Our Congregations - April 2024

Nashville’s congregations

Here are the websites for all five Nashville Jewish congregations, with information on services, upcoming events and more:

Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad, www.chabadnashville.com

Congregation Micah, www.congregationmicah.org

Congregation Sherith Israel, www.sherithisrael.com

The Temple – Congregation Ohabai Sholom, www.templenashville.org West End Synagogue, www.westendsyn.org

The Observer provides congregational listings of events and services as a complimentary service to the community. If your congregation is not listed, it is because we did not receive the information in time to meet our publication deadline. Please give your rabbi, executive director, or synagogue volunteer a gentle nudge.

@ Chabad /Congregation Beit Tefilah

Chabad of Nashville will be hosting a variety of Passover events that will be offered to the Jewish community for people of all ages, including study, ritual, cultural and spiritual. For more information go to chabadnashville.com

The following are some of the programs that will be offered at Chabad of Nashville for Passover 2024:

Rabbi Tiechtel to complete Tractate of Talmud

There is an ancient and widespread custom for the firstborn to fast on the day before Passover. This fast commemorates G-d’s kindness towards the Israelite firstborn; when G-d slew all the Egyptian firstborn males He spared their Jewish counterparts.

This fast is treated leniently. Thus, if there is a festive meal held that is connected with a mitzvah, for example, the celebration of a circumcision or of a siyum (the completion of a tractate of the Talmud) the firstborn son participates in the meal rather than fasting.

It is therefore customary to arrange for a Siyum, which is the completion of the study of a tractate of the Talmud to take place in the synagogue after morning prayers on the fourteenth of Nissan. The firstborn sons who are present (and anyone else who is interested in enjoying some refreshments...) participate in this festive meal and, having broken their fast, are free to eat for the rest of the day.

On Monday morning, April 22, the morning before the Seder, Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel will be making a Siyum, celebrating the completion of 112 pages on the Talmud of Ketubot, following the morning service at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad. It will be followed by a light breakfast snack thus giving the firstborns the opportunity to partake in a meal of a Mitzvah and permitting them to break the fast of the first born.

For more information go to www.chabadnashville.com

A Cliff Note Seder at Chabad

Chabad of Nashville invites the Nashville Jewish community to its 27th annual Community Passover Seders, which will take place in the magnificent ballroom of the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life

On Monday, April 22, at 7:30PM, Chabad will host a A Cliff Notes Family Friendly Seder. It will be an interactive family Seder, a warm, fun and thought-provoking event, which includes a Passover Experience in a Royal setting, handmade Shmurah Matzah for each Seder participant, an abundance of exquisite wines for every pallete, an elegant royal dinner, which will include authentic gefilte fish, Bubby’s Passover Brisket, and array of salads and side dishes, catered by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs.

Reservation can be made at chabadnashville.com/seder

A Chassidic Seder for the Inquisitive Mind

On Tuesday, April 23, at 8:00 PM, Chabad will host “A Chassidic Seder for the Inquisitive Mind.” This will be a full Chassidic Seder with many insights to the Haggadah and various Chassidic tales and melodies, and an exquisite Seder feast. This will be a learning Seder, where participants will delve into the deeper meaning and dimensions to the Passover Exodus and making it personal to their own lives.

This Seder will take place in the Bernard Ballroom at the Genesis Campus for Jewish Life, 95 Bellevue Road, and will be catered by one of Nashville’s premiere chefs

There will be a limited number of seats and first come first serve. Reservations can be made at chabadnashville.com/seder

At Our Congregations…

Get your own personal Shmurah Matzah for your Seder

In honor of Passover, Chabad of Nashville is giving out a free Passover Shmurah Matzah for your Seder. All you need to do is email your name and contact information to chabadnashville@gmail.com and you will receive your free Matzah gift box for your Seder.

For more information call Chabad at 615-646-5750.

Sell your Chametz with Chabad for Passover 2024

According to Jewish Law during Passover all types of Chametz (leavend foods) are prohibited to be owned any one of the Jewish faith.

So what is one to do with all of the leavened food in their home during Passover? The rabbis in ancient biblical days have come up with a solution. One can authorize their rabbi before Passover to sell their Chametz to a non-Jew, who is permitted to own it during Passover. After the holiday is over, the Chametz is sold back to the rabbi, and one is permitted then to benefit from it.

Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel at Chabad of Nashville is offering to sell the Chametz of anyone wishing to fulfill this special tradition for Passover, thus taking Passover 2024 to the next level.

Go to chabadnashville.com/chametz by 5:00 PM on April 19, 2024 to fill out the online form to sell your Chametz for Passover.

Chabad to host the Moshiach Seudah

Passover begins with a meal and now ends with a meal. On the last night of Passover, on Thursday, April 30, at 7:00 PM, Chabad will host the Moshiach Seudah (the Messiah’s meal). All are invited for the traditional feast, inspirational stories, songs, matzah & four cups of wine. In anticipation of the future redemption with Moshiach.

Instituted by the Baal Shem Tov 300 years ago, the traditional Moshiach’s meal includes the eating matzah and the consumption of four glasses of wine, toasting to a futuristic era of redemption. The Baal Shemtov would make a festive meal at the close of the holiday, dedicated to the coming of Moshiach. Since then Jews throughout the world come together on the last day of Pesach to celebrate this unique custom.

For more information go to www.chabadnashville.com

Chabad to host a TGIS celebrations in April

Start your Shabbat off right with good friends, great conversation, and excellent kosher cuisine, all seasoned with the perfect amount of spirit and joy.

TGIS is a Club Med Shabbat: An all-inclusive Shabbat experience. Enjoy a Friday night Shabbat dinner replete with traditional dishes. Blended with spirited singing, a Chasidic tale, and a chance to meet some wonderful new people. TGIS will be held on Friday evening, April 12, at Chabad of Nashville.

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

Caffeine for the Soul on Shabbat Mornings

Get your Shabbat morning Caffeine for the Soul at Chabad of Nashville, with a most inspiring lesson in the weekly Torah portion, taught with wisdom of the sages and chassidic mystics.

Each Shabbat morning Rabbi Yitzchok Tiechtel gives a 25 minute lesson on finding yourself in the weekly Torah portion, and enriches your journey in life with these tidbits of wisdom.

These lessons include Talmudic, Kabbalistic and esoteric teachings, and a weekly story that ties it all together, and gives you just the right dose of Caffeine for the Soul.

This takes place every Shabbat morning at 11:00 AM at Congregation Beit Tefilah Chabad. All are invited to attend, Young and Old, men and women, and all who are seeking to enrich their lives spiritually and materially.

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

Weekly Events

Sanctuary Shabbat Services: Fridays at 6 PM

At Micah, we approach God in many ways: the inspiration of words, the beauty of sacred space, the authenticity of our intentions, and through the power of music and Continued on page 22

At Our Congregations…

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song. Join us in-person or virtually for services this month that will be as diverse as they are engaging, as moving as they are participatory. Come early and schmooze with us starting at 5:30 PM! Light refreshments are served.

Saturday Morning Torah Study: 9 AM on Zoom

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

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

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

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

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

April Events

Micah Reads: Monday, April 1, at 7 PM In-Person

Education Director Julie Greenberg is joined by author Sharon Cameron for a discussion and book signing for her book “Artifice” at Congregation Micah.

Broadway Shabbat: Friday, April 5, at 6 PM

Wilkommen, bienvenue, and welcome to this special Broadway Shabbat Service. Don’t worry, we won’t make you steal any bread for your food – you can join us for our pre-neg starting at 5:30 for light hors d’oeuvres. Put some of those millions of minutes to use worshipping a Shabbat filled with Broadway references you don’t want to miss.

Micah-Nections HavDOGlah: Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 PM

Join Micah-Nections for HavDOGlah (dog friendly) Havdalah service. Bring your dog and bring in the new week with us! (Please only bring dogs who play well with others.)

Freedom Deferred - A Passover Experience: Thursday, April 18, at 7 PM

Join clergy and leadership from Congregation Micah and The Temple as they lead us in exploring the themes of captivity and freedom in a post-October 7th Passover time through story and song (formerly the Women’s Seder, this program will focus on women but is meant for a co-ed audience). Scan the QR code to sign-up!

Passover Seder: Tuesday, April 23 at 6 PM

Enjoy the company of the Micah community on this special Seder service. This family friendly event features good food, song, and great company. Space is limited, so make sure you find the registration link on our website.

Micah Minis: Saturday, April 27, at 9:30 AM

Sing and Dance with our clergy! This family-friendly Shabbat experience is aimed at ages 7 and younger.

@ Sherith Israel

Wednesday Night, April 3

Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash

What is Real Freedom?

7:30 pm in the Shul library

Wednesday Night, April 10

Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash

The 4-Cast. The Four sons Throughout History and Art 7:30 pm in the Shul library

Monday Night, April 22

Annual Community Seder

Hosted by the Rosenblatt and Rosenberg families

Catering by Sova

For more information, visit www.sherithisrael.com

Tuesday Night, April 23

Hosted by the Strosberg-Pressner and Chovav families

Catering by Sova

For more information, visit www.sherithisrael.com

Thursday Night, April 25

Chol Hamoed Barbecue

Catered bt Sova

For more information, visit www.sherithisrael.com

@ The Temple

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

Pirkei Avot: Jewish Wisdom for Today’s World

Every Friday from 5:00-5:40 PM

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

Available in person at The Temple and via zoom.

Zoom Room: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81973096738

Shabbat Schedule for April

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

Friday, April 5th ~ 6:00 PM

Friday, April 12th ~ 6:00 PM-VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SHABBAT

Friday, April 22nd ~ 6:00 PM FAMILY SERVICE

Friday, April 26th ~ 6:00 PM

Golden Lunch Bunch

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

April 2nd: John England

April 16th: Bryan Cumming

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

Chevrah Torah Study

9:30AM on Saturdays

Join us for our weekly Torah study on the portion of the week, led by the clergy. You can join us in person at The Temple or via zoom from thetemplehub.org

Hike and Havdallah

April 13th

Starting at the Edwin Warner Park Nature Center on HWY. 100. Plenty of parking! See the spring bloom! Bring friends! Meet at 3:45 PM for a family friendly walk on a paved trail followed by Havdalah at 5:30 PM. All ages! Bring friends and family.

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

Women’s Torah Study

April 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th

10:30 AM

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

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

Lunch with the Rabbi

April 4th, 11th, 18th

Lunch at 11:30AM

Program12:00-1:00 PM

$15 per person for lunch

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

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

Available in person and via zoom.

Zoom Room: thetemplehub.org

Monday Morning Mah Jongg

Join Us for MAH JONGG Mondays at The Temple!

April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd from 10:00 AM - Noon+

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

Temple Annual Fundraiser

Sunday, April 14th at 5:30pm

Comedy Night with comedian Rabbi Michael Danziger

Go to thetemplehub.org to purchase your ticket.

Meet the Author - Marlene Trestman

Tuesday, April 2 at 7:00 PM

at The Temple

Marlene Trestman grew up in New Orleans as an orphaned foster care client of the Jewish Children’s Regional Service, the successor to the Jewish Orphans’ Home she chronicles in her new book, MOST FORTUNATE UNFORTUNATES: The Jewish Orphans’ Home of New Orleans.

Using rare archival images and alumni interviews, Trestman will discuss the rich and colorful history of the Jewish Orphans’ Home of New Orleans and its ties to Tennessee. The Home sheltered and educated 1623 children from across the mid-

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south, including 155 Tennessee children, during its 90 years from pre-Civil War through World War II. Her books will be available for purchase and signing. RSVP via thetemplehub.org.

Passover at The Temple

• Pre Passover Franklin Brunch on April 13th at 10:30am. For more information, see thetemplehub.org.

• Tot Shabbat Passover-April 13th at 10:00am

• Women’s Passover Experience in partnership with Congregation Micah on April 18th at 6:00pm at Congregation Micah.

• Congregational 2nd Night Seder on April 23rdat 6:00pm. Led by our Temple Clergy.

$45 for adults • $15 for children (3-11) • $55 for all non-member guests. We hope you’ll join us for this festive, family-friendly evening. RSVP at TheTempleHub. org or by mailing a check to The Temple. Go to TheTempleHub.org or TempleNashville.org to access the Zoom link.

• LGBTQ+ and Allies Seder on Saturday, April 27th at 6:00pm. A fun, music-filled Seder experience for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

$36.00 per person. Seder Led by The Temple Clergy. RSVP by Monday, April 3, at TheTempleHub.org or by mailing a check to: The Temple, 5015 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

• Passover Shabbat Morning Study and Service with Yizkor on Saturday, April 27th- 9:30am Study Session and 11:00am Service and Yizkor. Both In-Person at The Temple or virtually via thetemplehub.org.

For more information on all of our Passover programming & our updated Seder schedule, please visit thetemplehub.org or www.templenashville.org

@ West End

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

Pesach 2024

4/22 – Erev Pesach 1st Seder – 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a unique Passover seder led by our Engagement Rabbi Rav Natan. Register at bit.ly/WESPassover2024.

Passover services

4/23 - First day: 9:30 a.m.

4/24 - Second day: 9:30 a.m.

4/27 - Shabbat Chol haMoed: 9:30 a.m.

4/29 - Seventh day: 9:30 a.m.

4/30 - Eighth day: 9:30 a.m. (with Yizkor service)

There will be a kiddush lunch after each of these services. Join us!

4/3 - The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ - 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Jean Roseman

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $3.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

4/3 - Women’s Torah Group (on Zoom) –11:00 a.m.

Rabbi Joshua leads our Women’s study of the book of Deuteronomy.

4/5 – USY Kabbalat Shabbat & Potluck

Dinner – 6:00 p.m.

Bring a pareve or dairy dish to share with friends. Please RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org so we know how many people are coming.

4/6 – Room in the Inn Shabbat – 9:30 a.m.

All are invited to join us in honoring our dedicated volunteers for the Room in the Inn project. D’var Torah by Adina Barocas.

At Our Congregations…

4/6 - Kid’ish Club, aka Jr. Congregation –10:30-11:30 a.m.

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning March 6th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kiddush lunch to follow.

4/7 - Beit Miriam Consecration – 11:00 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate our kitah aleph (first grade) students who have been learning the “alef bet” and they will share the story of where God gave us the Torah.

Levi Coleman, son of Claire and Jason Coleman

Liana Kay, daughter of Jen and Brad Kay

Shiloh Lebovitz, daughter of Dani and Michael Lebovitz

Minha Lubovich, daughter of Netta and Ron Lubovich

Dylan Sacks, son of Jennifer and Daniel Sacks

Andrew Stahl, son of Rochelle and Mike Stahl

Ariella Stinson, daughter of Cassiah and Thomas Stinson

Teddy Vanhooser, son of Andrea Fishkin and Kenneth Vanhooser

4/7 – Handmade Craft Club – 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

With host Teena Cohen. RSVPs are requested but not required and can be done at bit.ly/MCSHandmadeApril.

4/7 – ShulCloud Training – 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Do you have questions about accessing, updating, or using ShulCloud? Come to WES for this interactive learning session. RSVPs are requested but not required. Go to bit.ly/wessctraining to register.

4/11 - Men’s Torah Group (in person) –12:00 p.m.

Join us for our Torah class for men. We are currently studying the Second Book of Kings and will be eating pizza.

4/12 - Tot Shabbat/Oneg – 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday night Shabbat services for Families with Young Children led by Nili Friedman & Sharon Paz. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

4/13 – Dolma Losel Bat Mitzvah

4/14 – Social Action Day

The biggest Social Action event of the year in which WES members of all ages will participate in volunteer opportunities throughout the city.

4/14 – Sisterhood Walk the Greenway –11:30 a.m.

With host Ruth Robin. Meet in the lobby by the main sanctuary at 11:30 a.m. Approximately 4.5 miles in 1.5 hours. RSVP at bit.ly/MCSGreenwayApril so we know to wait for you!

4/17 - The Sandi Goldstein Learn & Lunch Program for ages 60+ - 11:00 a.m.

Reservations required, catered lunch following the presentation.

Speaker: Rav Natan Freller

Lunch catered by Goldie Shepard at 12:00 p.m. Cost: $3.00 RSVP 615-269-4592 ext. 11 or office@westendsyn.org.

4/19 – Woodlands Shabbat Dinner

Rescheduled from January. Already cleaned your kitchen for Pesach?

Join us for a vegetarian Indian Shabbat Dinner after services. We will have Indian and non-Indian food. Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 16th at Bit.ly/ ShabbatDinnerApr24. If you have registered and paid for this program in January, please rsvp using this link select the option already registered!

4/25 – Sisterhood Book Club – 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Join Sisterhood for a Zoom discussion of A Little Liar by Mitch Albom, hosted by Martha Segal. RSVP at bit.ly/MCSBookClubApril to get the Zoom link.

4/26 - It’s Shabbat 5:30-6:30 pm

Friday night Shabbat Celebration & Oneg for Families with Young Children led by Amber Ikeman, Rabbi Joshua & Sharon Paz. RSVP to spaz@westendsyn.org.

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At Our Congregations…

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4/27 - Kid’ish Club, aka Jr. Congregation –10:30-11:30 a.m.

Inviting all 2nd – 7th graders for Kid’ish Club Shabbat morning April 27th from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Kiddush lunch to follow.

4/28 – Sisterhood Safety and Situational Awareness – 11:00 a.m.

Talk and hands-on demonstration with speaker Richard Luntz. There will be refreshments of packaged Passover desserts and tea. A $5 donation in cash at the door or via Venmo is suggested. RSVP at bit.ly/MCSSafetyApril.

Ongoing Programs

Sisterhood Challah Sales made by Melissa Sostrin

Sign up on the Google form linked below or text Jessica Kullock at 615-881-4455 by WEDNESDAY AT 9:00 p.m. each week to pre-order for pickup Friday during synagogue office hours.

Flavors: Plain, chocolate, cinnamon, cinnamon raisin, zaatar, poppy seeds, sesame, bag of 6 challah rolls. Plain is $8/each, all challah with seeds toppings are $8.50, and the rest are $9/each.

https://tinyurl.com/weswklychallah

Learning Opportunities

Talmud on Tuesdays

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

Monday, April 22 - 6 PM

Join us for A unique Passover Seder led by our Engagement Rabbi, Rav Natan!

Be prepared for a journey into our tradition, filled with music and creative innovations to captures everyone's hearts and minds throughout the night!

Thursday Torah Study & Breakfast

With Nechemya Rosenfeld every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. following morning minyan at 7:00 a.m.

Torah Reading Class with Rav Natan Freller

Thursdays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. at WES. Come learn how to read and chant Torah with Rav Natan! Prerequisite: You must know how to read Hebrew.

Religious Services

Shacharit (in person)

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

Mincha/Ma’ariv (on Zoom)

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

Kabbalat Shabbat

You are invited to join us every Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat in person at 6:00 p.m. As part of our Friday night services, we are currently studying Jewish ethics through an in-depth reading of Pirkei Avot..

Shabbat Morning services

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

Community Listings

East Side Tribe:

East Side Tribe is a grassroots social and spiritual community fueled by Jewish values and rooted in East Nashville. For more information or to RSVP, please visit eastsidetribe.org.

L’chaim Time Happy Hour — Thursday, April 4

A casual happy hour with East Side Tribe. Newcomers welcome!

Spring Wildflowers With East Side Tribe — Saturday, April 6

If you have never given lovely spring ephemerals much thought, now is the chance to learn all about them. This will be an easy/moderate walk and is intended for all ages.

Rosh Chodesh Nissan — Wednesday, April 10, 7-8:30 p.m.

Our theme this month is “Moving Towards Freedom: Lessons from the Prophetess Miriam.” This monthly gathering is open to all who identify as women.

Monthly Potluck Shabbat — Friday, April 19

Our regular community Shabbat dinner, open to all! Please bring a dinner dish to share. (We’ll provide challah and wine.) Feed your belly and your soul.

Interested in Jewish kids programming on the east side? Our “East Side Tribelings” gather every month for music and activities. Email eastsidetribenashville@gmail.com for more info.

Jewish Murfreesboro

The Jewish Murfreesboro group will be hosting Shmurah Matzah Sunday, April 14rh from 11am to 1pm.

Free Shmurah Matzah will be gifted to registered participants, courtesy of Chabad of Nashville.

Please go to https://jewishmurfreesboro.com/events to register. •