundays from January-May. Avodah Morning and evening minyans bring us together in prayer every day of the year. Minyannaires provide comfort for mourners who come to say Kaddish and offer blessings for families celebrating life-cycle events. Bagels and coffee fill our bellies after the morning minyan has fed our souls. Shabbat is the highlight of the week. We usher in Shabbat together on Friday evening, filling the chapel with soulful melodies.
32 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
After services we often have potluck Shabbat meals organized by congregants. Shabbat morning services are led both by our clergy and lay-leaders of all ages, and Rabbi Joshua engages us with enlightening sermons. Families and children come together for bimonthly children and youth services. Kiddush lunch is our weekly opportunity to eat, schmooze, and sing together. Gemilut Chasadim (Social Action) We partner with many Nashville organizations to serve those in need. Through Room in the Inn, we house and feed homeless men each Monday evening from November through January. Through the Nashville Food Project, the Martha O’Bryan Center and Second Harvest, we cook, stock a food pantry, and deliver meals on wheels. We also care for one another – visiting the sick and providing food for members of our community in times in need through our We Care Committee. We invite you to join our synagogue family. Come visit us any time! •
West End Synagogue Sisterhood Sisterhoodwestendsynagogue@gmail.com https://www.musiccitysisterhood.com/home Music City Sisterhood at West End Synagogue An affiliate of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Music City Sisterhood furthers its mission in Nashville: to understand and sustain Conservative Judaism in the home, synagogue, and community while strengthening bonds with Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. Membership is open to anyone identifying as a Jewish female. New members at West End Synagogue enjoy free Sisterhood membership for their first year, though synagogue membership is not required to join. Our members represent a broad spectrum of interests, ages, and backgrounds, coming together to create a warm, supportive environment within our community. Personal growth opportunities include our book club, Sisterhood Shabbat, and participation in regional and international gatherings with other WLCJ affiliates. Our local programming, structured around busy lifestyles, is organized into two tracks: • Sunday Shmooze: A fun and educational brunch held during religious school hours, allowing busy parents to mingle and connect with other congregants. Past activities and discussions have included latke-making, the history of the Bloody Mary, "We Met the Pope" stories, belly dancing, situational awareness training, walking the greenway, and Jewish handicrafts. • Day Trippers: Ideal for those available during business hours, this track features group outings to cultural institutions and events, such as flower arranging, visits to the Rosenwald School exhibit at the TN State Museum, lunch at Thistle Farms, and the “Repatriation & Its Impact” exhibit at the Parthenon. Sisterhood raises funds by selling Mishloach Manot (Purim goody bags), which support holiday programming for West End’s religious school, provide scholarships for Jewish summer camps like Ramah Darom, and sponsor regional youth events. We also support the WLCJ’s Torah Fund Campaign, which grants scholarships to students in the Conservative Movement’s five seminaries, training future clergy, educators, and leaders worldwide. Join Music City Sisterhood for the best in Jewish women’s networking and community! •
SYNAGOGUES
2026 B’rit Mitzvahs We adopted the gender-inclusive term brit mitzvah – “covenant of the commandments” – to refer to the process and occasion of our students assuming adult responsibility within our community.
Congregation Micah
Kyle Horowitz Kaylee Stein Mila Geringer Jacob Arbanil Mila Geringer Levi Martinez Eli Calise Peyton Hamaoui Lucas Lopez Max Hasson Hudson Colas Sylvia Moneta-Koehler Rafael Frasca Charlie Thier Avi Afra Rocky Lowenfels Laura & Kathleen Schwaber
January 31 February 7 February 14 March 21 April 11 May 23 June 6 August 22 August 29 October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 November 7 November 14 November 21 December 5
The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom
Julia Shillington Rebekah Henning-Felder Walt Davis Skye Mitchell Marin Arnold Ari Seigle Essie Boehler Sam Wolf
January 10 February 14 February 21 February 28 March 21 March 28 April 11 April 18
Sari Zagnoev Baron Dresdner Ben Spiro Delilah Rashall Stone Schneideman Sadie Morris Avi Kerrigan Raegan Pounds Theodore Carson Eden Clarke Vivian Saterstrom Ruby Orley Spencer Katz Stephie Goldstein David Perry Pia Sharmat Rae Lasher Chloe Salvado Madeline Schmidt Rebecca Reiter Vivi Goldberg
Emma Zagnoev Zoe Zagnoev Alon Cohen
May 2 May 9 May 23 June 6 June 20 August 1 August 8 August 15 August 22 August 29 September 5 September 19 September 26 October 3 October 10 October 17 October 24 November 7 November 21 November 28 December 5
West End Synagogue
August 22 August 22 November 14
Dates are subject to change.
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 33
34 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Jewish Schools and Preschools of Greater Nashville
Akiva School
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
www.akivanashville.net www.facebook.com/akivanashville 809 Percy Warner Blvd. (615) 356-1880 Daniella Pressner Head of School Dpressner@akivanashville.net Celia Lerch Director of Enrollment and Outreach clerch@akivanashville.net
Akiva was the first elementary school in Tennessee—and the first Jewish Day School globally—to receive Cognia’s STEAM certification, reflecting our dedication to hands-on, experiential learning. Through empathy-driven design-thinking projects, our students address global challenges and develop creative, impactful solutions, empowering them to become conscientious, contributing citizens of the world. We welcome new students at every grade level, with support for those joining us as lateral transfers, especially in Hebrew and Jewish Studies. This ensures a smooth, enriching transition into our vibrant and welcoming community.
Akiva School is a high-performing, independent K-6 Jewish Day School known for academic excellence, Jewish values, and a diverse and inclusive community. Our students come from a wide range of socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and denominational backgrounds, enhancing the learning environment as they explore Continued on page 36 their sense of self and build a deep sense of community. CURIOSITY • PERSEVERANCE • LOVE OF LEARNING With a dual curriculum in General and Judaic Studies, our students are encouraged to analyze, investigate, question, and take intellectual risks. In mathematics, language arts, science, social studies, music, Hebrew language, Jewish Studies, guidance, art, S.T.E.A.M, and physical education, Akiva students experience a rigorous and enriching education. Akiva students are known for their ability to articulate ideas and engage thoughtfully with the For more information, visit www.akivanashville.net or call 615-356-1880 perspectives of others.
BUILDING LEADERS KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 6th GRADE
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 35
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Akiva School Continued from page 35
Beit Miriam West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, Tennessee 37205 Sharon Paz Director of Lifelong Learning spaz@westendsyn.org (615) 269-4592
Graduates of Akiva School are celebrated for their intellectual curiosity, work ethic, and commitment to their communities. With a 100% acceptance rate to their first or second choice middle school, our alumni are recognized as emerging leaders in both character and academic achievement, ready to thrive in their next steps and beyond. We encourage you to visit our school and see the learning in action! For more information, please contact Rabba Daniella Pressner at dpressner@akivanashville.net •
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
West End Synagogue’s Religious School educates children from 3 years old through eleventh grade, and many of our graduates return as Madrichim (Teacher Aides) in their senior year. While West End is the Conservative Synagogue in Nashville, the school is successful in large part due to the diverse make-up of the students and staff, from all streams of Judaism. Our classes cover a breadth of Jewish literacy including Jewish History, Customs, Holiday Celebrations, Israel, Torah, Jewish Philosophy, T’filah (prayer) and Hebrew. Our program is highly community-focused with times for students to come together for interactive learning in music, art, technology, current events, and holiday celebrations. We coordinate programs with the other Nashville Jewish congregations that build a sense of community and friendship. All our students (preschool -11th) come to Religious School on Sundays from 9AM until noon. Second through seventh graders also come on Wednesday afternoons from 4:15
Come Learn at Beit Miriam: • Where lifelong Jewish values are taught in a thought-provoking and relevant way • Where Jewish history, traditions, and prayers come alive through lively experiential programs • Where Hebrew is a living language • Where students, teachers and families share special holiday and Shabbat celebrations To become a part of the Beit Miriam family contact Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong Learning at (615) 269-4592 ext. 17 or spaz@westendsyn.org
36 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
of Great
Continued on page 37
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Beit Miriam
look and feel of the classroom. Environment is the third teacher, so teachers carefully organize spaces and materials to invite and enContinued from page 36 -6:30PM and attend Shabbat services led by our students on Sat- courage children to engage in activity and discover. Materials are urdays once a month. We love it when our families celebrate carefully arranged within children’s reach to be easily accessible. Nature is integrated into the curriculum so that children learn to Shabbat together at our children and family Shabbat services. Beit Miriam @ West End Synagogue is proud that many of appreciate the physical and structural environment. Their work, its faculty are certified teachers, and many have master’s degrees flowers and vegetables from the community garden and other items or higher in Jewish Education. Our teachers engage students in collected during outings are often displayed in the classroom. The ECLC curriculum uses the Tennessee Early Learning Demeaningful Jewish learning. The school offers opportunities for velopment Standards to guide lesson plans. It also includes the teen involvement in Synagogue life, parent learning sessions and JCCA Discover CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Children’s Hebrew tutoring for students and parents who want Hebrew enHealth) programming, used at JCC’s across North America. The richment or who have little or no Hebrew language experience. children are motivated to walk, run, jump, dance, and move their Please feel free to contact Sharon Paz, Director of Lifelong whole bodies while playing and having fun. In our pre-K 1 room, we Learning at 615.269.4592 ext. 17 or spaz@westendsyn.org for more use Creative Curriculum to support this active, play-based learninformation about joining our Beit Miriam Kehillah (community).• ing and help children build foundational skills through hands-on exploration and meaningful daily routines. In our pre-K 2 classroom, a STEAM-infused curriculum, called Connect4Learning, helps prepare your pre-K child through several academic domains of Greater as well as Nashville a heavy emphasis in social-emotional learning resulting in a better transition and greater success for kindergarten.
The Gordon JCC Early Childhood Learning Center
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 354-1640 Fax: (615) 353-2649 Elizabeth-Lee Gertonson, Director elizabeth-lee@nashvillejcc.org Andrea Simon, Assistant Director andrea@nashvillejcc.org
Jewish Roots Jewish culture and traditions are central to our program and are included in every classroom. Our Jewish Values are, ideally, demonstrated daily in our classrooms through the quality of the relationships we have with the children, teachers and staff at the JCC and with the partnerships made with the families in our community. Every Friday our preschoolers welcome Shabbat with song and dance during Tot Shabbat celebrations, where families are welcomed to join. Our Campus The ECLC at the JCC takes full advantage of its location on the campus. There is plenty of space to explore and play on our preschool and toddler playgrounds, in our gymnasium, in the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, at the garden and throughout the beautiful campus. Please visit nashvillejcc.org/preschool for more information. •
nashvillejcc.org/preschool @nashjcc ECLC At the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood Learning Center, sounds of fun, laughter, and learning echo through the halls. Open to children from ages six weeks through pre-Kindergarten, the ECLC embraces families of all backgrounds and cultivates a connection with Jewish values and traditions. The program holds a 3-Star rating from the Tennessee Department of Human Services and offers year-round scheduling to meet family needs. Philosophy With practice rooted in research, our teachers work collaboratively to nurture the gifts of each child, encourage a questioning mind, spark creativity, foster independence, and promote self-esteem. Every classroom offers age-appropriate progressive, emergent curriculum enriched by specialists in Judaics, music and physical education. The ECLC is a school with great attention given to the
of Great
Jewish Middle School (JMS)
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
3600 West End Avenue www.jmsnashville.org Alene Arnold, Co-Head of School aarnold@jmsnashville.org Daniel Hoffman, Co-Head of School dhoffman@jmsnashville.org
Continued on page 38
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 37
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Jewish Middle School (JMS) Continued from page 37
The Jewish Middle School of Nashville (JMS) is a vibrant 5th-8th grade independent school that combines rigorous academics with the rich traditions of Jewish values. Our school is dedicated to guiding students through their critical middle school years, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. JMS gives students the opportunity to explore their interests, develop their identities, and form lasting friendships in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and fosters a strong sense of belonging. At JMS, Jewish values inspire everything we do, from cultivating lifelong learners to shaping future leaders who are driven to contribute meaningfully to the world around them. Our mission is rooted in creating a supportive community where each child feels valued and empowered. We offer a rigorous academic program that challenges students to think critically and creatively, with small class sizes that enable our educators to ensure that every child reaches their full potential. JMS is more than a school—it is a community dedicated to academic rigor, personal growth, and nurturing the whole child. •
Kehilla Upper School 3810 West End Avenue Alene Arnold, Head of School 917-414-0326 Aarnold@jmsnashville.org Elly Ebin, Director of Administration Eebin@jmsnashville.org Kehilla Upper School (Grades 6–12) offers a mission-driven educational journey that carries students from their early adolescent years through high school graduation. As the only Jewish upper school experience in Middle Tennessee, Kehilla provides a rigorous, valuesbased education that nurtures curiosity, character, and community at every stage.
Our Mission & Vision in Action Kehilla inspires students to become curious learners, thoughtful leaders, and compassionate citizens, guided by Jewish values and enriched by diverse perspectives. We envision a generation of graduates who step into the world with confidence, integrity, and purpose, equipped not only with strong academic skills, but also with the moral grounding and empathy to build bridges across cultures and communities. Across 6th–12th grade, intentionally small class sizes allow our dedicated educators to know each student deeply. Strong relationships, and a supportive environment ensure that every learner is seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Kehilla proudly welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds, cultivating a community rooted in belonging and mutual respect. Inspired by Jewish values, the mission of Kehilla Upper School’s inclusive community is to guide our students Middle School to become engaged learners and passionate leaders so The Kehilla Middle School that they may ultimately contribute to a purpose experience (grades 5–8) progreater than themselves. vides a dynamic, nurturing
Re-Imagine Upper School
For more information, visit www.kehillaupperschool.org
38 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
environment where students explore their interests, develop
Continued on page 39
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Kehilla Upper School Continued from page 38
of Great
Micah Children’s Academy
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
2001 Old Hickory Blvd. Brentwood, Tennessee 37027 office@micahchildrensacademy.org (615) 942-5162
their identities, and build the skills essential for academic and personal success. Through rigorous general and Judaic studies, inquiry-based learning, and opportunities for leadership, students learn to think critically, write with purpose, and engage in meaningful discussions while forming lasting friendships. Guided by Jewish values, they cultivate resilience, empathy, and confidence during these pivotal years. High School 9th - 12th grade builds on this foundation with a collegepreparatory curriculum that challenges students to grow intellectually, emotionally, and creatively. Our expanding AP course offerings, advanced electives, and project-based learning experiences help students refine their skills, discover their passions, and prepare for competitive college admission. Students benefit from individualized college counseling, mentorship, and experiential learning that broadens their perspectives. In both general and Jewish studies, they grapple with complex ideas, engage deeply with text and tradition, and practice leadership rooted in humility, courage, and responsibility. Graduates emerge ready to navigate the complexities of the modern world, curious, resilient, grounded in their values, and equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities. •
Play-Based Learning Micah Children’s Academy was created with the vision of ageappropriate, play-based learning that integrates the best of early childhood education theories and research-based best practices. The Academy strives to focus on the whole child and scaffold growth in each developmental domain by structuring our day with a variety of learning opportunities where children can construct their own knowledge. We integrate our Jewish values, art, sensory experiences, music, movement, love and awe of nature, math, and science into our every day. The Micah Children’s Academy provides an educational environment that honors each child within the context of their development, family, and culture, while being leaders in early childhood education. Our Academy cultivates a love for learning— cognitive, social, emotional, physical, spiritual, and verbal—and a thriving intergenerational and diverse community committed to growing the intellectual curiosity and moral consciousness of students and families based on Jewish values. Our educators build classroom communities that are inclusive and reflective of each child, family, and culture. They place value on facilitating an environment that is positive, supportive, and reflective of the conviction that: (1) childhood is sacred (2) children learn best through their play and by constructing their own knowledge, (3) children’s imaginations need to be nurtured and inspired, (4) children are capable of great empathy, (5) children are capable problem-solvers, and (6) children are best guided by thoughtful questions, redirection, an age-appropriate natural and logical consequences. Each week, specialized educators will lead students in enriching, play-based activities that build upon the mission and classroom curricula of Micah Children’s Academy. These specialized weekly activities will take place 10 months out of the school year and are as follows: • Music: Cantor Goldberg will enrich our students' lives with his musical talents, allowing students to explore various instruments, musical games and songs in both Hebrew and English. • Judaic: As children learn the Jewish culture through their explorations daily, our Judaic leaders will strengthen their understanding through songs, stories, games, and rituals. The Hebrew language will be introduced in meaningful ways. • Vibes: Vibes stands for Voice, Imagination, Body Exercises, and Storytelling. The goal of this enrichment is to strengthen students’ body awareness and abilities to self-regulate. Using songs and stories as our base, students will be led through enContinued on page 40
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 39
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Micah Children's Academy
Tami Provenzano, Preschool Administrator 615-646-5750
Continued from page 39
gaging whole-body movements, vocalizations, and imaginative play. Much of what takes place lends to creative self-expression, mindfulness, and theatrics. • Nature: With Congregation Micah’s beautiful campus, the Academy has ample opportunities to engage with nature. Our gardens give real-life experiences to understand life cycles and how to care for our Earth. Children are not only exploring, cultivating, growing, and tending to all the nature our campus provides, they are using these opportunities to build foundational math and science knowledge through activities that engage their whole body, mind, and spirit. •
Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool 95 Bellevue Road Nashville, TN 37221 (615) 646-5750 www.jewishmontessoripreschool.com Esther Tiechtel, Preschool Director rjmpinfo@gmail.com
The Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool, Tennessee’s only Jewish Montessori preschool, is a great place for children ages 12 months to 6 years to grow and learn. Our stimulating environment encourages confidence, exploration and promotes physical, emotional and social development. Your children will experience a classic Judaic foundation in a Montessori setting. Our philosophy “The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn.” −Dr. Maria Montessori
Intrinsic to Jewish educational heritage is an understanding that children learn at aNashville young age. Putof Greater ting them in a caring and nurturing environment, Supported by providing guidance and your gift to the Jewish love, ensures that they can Federation of become aware of their poGreater Nashville Children at the Revere Montessori tential and the good they celebrate Chanukah with joy and hapbring to our world. At the piness, and are embraced with love Revere Jewish Montessori and warmth, as they learn about the traditions of Shabbat and Jewish Life, Preschool, children are all in a classical Montessori Setting. given freedom with responsibility; their learning and achievements become their own. They value their peers; their class is a community with each one contributing; their faces light up as they practice kindness and respect for one another. Whole-child experience children’s minds absorb new concepts, their hands perfect the skills, their hearts feel secure and they learn through song and joy the Jewish values of the Torah and our heritage. The beautiful, aesthetically pleasing materials help them explore the world and learn building blocks of math and language. They refine their senses as they experience all their learning in a sensory way. The practical life area prepares them for the skills they need in daily life. The geography and culture area open the window for them to the world we are a part of. Science helps them gather information and observe and learn how nature functions. Our art curriculum helps them express their individuality and share their impressions through different media. Through it all are woven the customs and beauty of the Jewish holidays and the rich traditions from around the year. At the Revere Jewish Montessori Preschool, children can learn at their own pace. They come to it with an open heart and are given time to learn, understand, and make it their own. Like our nature-themed logo, we give our little ones a space to grow and to let them experience the soothing rain and the warm sunshine, teach them the Aleph-Bet and the ABCs and watch as they bud and blossom, each their own flower in a beautiful garden. Learn more: To learn about our open houses, or to arrange for a tour of our preschool, and to register your child, please call our office at (615) 646-5750. •
40 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
JEWISH SCHOOLS
Come explore with us!
The Temple Preschool Jewish-Focused Curiosity-Driven 5015 Harding Pike Nashville, TN 37205 615-356-8009
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 41
JEWISH SCHOOLS
The Temple Preschool Jewish-Focused, Curiosity-Driven
5015 Harding Pike Nashville TN 37205 (615) 356-8009 Admissions@templenashville.org
The New Rimon Preschool at of Greater Nashville Sherith Israel
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Candice Bouton, Director At The Temple Preschool, we believe children are competent, curious, and complex members of our community. Our mission is to empower children, families, and teachers by building strong relationships, nurturing curiosity and creativity, honoring each child’s individuality, and uplifting Jewish values. We see ourselves as partners in learning—walking alongside children, their families, and the environment as co-educators. Together, we support children in becoming solution seekers, deep thinkers, and confident learners with their own unique styles. We remain deeply grateful to the entire Jewish community for its continued support. In particular, we thank The Temple Congregation for generously sharing their campus and embodying the values of Tikkun Olam, Tzedakah, Social Justice, Love, and so much more. We also appreciate the Jewish Federation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee for its annual scholarship support, which helps provide financial assistance to families attending The Temple Preschool or any Jewish preschool in the Nashville area. We would love for you to experience our environment firsthand—please reach out to schedule a tour. •
SHERITH ISRAEL’S NEW PRESCHOOL AWAITS!
OPENING JANUARY, 2026
of Great
Hours: Monday-Friday (8 am - 4 pm) For more information, email director Catherine Carroll ccarroll@sherithisrael.com
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Opening January 2026, Sherith Israel’s new Reggio Emilia inspired Rimon Jewish Preschool invites our youngest learners into a joyful, curiosity-driven world where every child is celebrated as capable, creative, and full of endless potential. Rooted in the child-centered principles of the Reggio Emilia approach and infused with the beauty, rhythms, and values of Jewish life, our preschool is a place where wonder leads the way. Here, learning is hands-on, joyful, and meaningful. Children explore through play, imagination, and discovery, guided by caring educators who learn with them and help spark new ideas. Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed as “third teachers,” filled with natural materials, open-ended invitations to explore, and spaces that encourage collaboration, reflection, and creativity. Families are part of the journey too, with rich communication that highlights each child’s growth, questions, and emerging passions. Jewish identity comes alive every day in ways that feel warm, natural, and exciting. We celebrate Shabbat and holidays with song and story, embrace core Jewish values like kindness and gratitude, and help children connect their own wonderings to the stories and traditions of our people. At the Rimon Preschool, our vision is to inspire a lifelong love of learning, nurture each child’s confidence and voice, and build the foundations of a joyful Jewish identity. Together with families, we are creating a vibrant, inclusive community where every child shines, and we can’t wait to welcome you in January 2026. • The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org
Mixed-age infant classroom Reggio-Emilia inspired curriculum Focus on Jewish values, culture, and traditions
For more information, email ccarroll@sherithisrael.com, or call 615-292-6614 ext. 102 42 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
To access the Jewish Federation Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”
JEWISH GROUPS YOUTH SCHOOLS
Jewish Youth Groups of Greater Nashville
BBYO and JCC Maccabi Games
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
BBYO Zoe Goldberg, Delta Region Senior Regional Director zgoldberg@bbyo.org Nashville BBYO Spring Kickoff | All Jewish Teens Welcome | January 25 International Convention| Members Only | February 12-16 Delta Region Spring Convention | Members Only | April 10-12
BBYO is the leading pluralistic Jewish teen movement aspiring to involve more Jewish teens in more meaningful Jewish experiences. As expressed in our core values, BBYO welcomes Jewish teens of all backgrounds and denominational affiliations. BBYO is open to all Jewish teens in grades 8-12. BBYO hosts a citywide kickoff for all Jewish teens at the start of each semester. Music City BBG (girls) and Athens of the South AZA (boys) host teens at chapter events throughout the school year. Follow the chapters on Instagram to keep up with what's happening in Nashville BBYO- @MusicCity1764 and @AthensoftheSouth.AZA JCC MACCABI Games During the first week of August, Team Nashville will join over 50 delegations from across the world in a weeklong experience that goes unmatched. From the competition to the evening social activities, JCC Maccabi Games is a place for Jewish teens to connect through their love of sports. This year we will be in Toronto!
Sports offered: 3v3 Basketball (Boys) Basketball (Girls) Baseball (Co-ed) Ice Hockey (Co-ed) Soccer (Girls & Boys) Softball (Girls) Volleyball (Girls) Individual Sports: Dance (Co-ed) Swimming (Girls & Boys) Tennis (Girls & Boys) Track (Girls & Boys) The JCC Maccabi Games are open to teens 13-17. The 2026 Games will be in Toronto, Canada and will be held August 2-7. If your teen is interested in participating in the 2026 JCC Maccabi Games, please contact Rebecca Moriarty: RMoriarty@bbyo.org •
CHAI & MiTY Middle MiTY Congregation Micah (615) 377-9799 Julie Greenberg Congregation Micah education director jgreenberg@congregationmicah.org For high school students CHAI Society, Congregation Micah’s high school program, brings teens together for social, spiritual and educational activities and includes membership in Micah Temple Youth (MiTY), part of Continued on page 44 Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 43
YOUTH GROUPS
CHAI & MiTY | Middle MiTY Continued from page 43
the National Federation of Temple Youth. CHAI Society meets on Wednesday nights with Rabbi Flip Rice and Education Director Julie Greenberg. MiTY Advisor Sam Herb is a local musician and NFTY alumnus from Jacksonville, Fla. Together with guest speakers, teens explore texts and topics anchored in Jewish tradition and reflecting modern themes. Through both CHAI Society and MiTY, students enjoy social and spiritual activities, including attending and hosting national and regional NFTY kallot. Locally, members develop social action projects, host lock-ins, and hold fundraisers such as the Purim Carnival to support travel and tzedakah efforts. Teens also enjoy immersive Jewish journeys to New York City, Washington, Montgomery and Israel. For middle school students Middle MiTY is Micah’s youth group for those in grades 6 to 8, with activities centering on worship, social action and teambuilding. Under the guidance of sponsor Rebekah Zeitlin, these students’ tzedakah contributions benefit the Ronald McDonald House, where they also volunteer by making meals for resident families and collecting aluminum pull tabs. Chanukah on Wheels with Henry S. Jacobs Camp and the annual Rockin’ Lock-In hosted by local songwriters and musicians are two of many highlights. To participate: Call the Micah office or contact Education Director Julie Greenberg for details and come see what the fun’s about. •
MTUSY/Kadima Middle Tennessee United Synagogue Youth West End Synagogue 3810 West End Avenue Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 269-4592 www.westendsyn.org/community/usy-and-kadima hanegevusy.org mtnusy@gmail.com Facebook groups/54855516356/ Charlotte Cooper Canter, Advisor MTUSY is the local chapter of United Synagogue Youth, the official youth organization of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. It provides a comfortable social and educational environment for Jewish teens in Nashville, the Southeast region, the United States and throughout the world. USY strives to build meaningful relationships between its members. More about us MTUSY, West End Synagogue’s chapter of USY and Gesher, are open to all Jewish youth in grades 5 to 12. MTUSY falls under HaNegev region, which includes chapters in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida and Mississippi. Ha-Negev is divided into three subregions; MTUSY is in the Ein Gedi subregion, which includes every state in the region but Florida. MTUSY participates in local, sub-regional, regional and national events including conventions, leadership training and Shabbatons with sister chapters. MTUSY plans a wide variety of local events such as Friday night dinners, Shabbat services for USY, social action projects such as Room in the Inn and activities like laser tag, swimming, baking hamantashen, leading services, movies, Ein- Gedi sub-regional conventions, HaNegev conventions, and Yom Universal in Florida. United Synagogue also has a youth group called Kadima, which offers social, cultural and religious events for those in grades 5 to 7. There are also regional conventions and events for this age group. How to join If you are interested in learning more about USY or Kadima, please visit www.hanegevusy.org. You can also contact West End Synagogue at (615) 269-4592 or obtain registration forms by emailing MTNUSY@gmail.com •
To access the Jewish Federation Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”
44 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Young Adult Organizations
YOUTH YOUNGGROUPS ADULT
of Greater Nashville
NowGen Nashville
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
801 Percy Warner Blvd., Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37205 www.facebook.com/groups/nowgennashville www.instagram.com/nowgen_nashville/ linktr.ee/nowgen_nashville www.jewishnashville.org/nowgen NowGen Co-Chairs Haley Fried Sam Herb Ellie Shafron nowgennashville@gmail.com Emma Canter, Staff emma@jewishnashville.org
NowGen is the 20s and 30s division of the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and is a hub for young Jewish life in Nashville. NowGen hosts a wide array of events, programs, and activities to connect Jews in their 20s and 30s to each other and to the rest of Nashville's Jewish community. NowGen's goal, in partnership with the rest of Nashville's Jewish ecosystem, is to inspire young Jews in Nashville to build robust Jewish practices and social networks, support the community's future financial foundation through regular campaign giving, and develop the next generation of local, national, and international leadership in the Jewish community. •
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 45
YOUNG ADULT
Micah-Nections Micah-Nections is a social hub at Congregation Micah for Nashville-Area Jews (and those who are Jewishly curious) in their 20s and 30s. Micah-Nections offers programming throughout the year ranging from informal holiday gatherings, Shabbat dinners, hikes, volunteer opportunities, Jewish text study, music and worship gatherings, and more. We invite you to celebrate and explore Jewish life with us as we build community together! Sign up for our email list and stay updated with our upcoming events: https://www.congregationmicah.org/micahnections And follow us on instagram: @Micahnections •
The perfect setting for your most memorable event.
Weddings | Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Rooftop glass enclosed banquet room for up to 64 people. Spacious suites as well as beautiful standard rooms. Complimentary expanded breakfast | Free internet access Seasonal outdoor pool and Jacuzzi | Free parking
615-777-0001 2324 Crestmoor Road Nashville, TN 37215 Behind the Mall at Green Hills www.nashgreenhillssuites.hamptoninn.com
The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
To access the Jewish Federation Community Calendar, go to www.jewishnashville.org and click on “Calendar.”
46 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Moishe House Nashville
of Great Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Website: https://www.moishehouse. org/find-a-moishe-house/a284A00000028iDQAQ/ moishe-house-nashville/ Instagram: @mohonash Moishehousenash@gmail.com Welcome, y’all! Moishe House Nashville would love to have you in our home. We’re located in Cleveland Park in East Nashville and provide a welcoming space for all of Nashville’s young adult Jewish community (ages 21-32) to gather and share experiences. We host an average of five programs every month, ranging from backyard Shabbat dinners under our string lights, bar trivia and game nights, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, Rosh Chodesh well circles, and so much more. We try to mix it up, and we’d love to hear what you’re interested in doing together as a community! Subscribe to our newsletter (https://tinyurl. com/mohonash) and follow us on Instagram (@mohonash) to stay up to date with everything we’re doing. See you soon! •
YOUNG ADULT
Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt
from home during which young adults experience a new sense of freedom and stress, new ideas and opportunities, fear of the future and becoming an adult, and everything that growing up entails. It of Greater Nashville is also the time when people forge their identities and make decisions that will impact their lives in a significant manner. 111 23rd Ave North Supported by The Rohr Chabad House is a Jewish rock in the storm of life Nashville TN 37203 your gift to and there for students in all ways to help them grow and develop the Jewish (615) 686-3905 Federation of as human beings and as Jews. vanderbiltchabad.org Greater Nashville The first thing you will notice upon entering the Chabad rabbi@chabadvanderbilt.com House is the feeling of home and acceptance. Students from all @chabadvanderbilt sorts of Jewish backgrounds are celebrating together like family. The ideas shared are uplifting and thought-provoking and you Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein, rabbi and co-director can’t miss the joy that fills the air. (615) 686-3905 We work to create a healthy Jewish environment at Vanderbilt in which Jewish students are excited to identify and act like Nechama Rothstein, co-director Jews and where non-Jewish students appreciate and respect their Jewish peers. Rabbi Gavriel Isenberg, assistant rabbi and general Our signature offerings are weekly Shabbat dinners, Mega manager of Aryeh’s Kitchen Rosh Hashanah and Passover Seder on Alumni Lawn, Birthright (520) 425-6411 trips to Israel, the Sinai Scholars Society and other Jewish classes, and on-campus engagement events and talks that reach the The Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University connects broader Vanderbilt community. We offer a Rabbi and Rebbetzin with Jewish students, creates Jewish community at Vanderbilt, on call at all times for students and spend much times meeting, provides a meaningful and authentic Jewish experience on cam- counseling, and studying Torah with them. To participate: Check the website for times of classes and pus and is a warm, accepting home away from home for all colevents. Drop by, or email Nechama Rothstein at nechama@ lege students. The college years are a unique time, four intense years away chabadvanderbilt.com •
The WINE Store REDEFINED 7066 Hwy 70 South . Nashville, TN 37221 . (615) 646-1400 www.redspirits.com
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 47
YOUNG ADULT
Next Dor Next Dor is The Temple’s young professionals group. Our group thrives on connecting with the Jewish community here in Nashville and continues to grow with the community itself. We welcome new faces and enjoy getting to know all those new to the area, The Temple, or our group. Or, if you are native to Nashville but have just recently found us, we are glad you’re here, too! From networking events to Shabbat Supper Clubs to holiday celebrations; a fun time is always had by all of our participants.
Temple Together Temple Together is The Temple’s newest group for 35-50 year olds. We know that this age group is looking for meaningful ways to connect with others. Temple Together puts on a variety of events that are open to Temple members as well as the broader community. Here, Temple members and non-members alike come together to gather, socialize, explore ever-changing neighborhoods and much more. In the last year we have held a variety of events; Campfire Sing- A- Long, volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank, Mah Jong classes, and a Nashville Sounds game. If you have any questions or suggestions for upcoming events for either Next Dor or Temple Together, please reach out to Temple's Director of Membership and Inclusion, Sheri Rosenberg (sheri@templenashville.org).
C ebrate a of Life’s Special O asions! Gifts for Birthdays, Bar & Bat Mitvzahs, Weddings, Babies, and everything in between
of Great Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
Vanderbilt Hillel Schulman Center for Jewish Life 2421 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37212 615-322-8376 www.vuhillel.com vandyhillel@gmail.com Facebook: vanderbilt.hillel Instagram: @vandyhillel Adam Meyer, Board President Professional Staff Ari Dubin: Executive Director ari.dubin@vanderbilt.edu
Sydney Harlow: Assistant Executive Director sydney.harlow@vanderbilt.edu Valerie Landa: Finance Director valerie.landa@vanderbilt.edu Shannon Small: Development Director shannon.small@vanderbilt.edu Executive Board Members Adam Meyer: President amm0313@gmail.com Joel Abramson: Vice President jabramson86@gmail.com Alyssa Hassenfeld: Secretary alyssahassenfeld@gmail.com Eric Walk: Treasurer me@ericwalk.com
Westgate Shopping Center 6033 Highway 100 Nashville, TN 37205 615.383.1422 KatysGifts.com
Vanderbilt Hillel is the center of Jewish life at Vanderbilt University serving the religious, social, and educational needs of the undergraduate and graduate student communities. Vanderbilt Hillel prides itself on offering Jewish college students different ways to express their Jewish identity through creative programs and cultural events. Established in 2002, Vanderbilt Hillel is a student-centered Jewish organization on the Vanderbilt University Continued on page 49
48 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
YOUNG ADULT
Vanderbilt Hillel Continued from page 48
campus that caters to the over 1,200 Jewish students at Vanderbilt University as well as Jewish communities at institutions of higher education throughout Middle Tennessee. Vanderbilt Hillel is based in the Schulman Center for Jewish Life, conveniently located in the heart of the Vanderbilt University campus, and home of the popular kosher vegetarian restaurant-Grins Café. As part of Hillel International, Vanderbilt Hillel is a national leader in empowering Jewish students to create micro-communities to explore their interests through a Jewish lens and with their peers. Vanderbilt Hillel’s micro-communities include Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM), Challah 4 Hunger, Gift of Life, Senior Leadership Initiative, First Year Students of Hillel (FYSH) programming, ‘Dores for Israel, and so much more. Vanderbilt Hillel’s committed staff engage hundreds of students each year through social and religious programming, meaningful conversations about Israel, and impactful community service. Hillel provides an annual Birthright trip and other experiences for students to connect with Jewish communities around the world. How to participate: Membership is not required for students interested in participating in Vanderbilt Hillel events. All are welcome. Vanderbilt Hillel offers student-led religious services for Shabbat and holidays during Vanderbilt’s academic year. Shabbat services occur at 5:30 p.m. weekly and Shabbat dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. during the school year. Graduate Student Programming In addition, Hillel offers programming for students in graduate and professional schools. Some programs and events are school specific while others are open to the general population. For more information, contact Sydney Harlow, Assistant Executive Director, at sydney.harlow@vanderbilt.edu. Community members should contact Vanderbilt Hillel, via the contact information provided, for more information about Hillel programming. Vanderbilt Hillel offers financial assistance for students to participate in programs, immersive trips, etc. through the generous support of parents, alumni, local donors, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville. •
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The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
Learn more about the Nashville Jewish community at www.jewishnashville.org
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org
HUNT MEMORIALS, INC 4807 GALLATIN PIKE | NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 49
ORGANIZATIONS
Cultural, Service, Social, and Political Organizations B'nai B'rith Maimonides Lodge #46 Steven Remer go4mets56@aol.com (615) 356-2383 Founded in the fall of 1863 during the Civil War, B'nai B'rith Maimonides #46 is the oldest Jewish organization in Nashville. For more than 160 years, it has maintained an outstanding record of brotherhood and benevolence. Aiding the Visually Impaired The lodge has committed to assisting the visually impaired children of Nashville and the surrounding area since 1971. It continues to support visually impaired children by sponsoring the Annual Braille Challenge and the Academic Challenge at the Tennessee School for the Blind. The lodge also works with Jewish Family Services to help meet the many needs of our visually impaired seniors with products that enhance their lives. The lodge has established a scholarship at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee that it has awarded for the past ten years to help a visually impaired student from Nashville pay for college or other educational needs. Community Outreach As part of its community outreach, the lodge also assists Jewish Family Services with its Chanukah program for Jewish families in our community. The lodge plans to sponsor programs throughout the year that features interesting speakers. We have participated in the community wide celebration of Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day), Jewish night at the Predators and the Nashville Jewish Film Festival. The Maimonides Lodge #46 is very proud of our commitment to the mission of B'nai B'rith, which is recognized as a vital voice in promoting Jewish unity and continuity, supporting the State of Israel, advocating on behalf of senior citizens and providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief. There are many opportunities to work with B'nai B'rith, through its website http://www.bnaibrith.org. We welcome new members to our lodge, whether they are new to Nashville or long time residents. Contact Steven Remer, president, at go4mets56@aol.com for further information and to obtain a membership application. • The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
50 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
B’nai B’rith Social Unit Gil Fox, President 615-330-2666 gsfox3@comcast.net Joyce Levin joylevin8@gmail.com Steven Remer go4mets56@aol.com Our chapter brings together long-term members of our Nashville Jewish Community and people new to Nashville. You will enjoy both new Nashvillians and old friends, ages 50+, at fun social, educational and service programs. We normally have one social program each month. Our recent social programs have included our Annual Summer Picnic, Tour of the Nashville Holocaust Memorial, picnic and music at Arrington Vineyards, tour of downtown Jewish Nashville, plays at Belmont and Studio Tenn, Jewish Film Festival, Hanukkah Party, Super Bowl Party, Progressive Dinner, Havdalah Dinner, day trip to the Corvette Museum, Kentucky Derby Party, interesting speakers, and game days. Our service projects have included collecting gloves and hats for students at Cockrill Elementary, sponsoring a Hanukkah Celebration at one of the local assisted living facilities, and collecting books to be distributed through Book-Em. We currently have over 90 members, ranging from native Nashvillians to those who have moved here as last month. We have members from all of the 5 Jewish Congregations. •
of Great
East Side Tribe Nashville
Supported by your gift to the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville
2026 Board Members: Emily Siner, Brian Kownacki, Tess Lantos, Eric Mirowitz, Courtney Bruns, Michal Eskinazi Becker, Laura Heiman, Bill Miller eastsidetribenashville@gmail.com
Continued on page 51
ORGANIZATIONS
East Side Tribe
Nashville Chapter of Hadassah
East Side Tribe is a grassroots social and spiritual community fueled by Jewish values and rooted in East Nashville. Our mission is to support the Jewish community of East Nashville in the process of creating and strengthening relationships with each other and with Judaism, through social, ritual and educational gatherings in our neighborhoods. We are open to all, regardless of where you live, how old you are, or what you believe. Join us for a potluck Shabbat dinner, happy hour, tot Shabbat, guided hike or holiday party. •
Website: www.hadassah.org Facebook: Hadassah Nashville
Continued from page 50
Franklin Jewish Social Ellen Monen Board of Directors President Erin Wood Board of Directors VP www.franklinjewish.com
Stephanie Korn and Sheri Rosenberg, Presidents nashville@hadassah.org About us The Nashville Chapter of Hadassah unites over 700 women and 120 male Associates in a shared commitment to social action, combating antisemitism, and supporting Israel. Founded in 1926, our multigenerational community offers a rich variety of programs that inspire, educate, and build connections. We host engaging events like book clubs, cooking demonstrations, Havdalah candle-making, hamantaschen baking, holiday parties, and fundraising galas. Our “Evolve” group offers younger women tailored activities, including social events and leadership development. Our general fundraising efforts support Hadassah’s global initiatives such as the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Israel, which delivers cutting-edge medical research and care to patients of all backgrounds regardless of race, religion or nationality, and was a leader in treating COVID-19 patients. Our recent efforts include fundraising for the new, state-of-the-art Gandel Rehabilitation Center, which provides on-going services to those wounded in Israel’s current conflict, Other Hadassah initiatives that we support include Youth Aliyah, which provides services to immigrant and at-risk children in Israel, and Young Judaea, which runs camps and youth programs in the United States and the Year Course in Israel. We are proud that Continued on page 52
Private Group: www.facebook.com/groups/ jewishfranklintn Public: www.facebook.com/franklinjewishsocial IG: www.instagram.com/franklinjewishsocial/ Franklin Jewish Social brought the very first glimpse of Jewish community to Franklin. While we started as a private Facebook group and safe space to connect, over time we have grown into much more — from Hebrew School, to Hanukkah, to community support and even just finding new friends. Led and run by volunteers, the main intention of our group is to stay casual and keep life both Jewish and fun TOGETHER. In 2024, our The Miracle of Light, our Hanukkah on Franklin’s Public Square, boasted over 1,000 attendees – a night of celebration, great food, entertainment and fun for all ages. We love celebrating Jewish life while also embracing our kind non-Jewish neighbors. Our #1 goal is to heal our small piece of the world through connection, education and experience. Partnering with The Temple, we offer Shalom Squad, a fun kids Hebrew school, which meets weekly in Franklin. Community members plan events intermittently and are welcome to use our group as a resource. We are pretty proud and excited to have created this little thing that we have, finding Jewish community in a place where many of us least expected. Come join in on the fun. •
… because your memories matter 479 Myatt Drive, Madison, TN 37115-3024 615-712-9521 • rdschultz@schultzmonument.com
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 51
ORGANIZATIONS
Nashville Chapter of Hadassah Continued from page 51
the Nashville Chapter has recently participated in a new program, Momentum, which inspires mothers with children under the age of 18 who are still living at home to travel to Israel, building a stronger connection to their personal Jewish identities, the State of Israel and Hadassah, leading the way for the next generation of Hadassah members. Join us to make an impact, meet like-minded individuals, and grow as part of our vibrant community! Visit www.hadassah.org, email nashville@hadassah.org, or connect with us on Facebook: Hadassah Nashville. We look forward to hearing from you. •
Israel365: Jews & Christians Building Bridges in Nashville Website: www.israel365.com/nashville Email: mark.fishman@israel365.com Who We Are Israel365 strengthens Israel by building authentic, respectful relationships between Jews and Christians. These connections create a meaningful network of support rooted in shared values, mutual understanding, and a commitment to the well-being of Israel and Jewish communities. In challenging times, these partnerships help ensure that our community is never standing alone. Our Approach Rooted in Jewish tradition and guided by timeless teachings, we create opportunities for shared learning, dialogue, and action with those who care deeply about Israel. Our work includes educational programs and community engagement initiatives that help others connect with the land and people of Israel in thoughtful and meaningful ways. Israel365 was founded in 2012 by Rabbi Tuly Weisz, inspired by a friendship that showed how sincere interfaith relationships can deepen understanding, build bridges, and strengthen communities. Since then, we have helped cultivate thousands of such partnerships around the world. Israel365 in Nashville In Nashville, we engage with openness and sensitivity, honoring the diversity within Jewish life and the complex history specifically between Jews and Christians. Together with local interfaith partners, we focus on: • Building relationships through shared learning and Israel-centered programs • Educational opportunities for faith leaders, including briefings and experiences in Israel • Collaborative efforts that support the resilience and well-being of Israel and Jewish communities in times of challenge Get Involved We invite members of the Nashville Jewish community to connect with us, learn more, and help strengthen a broad, inclusive network of support for Israel and Jewish life locally and around the world. • 52 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
The Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers Judy Given Given223@bellsouth.net 615-403-8663 Evelyn Koch kochevelyn@hotmail.com 615-337-4482 Sharon Morrow morrow7141@comcast.net (615) 491-0840 - cell Israeli Folk Dancing is a wonderful activity for getting great cardio exercise with good music, fun moves, and great camaraderie. Since Israel’s population is the result of an ingathering of many different nationalities, its folkdance repertoire is truly international. Besides traditional Israeli, dance styles and music include Spanish, Hasidic, Moroccan, Yemeni, Greek – and even disco, rock, and country. The Nashville group—made up of Jewish and non-Jewish members—has flourished since 1993 with weekly dance sessions, courses for beginners, intermediate, and advanced dancers, workshops with renowned instructors from Israel, community outreach, parties and performances. In Nashville, Israeli dancing means great music and exercise with the friendliest people in town. No experience required for beginner sessions—only a desire to dance. We are all amateurs! One of our dancers, Sharon Morrow, says, “Israeli folk dancing expresses the love and heart of the Jewish people. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance or can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. It’s worth the effort.” Both dance sessions are free and you don’t have to be a GJCC member to participate. When and Where? Wednesday evening in the Dance Studio at the GJCC 5:45 - 6:15 pm Beginners/easy dancing – no experience needed! 6:15 - 7:15 pm Intermediate/advanced dancing. Questions? Email Judy Given @ given223@bellsouth.net Friday morning in the JCC gym 11:30 am – 12:45 pm Intermediate and advanced Questions? Email Evelyn Koch @ kochevelyn@hotmail.com Please contact us if you would like to be on our mailing list to receive reminders about regular sessions, notices of upcoming events, including special beginner courses and dance workshops, or if you have any questions about our group. And check our Facebook page (Nashville Israeli Folk Dancers) for upcoming workshops, weekly class information, or special events. •
ORGANIZATIONS
Jewsic City www.jewsiccity.org
others via email and telephone, being sure to let them know that the opinion expressed is from this Nashville Jewish organization. At other times, NJSJR will join with groups in the broader Nashville community to strengthen advocacy for social justice issues. NJSJR also sponsors meetings to educate and involve its members and the larger Jewish community regarding timely concerns both locally and nationally. Anyone interested in joining the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable can sign up at jsjrnashville.org To learn more about NJSJR, contact Irwin Venick (irwin.venick@gmail.com or (615)-390-6689). •
Co-leaders: Ellie Flier, Julia Motis, and Natalie Steinberg Jewsic City creates spaces for people to come together for Jewish musical experiences outside of traditional synagogues and denominations and in the style of Jewish summer camps. We are a thriving, growing group of Nashville Jews who want to experience their own Judaism in a meaningful way through music, prayer, and community. No matter if we gather for Friday night services, Havdalah campfires, song sessions, or other innovative programming, the core of our events is a Jewish musical experience, incorporating prayers and melodies from multiple streams of Judaism and spiritual secularism. As Jewsic City’s motto goes: “We are rooted in tradition, but not at all traditional.” Visit jewsiccity.org for more information or to sign up for our mailing list. •
Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable Irwin Venick www.jsjrnashville.org jsjrnashville@gmail.com Formed in 2016 and open to all members of the Jewish community, the Nashville Jewish Social Justice Roundtable (NJSJR) stands on the Jewish moral values of mishpat (justice for all); tzedakah (social justice); gemilut hesedim (act of loving kindness) and rahamim (compassion for those in need) Our mission is to advocate in support of solutions to problems that will advance the principles of democratic pluralism, religious freedom and economic justice. Working within these principles, NJSJR acts as an independent, non-partisan Jewish voice for progressive views on social justice issues including, but not limited to antisemitism/Jew hatred, education, employment, gun safety, health care, housing, immigration, mass incarceration, poverty, and voting rights primarily focused on local and state concerns. When appropriate, NJSJR takes positions on specific social justice issues and encourages those who subscribe to its newsletter to advocate for those positions by contacting civic leaders and
National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Section Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director Email: nashvillencjw@gmail.com Website: www.ncjwnashville.org Instagram @ncjw_nashville_section Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NCJWNashville Twitter/X @NCJWNashville Marci Kleinrock and Sheri Rosenberg, Presidents Olivia Heller and Kim Lapidus, Treasurers Julie Fortune and April Nemer, Secretaries Jordana Loeb, La Quita Martin, Bryna Oleshansky Mody, and Rachel Whitney , VPs, Advocacy Felicia Abramson, Rachel Friedman, and Harriet Workman, VPs, Membership Rebecca Kaduru, Hayley Levy Kupin, and Lindsey Rosen, VPs, Programming Julie Galbierz and Stephanie Korn, VP, Projects Erin Coleman and Stephanie Kirschner, Immediate Past Presidents The Nashville section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families in Middle Tennessee and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
Continued on page 54
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 53
ORGANIZATIONS
National Council of Jewish Women, Nashville Continued from page 53
Nationally, NCJW takes a progressive stance on issues such as child welfare, women’s rights and reproductive freedom. The Nashville section is pleased to support these advocacy efforts and more in the state of Tennessee, including gun reform, reproductive access, and protecting and promoting the right to vote. Locally, NCJW’s 450 members are involved and volunteer in service to the community in a number of ways. Some of the local projects the Nashville section currently supports are: • Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), training advocates to support children caught in the court system and helping them find safe and permanent homes • Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee, supporting youth and family programming • Jewish Family Service Kosher Food Box, providing food for local Jewish families • Jewish Family Service Passover Box, providing Passover supplies for local Jewish families who also receive Kosher Food boxes • REACH for Survivorship, providing resources for children and adults with cancer at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center • Renewal House, supporting Nashville’s first, largest, and most comprehensive long-term recovery community for women with addictions and their children • Scholarship Loan Program, providing no-interest loans for undergraduate and graduate students • Senior Friends, delivering traditional Rosh Hashanah food items to JFS’s Senior Friends program • “Our Kids” Snack Box Program for children attending the Sexual Abuse Clinic • Vanderbilt Hillel Shabbat for a Cause, co-leading biannual Shabbat topics and making challah to support those facing hunger •
The Jewish Genealogical Society of Nashville The Jewish Genealogical Society of Nashville is a member of the IAJGS (International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies). We hold meetings on a monthly basis with guest speakers, presentations by subject experts, and to assist other members with their research. The objectives of the Society are: 1) To collect, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and information with reference to Jewish genealogy. 2) To promote interest and encourage interested persons to engage in genealogical research. 3) To stimulate and provide instruction in research methodology, the utilization of resources and adherence to standards of accuracy and thoroughness. 4) To provide opportunities for the sharing of Jewish genealogical information. 54 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
5) To foster careful documentation and to promote scholarly genealogical writing and publication. 6) To hold meetings for the instruction and education of its members and the general public. For information regarding upcoming events, please see our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ JGSNashville. For membership and additional information. please email us at: NashvilleJGS@gmail.com •
Tennessee Stands with Israel https://www.tennesseestandswithisrael.org/ tennessee_stands_with_israel Leeron Stark Resnick, Co-Founder lsresnick@gmail.com David Zilberman - Co-Founder djzilberman@gmail.com Tennessee Stands with Israel (TSWI) is a charitable organization started by local Israeli community members shortly after October 7th. TSWI is committed to supporting Israel as a democratic Jewish state and advocating for the victims of the massacre that took place that day. TSWI works to strengthen the relationship between the United States and Israel, spread awareness about the latest developments in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and explain the implications of events. TSWI organizes rallies for Israel, marches in honor of the hostages that are being held captive in Gaza, sends representatives to speak at churches about Israel and hosts gatherings in private homes for small groups to speak about Israel and the current situation. To learn more about TSWI or to donate visit https://www.tennesseestandswithisrael.org/donate •
Widowers & Widows Social Group Group of Jewish widowers and widows who have lost his/her spouse recently or in the distant past. This is not a dating service or a meet/meat group, but it is a group of adult individuals who are interested in doing things with a group of people who have been through a similar loss as opposed to doing things by him/herself. We meet for lunch on the 2nd Friday every other month at various restaurants. For more information, contact Gil Fox at gsfox3@comcast.net.•
ORGANIZATIONS RESOURCES
Community Educational Resources Annette Levy Ratkin Jewish Community Archives
caust refugees, survivors and liberators, some of which are available on the website of the Tennessee Holocaust Commission. Important ongoing work of the archives staff is developing and of Greater Nashville housing local family trees used in genealogy research. It is amazing the family interconnectedness in this Jewish community. An Supported by active Jewish Genealogical Society meets monthly at the Gordon 801 Percy Warner Blvd. your gift to Jewish Community Center. Many useful research resources are the Jewish Nashville, TN 37205 Federation of housed in the center’s library as well as the archives. The mission (615) 354-1655 Greater Nashville of the archives is to preserve the records of the Jews of the Middle Email: archives@jewishnashville.org Tennessee Area. Please consider donating your family’s papers as a www.jewishnashville.org/resources/annette-levylegacy. To volunteer in the archives or to find out further informaratkin-archives tion about the holdings please contact the staff using the information listed above. • Leona Fleischer, Archive Associate Phone: (615) 354-1655 The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville is the main source of funding for the archives which was created by the Jewish Educational Services Committee of the Federation in the 1970s. A grant from the National Historical Records and Publications Commission was secured to hire staff and purchase materials. The first collections included the research materials amassed by Fedora Small Frank when she published two books about the 19th century development of the Nashville Jewish community. Since 1979 records of individuals, families, businesses, organizations and institutions of the Jewish communities of Middle Tennessee have been added to create an archive of 375 linear feet. Housed in the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the archives can be accessed by appointment. If the archive is to remain relevant the members of the community must support its growth by contributing their stories. Please remember when closing a business, an estate, a household or changing organizational officers that documents and photographs tell a story and can be deposited for historical preservation in our archive. An endeavor to digitize the archives began in the spring of 2020. The objective of the five-year Digitization Project is to make collections accessible from anywhere for future generations. The scanning of the Federation holdings, the GJCC collection, Jewish Family Service files plus several Manuscript and Small collections have been completed by additional staff who were hired specifically for the project. Continuation of this project is financially supported by independent fundraising. To learn about opportunities to support this important endeavor please contact Jason Sparks, Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Federation at Jason@ jewishnashville.org. One of our greatest treasures is an oral history audiotape collection, created by NCJW. The transcribed histories document the memories of older adults who grew up in Nashville. There are opportunities for volunteers to record additional interviews. A DVD oral history collection contains the experiences of Holo-
Gordon Jewish Community Center Library 801 Percy Warner Blvd. Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-7170, ext. 1679 Fax: (615) 353-2659 The Gordon JCC Library has a spacious look and is used for reading and meeting. Arrangements to use the room for a meeting are made through Marilyn Rubin, (615) 354-1679, in the JCC office. If you use the room for reading purposes, you can find childrens/juvenile books, fiction, biographies, history or cookbooks, along with books about Jewish practice and holidays, the Holocaust, Israel, and many other topics related to Jewish life and religion. The library has special collections of large-print books and yizkor books compiled by survivors of East European shtetls. The collections can be located by using the patron computer station in the library. Materials may be borrowed for two weeks and renewed by phone. A video or DVD checkout must be arranged in advance by contacting the staff. The library is usually open whenever the JCC main building is open. •
The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
Learn more about the Nashville Jewish community at www.jewishnashville.org
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 55
RESOURCES
The Promise Sessions Natasha Amit, Co-Founder Yossi Amit, Co-Founder promisesessions@gmail.com
Tennessee Holocaust Commission P.O. Box 59252 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 527-8114 www.tnholcom.org Email: tnholcom@tnholcom.org https://www.facebook.com/tnholcom/ https://www.instagram.com/tnholcom Alyssa Trachtman, Executive Director Atrachtman@tnholcom.org Let all generations remember so that it never happens again. The Tennessee Holocaust Commission (THC) provides education and promotes remembrance of the Holocaust to the state of Tennessee. THC provides teachers, students and individuals with seminars, resources, workshops, traveling exhibits and commemorations to create awareness of the Holocaust; to fight prejudice and to encourage tolerance and understanding among all people. Tennessee Holocaust Commission Programs: • Annual Educator Outreach Programs • Living On Exhibition and published book featuring portraits of Tennessee Holocaust survivors and liberators • Customized Teacher Resources • Belz-Lipman annual Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education • Teacher Workshops & Fellowships • Annual Day of Remembrance Commemoration • Mira Kimmelman Annual Essay and Art Contest • Yom Hashoah Events •
The Jewish Observer of Nashville is online at www.JewishObserverNashville.org
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56 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
https://www.promisesessions.com/ https://www.instagram.com/promisesessions/ In the darkest hour of October 7th, when fear and pain threatened to overshadow everything, a promise was made to bring more light into this world and the Promise Sessions was created. The Promise Sessions (TPS) is a new and innovative multimedia non-profit platform initiated in Nashville, Music City, USA. TPS produce content that offers healing and hope for Israeli Defense Force veterans and Israeli civilians suffering from the ongoing war. Their mission is simple yet profound: to empower victims of terror and war through the magic of music. With creative music industry collaborations and a network of faith-based supporters, TPS offerS a lifeline of connection, resilience, and unity for Israel, the Jewish people, friends, and allies. Music is the great connector. Together, one song at a time, we can transform pain into purpose and help heal the world. The Promise Sessions has three key initiatives: – NashVoice is about amplifying the abundant local talent in our community. We shine a light on emerging artists who come to the new Sherith Israel Soundstage we built, to film and record music that raises awareness for positive change, leverages art as education, and inspires hope through songs. – NasHeal is our Nashville Healing Retreat, designed for Israeli musicians who are serving or have served their country. They spend 2 weeks in Music City, record an original song in a renowned studio, film a music video at our Soundstage, connect with industry leaders, receive trauma therapy, find respite and experience the best that Music City has to offer. We aim to paint a humanized, warmer image of IDF veterans and of Israel. – Nashama gives a voice to the silenced with the completion and publication of unfinished creative works by fallen civilians and soldiers. With the support and guidance of their families, we record the finished song and share it, so that we may pay tribute to their creative impact on the world and memorialize those we’ve lost. To learn more about our promise to heal after October 7th please visit www.promisesessions.com •
Learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville at www.jewishnashville.org of Greater Nashville
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 57
Kosher in Nashville
Hearty Kosher Takeout All Across Nashville
On any typical day, several calls come into the office at Chabad of Nashville, all with the same question. “Hi, I am going to be in Nashville next weekend and I have no idea where I can get Kosher food.” “I am coming for a conference and I need kosher meals.” “My family is visiting Nashville, can you guide me on where can get food for Shabbat? Can you help me out?” Chabad of Nashville realized there were very limited answers to that question, especially to those that were seeking kosher meals of seafood, poultry and beef. As the phones at the Chabad of Nashville kept on ringing, with many people seeking Glatt Kosher meals, we knew we needed to come up with another alternative for people to get high quality delicious Kosher takeout food, and the brainstorming began! All types of ideas were generated, and the outcome was the creation of the website Nashvillekoshertakeout.com The mission is a simple one. To provide visitors to Nashville with delicious mouth-watering kosher meals! Whether one is a traveler visiting Nashville, or if one calls Nashville home and desired a delicious kosher meal delivered to their home via Uber, we now have them covered! Nashville kosher Take Out (NKTO) provides high quality, chef driven, fresh and frozen meals, with an ever expanding menu, adding new items to the varied menu regularly. The menu includes various chicken dishes, beef dishes including brisket, pot roast, meatballs, salmon, and vegetarian options. In addition Nashville Kosher Takeout offers breakfast, salads, and desserts. All meals are packaged with the kosher traveler in mind, double wrapped so that they can be warmed up in a hotel oven, created using kosher ingredients of the highest standard and prepared in the kosher banquet kitchen at Chabad of Nashville. Ordering of meals is easy and simple. Visit Nashvillekoshertakeout.com, click on the link “order here” and the meal options currently available to order. The ordering process is quite easy. We do ask that orders be made 48 hours in advance of when you need your meals. Delivery is available via Uber and Lyft to local hotels and to other local address in the Nashville area. Nashville Kosher Takeout can also prepare and cater gourmet kosher meals with custom menus. Hosting a holiday party, or a Shabbat dinner for 25 guests? NKTO can accommodate your kosher catering needs. For more information or to speak to a NKTO representative, please call 615646-5750, who will be happy to assist you. Nashville Kosher Take Out is under the supervision of Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel of Chabad of Nashville. All entrees are prepared using ingredients that are Glatt kosher, Chalav Yisrael and Bishul Yisrael. Enjoy and Bon Appetit. Nashvillekoshertakeout.com looks forward to the opportunity to serve the Nashville community with all their Kosher meal take out needs. • 58 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
Kosher Nashville Rabbi Daniel Hoffmann Rabbinic Administrator of the Kosher Commission dhoffman@nashvillekosher.org
Leon’s Candy 138 2nd Ave. North, Suite 102 Nashville, TN 37201 615-254-5030
Restaurants
Nothing Bundt Cakes 21 White Bridge Rd. Nashville, TN 37205 615-354-6300
Holy Smokes 300 24th Ave. South Nashville, TN 37212 615-918-8700 Grins Cafe 2421 Vanderbilt Place Nashville, TN 37212 615-322-8571 Woodlands 3415 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 615-463-3005 Succulent Vegan Tacos 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. Nashville, TN 37208 Krispy Kreme (Thompson Lane) 400 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37211 615-254-5966
Nova Market and Café 7648 Hwy 70 S Nashville, TN 37221 629-702-3970
Caterers
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. Goldie Shepard 615-305-9438 Melissa and Sons (615) 752-0639 Ess and Fress Catering (615) 636-3446 Sova Catering (615) 383-0777
A few points about Kosher foods • Kosher products in the supermarkets preceded by (D) contain milk. They are not Chalav Israel. • ALWAYS check the product each time you purchase it as the certification may change or discontinue. • If a certain product is kosher, it does not mean that other products of the same company are kosher. • If a certain product has a kosher symbol or rabbinical supervision, it does not mean that the same product without the symbol or supervision is kosher. Some ingredients may vary. • If a product is kosher, it does not mean that the same product made elsewhere is kosher. Some ingredients may vary. • Many products are kosher for the whole year but not for Passover, unless it has a (P) after the symbol or otherwise mentioned. Source: www.chabadnashville.com/templates/articlecco_ cdoaid/509717/jewish/Kosher-Food.htm
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS
CHIROPRACTIC CARE
OPTOMETRIST
CATHY WERTHAN, CPA CBIZ 1221 Broadway, Suite 1925 Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 245-4070 • CBIZ.com
DR. BRADLEY KROCK D.C. Discover relief with Dr. Krock, DC Expert chiropractic care for pain, wellness, and injury recovery. Book your appointment today! 615-723-0201 www.krockchiropractic.com
DR. MICHELE SONSINO Optique Franklin 436 Main Street, Franklin 615-591-4191 Optique Nashville 2416 21st Ave. South, Nashville 615-321-4393
DENTIST
DR. JAMES W. KIRKCONNELL Bellevue Eyecare Center 7640 Hwy 70 S, Ste 102 Nashville 615-662-7588 www.bec2020.com
APPLIANCES
ELECTRONIC EXPRESS is a leader in top quality, brand-name electronics and appliances at exceptionally low prices. Stocking the latest items, Electronic Express takes pride in providing customers with products at prices to fit any budget. From televisions, appliances, smart devices and cameras to security systems, furniture and mattresses, Electronic Express has everything to take your home to the next level. Electronic Express offers special financing, delivery and installation options. We make it happen! Visit us at any of our 18 locations or online at www. electronicexpress.com
ATTORNEY MARTIN SIR, ATTORNEY Family Law / Personal Injury / Probate 3200 West End Avenue, Suite 500 Nashville, Tennessee 37203 615-256-5661 (phone) 615-256-5115 (fax) www.martinsirlaw.com
CARE GIVER
Seniors and Post Hospital Care
Custom senior care for active, healthy lifestyles. Affordable/no minimums. Meals, meds, transp., outings, dementia care & assist with hospital discharge. Professional trusted care partners. Locally owned. Call Moises for Free Assessment: 615-678-9223 www.curaforcare.com
Elite Caregiving Services Compassionate Care In Your Home We offer aftercare from surgical procedures, part-time assistance, and 24 hour elderly care. 615-881-6528 Hannah@EliteCaregivingServices.com EliteCaregivingServices.com
STEVEN R. HECKLIN, DMD DAVID M. SMILEY, DMD ABBY DILUZIO, DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry www.drhecklin.com 5606 Brookwood Place 615-356-7500
HOME MAINTENANCE
Home Maintenance Concierge Semi-annual Guidance and Upkeep. Perfect for busy homeowners, Seniors, Snowbirds, Caregivers. In-person service and trusted advice. No sales pitches, pressure or mark-ups. Mark Hill 615-823-8033 m.hill@tandemrealty.com www.TandemRealty.com
INSURANCE
JESSICA AVERBUCH Broker/ Owner Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty 615-294-9880 jessica.averbuch@zeitlin.com KAROL FARAGALLI 615-289-3359 karolfaragalli@gmail.com LORNA M. GRAFF Broker, GRI, CRS, ABR 615-351-5343 lorna.graff@zeitlin.com www.lornagraff.com
ORTHODONTISTS
SETH HOFFMAN Associate Broker 615-351-2150 seth@sethhoffmannashvillehomes.com
Specialists in Orthodontics Dr. Jonathan Gluck DDS, MSD Dr. Joel Gluck DDS, MS 2002 Richard Jones Road A-200 615.269.5903 drgluck.com
NAN SPELLER Broker, GRI, ABR 615-973-1117 nanspeller2014@gmail.com _______________________________
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT GHERTNER & COMPANY Homeowner Association and Condominium Management Full Service and Financial Management Property Management since 1968 615-255-8531 www.ghertner.com
PSYCHOTHERAPY & COUNSELING BILTMORE INSURANCE SERVICES Greg Zagnoev, Agent 615-746-RISK (7475) Home, Auto, Business, and Life JAMES A. ROTHBERG ADAM ROTHBERG James A. Rothberg & Associates Office: 615-997-1833 Fax: 615-665-1300 2000 Glen Echo, Suite 208 Nashville, TN 37215 Email: jrothberg@jarinsurance.com info@jarinsurance.com
ROBINS INSURANCE Bruce Robins, CPCU, CIC, ARM; Van Robins, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business Insurance 11 Music Circle S Ph. 615-665-9200 • www.robinsins.com ZANDER INSURANCE GROUP, INC. Jeffrey J. Zander, CIC Auto, Home, Life, Health, Business, Long Term Care, Identity Theft Protection 6213 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209 615-356-1700 www.zanderins.com M JAFFA HEALTH INSURANCE Marsha Ross Jaffa, CIC, LUTCF 615-482-3860 Medicare, Health, Dental, and Life
IRA HELDERMAN, PhD, LPC Psychotherapy for Individuals, Adolescents, Couples and Families nashvillepsychotherapyandcounseling. com Please contact: 615-473-4815 or ira.p.helderman@vanderbilt.edu
Nashville: 615.383.0183 Franklin: 615.794.0833 zeitlin.com
ABR, CRS
JackieKarr@gmail.com JackieKarr.com Mobile: 615-330-9779 Office: 615-463-3333
SPORTING GOODS TEAM NASHVILLE Your Running/Walking Swimming Headquarters 3205 West End Ave. Nashville, TN 37203 615-383-0098
REAL ESTATE
Jackie Roth Karr, REALTOR®
TRAVEL SERVICES
FRANKLIN PARGH 615-351-7333 franklin.pargh@compass.com LANA PARGH 615-504-2685 lana.pargh@compass.com www.pargh.com Instagram: @theparghteam
Expedia Cruise Ship Centers A Full Service Travel Agency Alan Cooper: Office: 615-454-6439 www.expediacruises.com/AlanCooper 7081 B Hwy 70 S / Kroger Shopping Ctr.
TREE SERVICES
JACOB KUPIN, REALTOR HAYLEY LEVY KUPIN, REALTOR 615-281-9035 Jacob@TheKupinGroup.com Hayley@TheKupinGroup.com www.TheKupinGroup.com We’ve got your back!
Preserving the Natural Beauty of Trees and Shrubs. Specializing in the care of shade and ornamental trees and shrubs for residential and commercial properties. Serving Nashville since 1978. 615-373-4342 www.druidtree.com
GREG ANSEL, REALTOR® Phone/Text: 615-815-6405 Email: GregAnsel@kw.com “Let’s Get Moving!”
Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026 • 59
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60 • Guide to Jewish Nashville 2026
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