Temple Israel staff take time to support Jacobs Camp
BKL ELC
Catching up with the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center
SUNDAY FUNDAY
It’s Always Sunday Funday at the Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School
FIND YOUR TRIBE
Discover a deeper sense of belonging within our Temple Family
LEGACY & CONTINUITY
Rabbi Max Samfield’s descendants visit Temple’s archives
@templeisrael
@templeisrael
Temple Israel is a sanctuary for prayer and inspiration, a vibrant center for Jewish learning, and a congregational home for living Torah. We are a source of strength and a force for good for Reform Jews, the greater community, and the world.
RABBI MICAH D. GREENSTEIN Senior Rabbi
RABBI JEFF DREIFUS Associate Rabbi
RABBI ROSS Z. LEVY Associate Rabbi
RABBI HARRY K. DANZIGER Rabbi Emeritus
JOHN M. KAPLAN Cantor Emeritus
WENDY T. ROTTER President
HELEN SCHEIDT Senior Vice President
BRUCE LANDAU Vice President
SAM FARGOTSTEIN Vice President
BENJAMIN ORGEL Secretary
ELISE JORDAN Treasurer
PETER BLUMBERG Counsel
LEIGH BAIM MANSBERG Immediate Past President
JENNIFER ROSS Sisterhood President
ERIC EFRON Brotherhood President
MARK GULNER Executive Director
TEMPLE ISRAEL 1376 East Massey Road Memphis, TN 38120
Temple Israel is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. reformjudaism.org • urj.org
REFLECTION
It has been difficult to reflect upon this past year without thinking of the state of Israel and antisemitism since our last High Holy Days together. In the face of so much fear, frustration, and fatigue, however, Temple Israel remains a beacon of Jewish light through every challenge facing the Jewish people. More than a place, our synagogue is a movement for healing hearts and a reminder that there is still so much good in the world.
So where are we when the Jewish New Year 5785 draws near? One of my favorite philosophers and comedians, George Carlin, put it well:
“We laugh too little, get too angry, read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, not better things. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudices. We build more computers to hold more information, but we communicate less and less. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. And always remember that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.”
The High Holy Days encompass moments that take our breath away spiritually.
According to Jewish lore, the final word of the Shema –echad – was the great second century Rabbi Akiba’s last word. “Oneness” with ourselves, with each other, and with
And always remember that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
God is the ultimate aim of the High Holy Days and act of teshuvah, or repentance. From Selichot and Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur and Sukkot, this holiest season of the Jewish year turns us toward others as we return to our truest selves.
Whether you are a longtime member of Temple Israel or a newcomer, our community is one big extended family, so please avail yourselves of the dozens of Jewish experiences we will create together at the dawn of a new year. From soloist Happie Hoffman’s resounding voice from the pulpit for the fifth consecutive year, to soul-stirring sermons, panels, performances, and prayer, there is so much to enjoy at Temple Israel during the upcoming High Holy Day season, and we look forward to experiencing it all with you.
Like the individual letters in the Torah that form words, verses, chapters, and books, each soul within the Temple Israel community is a unique contributor to the Jewish people and to the world. We are all a part of but hopefully never apart from our Jewish heritage and faith.
On behalf of the clergy, staff, and my own Greenstein family, may the New Year 5785 bring you and everyone you love blessing after blessing.
RABBI MICAH D. GREENSTEIN
The Tikvah Circle honors congregants who have committed to securing the future of Temple Israel through financial legacy planning. By making current gifts or including Temple Israel in their estate plans, these members ensure the continuation of Jewish life and traditions for generations to come.
Join us in securing a vibrant future for generations ahead by considering a planned gift to Temple Israel. Your contribution will help sustain our mission and ensure that our community remains strong and resilient for years to come.
WHAT IS PLANNED GIVING?
A planned or legacy gift is a donation arranged to benefit an organization at a future date, typically through a will or estate plan, often to be received after the donor's passing.
DO I NEED TO BE WEALTHY TO BE A PART OF THE TIKVAH CIRCLE?
No, you don't have to be wealthy to engage in planned giving. While some people might assume that planned giving is only for the wealthy, anyone can make a planned gift, regardless of their financial situation. Planned giving is more about thoughtful estate planning and can involve various types of contributions, such as leaving a portion of your estate, a specific asset, or even a life insurance policy to a charitable organization.
Planned gifts can be tailored to fit your financial circumstances and philanthropic goals. They provide an opportunity for anyone to make a lasting impact on causes they care about, regardless of the size of the gift.
There are several meaningful ways to make a planned gift to Temple Israel:
BEQUEST
A bequest is a gift made through a donor’s will or trust. Donors can specify a fixed amount, a percentage of their estate, or specific assets to be given to a charity upon their passing.
CHARITABLE REMAINDER TRUSTS (CRT):
In a CRT, a donor transfers assets into a trust, which provides income to the donor or other beneficiaries for a specified period. Afterward, the remaining assets go to the designated charity.
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUSTS (CLT)
A CLT provides income to a charity for a set period, after which the remaining assets are passed on to the donor’s heirs. This can reduce estate and gift taxes.
GIFT OF LIFE INSURANCE
Donors can name a charity as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Alternatively, they can transfer ownership of a policy to the charity, allowing the charity to either cash in the policy or continue paying premiums.
RETIREMENT PLAN BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS
Donors can name a charity as the beneficiary of their qualified retirement accounts, such as an IRA or 401(k). This can be a tax-efficient way to give, as charities don’t pay income taxes on the distributions.
This information is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES (CGA)
A CGA involves a donor making a gift to a charity in exchange for a fixed income stream for life. After the donor’s passing, the remaining funds benefit the charity.
REAL ESTATE AND PROPERTY
Donors can transfer real estate or other property to a charity, either during their lifetime or through their estate. This can include options like retained life estates, where the donor continues to live in the property for life.
DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS (DAF)
Donors can establish a DAF, which is like a charitable investment account. They can make contributions, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charities over time.
CHARITABLE BEQUESTS OF SECURITIES
Donors can leave stocks, bonds, or other securities to a charity through their will or estate plan. This can avoid capital gains taxes that would be incurred if the securities were sold.
These planned giving options provide flexibility and enable you to support Temple Israel in a way that aligns with your financial goals and philanthropic priorities. Your generosity will help ensure the continued strength and vitality of our community for future generations.
Please consider making a gift to Temple Israel that will perpetuate your legacy and inspire hope for future generations. Your generosity ensures that our community thrives and continues to enrich the lives of all who call Temple Israel their spiritual home. Together, we can build a lasting foundation that sustains our traditions and values for years to come. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.
If you have already included Temple Israel in your estate plans, we warmly welcome you as a valued member of the Tikvah Circle. Your foresight and generosity ensure the continued strength and sustainability of our community for future generations. Thank you for your impactful commitment to Temple Israel.
HIGH HOLY DAYS AT TEMPLE ISRAEL
Welcome to the High Holy Days at Temple Israel! This diverse schedule offers something for everyone, including special familyfocused services and engaging activities, and exercises to recharge and reset. We are also thrilled to welcome Elana Arian and Happie Hoffman back at Temple to share their talents with us. So, join us as we embark on a meaningful season together and embrace the possibilities of a new year. Shanah Tovah! TIME
FRI, SEP 27
SAT, SEP 28
SUN, SEP 29
6:00 pm
Celebration of Rabbi Jeff Dreifus as Associate Rabbi With special guest Elana Arian
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org TIME
7:00 pm
Coming Home: Selichot with Elana Arian
An evening of song and spirit with artist in residence Elana Arian, Cantorial Soloist Eleanor Tallie Steinberg, Rabbi Ross, and special musical guests. Dessert reception to follow.
11:30 am
WED, OCT 2
Danziger Chapel Livestream: timemphis.org
Apples & Honey Festival Temple Israel Campus
THU, OCT 3
7:30 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sermon by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy, "Cornerstones: Our Temple And You"
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org TIME SERVICE LOCATION/VIRTUAL
9:00 am
10:00 am
10:00 am
Rosh Hashanah Tot Services
Ages 5 and below
Rosh Hashanah Family Service
Ages 5 years and older
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service
Sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, "The Most Important Jewish Question To Ask In 2024/5785"
FRI, OCT 4
6:00 pm
Shabbat Shuva: Save A Life, Save a World
Honoring Temple Blood Donors, Past, Present, Future with Rabbi Greenstein and Happie Hoffman
Danziger Chapel
Danziger Chapel
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org
Danziger Chapel Livestream: timemphis.org
OCT 11
TIME SERVICE
LOCATION/VIRTUAL
10:00 am Kever Avot/High Holy Day Memorial Service TI Cemetery Levy-Cooper Chapel
4:00 pm Spirit Walk Shelby Farms
5:30 pm Tashlich Hyde Lake Pavilion
7:00 pm Erev: The Night Before - Remembering Oct. 7
With Rabbi Micah Greenstein, Rabbi Ross Z. Levy, Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, Rabbi Rinat Safania, Emily Groff Heilborn, Happie Hoffman, Eleanor Tallie Steinberg and Dr. Ari Zelig
TIME SERVICE
7:30 pm Kol Nidre
Sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, "A World Without Israel, Israel Without The World”
OCT 12
TIME SERVICE
9:00 am Yom Kippur Tot Service Ages 5 and below
10:00 am Yom Kippur Family Service Ages 5 years and older
10:00 am Yom Kippur Morning Service
Sermon by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, "To Be A Jew, To Care About Others"
12:30 pm Rabbi James A. Wax Social Justice Panel
Led by Rabbi Micah Greenstein with Panelists Dr. Russ Wiggington, Pastor Keith Norman, and Rev. Roz Nichols
1:30 pm TIMPO Music Program (Religious School/Families)
Led by Emily Groff Heilborn and the TI Band
1:30 pm What Being Jewish Means to Me (Adult)
Led by Rabbi Micah Greenstein with Ryan Silverfield, Diane Sachs, and Eleanor Tallie Steinberg
2:30 pm Torah Study Led by Dr. Joe Levy
2:30 pm Family Paint by Numbers Ages 6 years and older
2:30 pm Ruach Music Hour Led by Happie Hoffman
4:00 pm Yizkor
4:00 pm "Connecting Body and Soul: Spirit Walk into Jewish Yoga" Led by Marcy Stagner, Jenna Kaufman, and Ruthie Lichterman
4:30 pm Jewish Yoga in the Meadow
Led by Marcy Stagner, Jenna Kaufman, and Ruthie Lichterman
5:00 pm Torah and Ne'ilah
6:30 pm Final Shofar
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org
Childcare
EREV ROSH HASHANAH: 18 months - 5 years old 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
ROSH HASHANAH: 18 months - 5 years old 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
5 - 11 years old (Chill Zone) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
LOCATION/VIRTUAL
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org
LOCATION/VIRTUAL
Danziger Chapel
Danziger Chapel
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org
Ettelson-Wax Social Hall
Danziger Chapel
Danziger Chapel
Meeting Room
Wendy & Avron Fogelman Religious School
Greenstein Sanctuary
Greenstein Sanctuary Livestream: timemphis.org
Temple Israel Trail
Meadow
Greenstein Sanctuary
Greenstein Sanctuary
Breakfast Ettleson-Wax Social Hall
YOM KIPPUR DAY: 18 months - 4 years old 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thank You
Thank you to the Temple Israel Brotherhood for supporting security, parking, and greeters for the High Holy Days and the Temple Israel Sisterhood for supporting the prenegs, onegs, break fast, and childcare.
Thank you to the Board of Trustees.
Thank you to the Ringel Family for their support of High Holy Days Music.
Thank you to the Kopald Floral Fund for the beautiful flowers.
Thanks to the members of the TI Band - Brian Lurie, David Bearman, David Yaffe, Rusty Graber, Nick Heilborn, Alex Evans and Laura Woods.
NOTE: Room locations are subject to change. For the most up-to-date listings & locations be sure to check our website at timemphis.org/HHD
LET THERE BE LIGHT
BY RABBI ROSS Z. LEVY
When God began to create heaven and earth—the earth being unformed and void, with darkness over the surface of the deep and a wind from God sweeping over the water—God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.
Genesis 1:1-3
During my time in Jerusalem as part of the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Torah Seminar, I heard a powerful teaching from Rabbah Tamar Elad-Appelbaum, a leading rabbinic voice in Israel and founder of Congregation Kehilat Tzion. She taught that the first prayer ever uttered was when Good looked out across the formless void of the universe, had the courage to say “yehi or”, “let there be light.” These two Hebrew words, she teaches, were the universe’s first prayer, an act of defiance against an all-encompassing darkness, proclaiming that a different world was possible. It has certainly been a difficult year for the Jewish people. And yet, our Temple community continues to serve as a vessel and builder of light in that darkness. My hope for the upcoming New Year and all of 5785 is that the light we create here together grows even brighter. Just as we see in the menorah on our Temple logo, our light comes from many sources–many branches of the menorah–but all contribute equally to our larger mission to be a light unto the world and to one another. Looking ahead, I know that we will do this.
Here are just a few sources of light I will be excited to experience together at Temple Israel:
• The bright faces of the students in the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center illuminating the halls of Temple Israel each day.
• The glimmer in the eyes of the students of our Wendy and Avron Fogelman Religious School as they learn and engage with Judaism through new electives that expand their interests and talents both as Jews and as young people in formation.
• The kindled flames of joy and connection as we bring families together during Family Shabbat B’yachad evening experiences.
• The nourishing warmth of our spiritual worship offerings both at our main campus and at TI Crosstown space. In all these ways and so many more, we answer the call of the One who spoke light into being. Just as God defied darkness with light, I pray that each branch of our Temple menorah will defy despair with hope, loneliness with community, and cynicism with connection and meaning.
Our congregation has continued to serve as a vessel and builder of light for so many.
At Temple Israel, we believe that music is for everyone. Whether you’re a performer, a listener, or a casual player, music touches our lives every day. Through TIMPO, Temple Israel Music Programming and Outreach, our community members have learned new skills, forged new friendships, performed for audiences of over 500 at TIMPO Fest, and created lasting memories. TIMPO is the first program of its kind in the Jewish community, and I am thrilled to announce our 2024-2025 offerings.
TIMPO LESSONS PROGRAM
We’re also launching our TIMPO Lessons Program this Fall! Enjoy one-on-one private music instruction right here at Temple Israel. Lessons are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 4:00 and 6:00 pm. We offer instruction in a wide range of instruments, including violin, viola, guitar, piano, drumset, saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet, french horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba.
GROUP CLASSES
This year, we have three exciting group classes. For adults (18+), we offer Beginner Guitar in the Fall and Beginner Piano in the Spring. For kids ages 4 - 6 and a parent, we have the Side-by-Side Piano class in the Spring.
CHOIR
For those who love to sing and wish to join a community choir, our TI Memphis Jewish Choir, led by David Schnell, rehearses on Thursdays from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.
Scan the code to learn more about our offerings, read participant testimonials, and check out performance dates for our ensembles.
QUESTIONS
TEMPLE ISRAEL STAFF TAKE TIME TO SUPPORT JACOBS CAMP
Nestled in the heart of the Deep South, Henry S. Jacobs Camp stands as a beacon of joy, culture, and community for Jewish children from Memphis and beyond. This summer camp, with its rich traditions and welcoming spirit, offers an unparalleled experience that leaves an indelible mark on its young attendees.
The legacy of URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp and Temple Israel in Memphis have been intertwined since the very beginning.
When choosing the location, camp founders, including Julian Allenberg from Temple Israel, chose a site in Utica, MS which was halfway between Memphis and New Orleans. When the fair share program was instituted among Southern temples to help pay for the camp, Temple Israel, along with the New Orleans synagogues, constituted 50% of the expected quota, and Temple Israel even raised their donation to $100,000. To this day, Temple Israel members and auxiliary groups remain committed to sustaining Jacobs Camp
This Summer, over 70 campers, staff members, Jewish educators, and volunteers from Temple Israel entered the Jacobs Camp gates for a summer of Jewish joy, personal growth and lifelong friendships fulfilling the vision of Julian Allenberg and our other founders for a Jewish Summer home in the Deep South.
For Memphis kids, the memories made at Jacobs Camp are nothing short of magical. From the excitement of the first day to the tearful goodbyes, each moment at camp was cherished. The friendships, adventures, and lessons learned become treasured parts of their personal narratives, shaping their Jewish identities and values.
The delegation poses for a picture on Shabbat during First Session at Jacobs Camp. Front row (L to R): Emily Groff Heilborn, Rabbi Ross Z. Levy, Sophie Weiss-Williams and Rabbi Jeff Dreifus.
TEMPLE CARES
When trouble strikes you or your family, such as a temporary issue or worse - a sickness, accident, or death - it helps to know someone cares who will check on you and be there. That someone is Temple Cares, an umbrella volunteer group that reaches out to console, to feed, to drive, and wrap you in love when you need it most.
Debbie Jackson, who oversees Temple Care’s teams and support groups, said, “Temple Cares nurtures our congregation with friendly calls, nourishing meals, help reaching appointments, and most importantly, the knowledge that your spiritual home cares for you.”
The groups include:
• MEALS: after a hospital stay or when someone needs the boost a homemade meal can provide, Sheryl Gorden’s group springs into action.
• BEREAVEMENT: when a Temple member suffers a loss, Vicki Lazarus’s group places a call to console and offer their support.
• TRANSPORTATION: this group, led by Liz Atterman, provides transportation to medical appointments.
• FRIENDLY FACES: members of this team make bi-weekly visits to residents of Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab.
• CAREGIVER CAFE: a partnership with MJHR, this group provides a healing space for those overwhelmed with caregiving duties. Led by Sandy Schwartz, LMHC, meetings are open to the public.
• GRIEF AND LOSS: small group sessions led by Betsy Mandel-Carley, LCSW, provide solace. Participation is open to the community and limited to 10 spots.
Temple Cares grew out of God’s Unfinished Business, which launched following a 1983 Rosh Hashanah sermon delivered by Rabbi Harry Danziger. The intent of God’s Unfinished Business was to do the work clergy could not provide. In 2016, the group was renamed Temple Cares.
Should you or someone you know need help, contact:
DEBBIE JACKSON
901.604.1511
djack327@bellsouth.net
AT THE BARBARA K. LIPMAN EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Our youngest learners are growing through new experiences every day at the Barbara K. Lipman Early Learning Center. This year they have learned to bake challah with Judy Bearman, participated in a St. Jude Trike-a-thon, had graduation ceremonies, a parade at Purim and participated in a model Seder. Together we have created lifelong memories and nurtured a love for learning that will last a lifetime. We can't wait to see what's in store for our ELC's 36th year!
Sunday.6 Funday.4
IT’S ALWAYS SUNDAY FUNDAY AT THE WENDY & AVRON FOGELMAN RELIGIOUS SCHOOL!
This year, we've reimagined religious school with exciting new programming and immersive spaces!
KINDERGARTEN - SECOND GRADE
Our youngest learners will continue to build their Judaic foundation with engaging programs about Torah portions, holidays, Jewish values, Hebrew letters, and more. But that's not all— we've redecorated these classrooms to create vibrant community-oriented spaces that inspire friendship and a love for Judaism!
THIRD GRADE - SIXTH GRADE
In addition to Hebrew, students will experience elective-based programming that combines their interests with Judaic education. From nature to Jewish humor we have something for everyone! Read on to learn more about these exciting programs!
SEVENTH GRADE - EIGHTH GRADE
This year, students will guide the teachers! Rabbi Ross Levy and director Sophie Weiss-Williams guide 7 th and 8 th graders through an enriching exploration of what makes Judaism unique. This class will deep dive into Jewish values, culture, community, and history with student lead programming. As they become a B’nai Mitzvah, they will also learn to integrate Jewish practices into their lives.
Come check out the Loft!
Our new upstairs lounge is perfect for anyone looking for a space to relax and chat with a friend. Grab a cup of coffee and stay a while!
Funday.4
CHECK OUT SOME OF OUR AMAZING ELECTIVES
QUESTIONS
SOPHIE WEISS-WILLIAMS
Director of Youth
Education & Family Engagement sophiew@timemphis.org
Symbolic Stitchers: Explore the history and meaning of Jewish symbols through crochet, creating a community quilt!
Festival Foodies: Discover Jewish holidays by cooking classic Jewish Foods.
Gimels & Golems: Inspired by the Dungeon and Dragons storytelling game, dive into Torah portions and rabbinic commentary.
Garden of Eden: Develop a spiritual connection to Judaism through gardening and exploration of nature.
Beautify the Building: Participate in communal art projects based on Jewish values to line the hallways of our religious school.
Kosher Beats & Guitar 101: Led by Emily Groff Heilborn, learn to mix Jewish music or strum along on the guitar.
At the end of last year’s High Holidays, we launched Temple Israel Tribes and Shabbat Supper Clubs with a goal of making our large community feel smaller and more intimate by connecting our members through their passions, hobbies, and around the dinner table. We asked fifteen leaders within our Temple family to take on the challenge of piloting this program to help build community beyond the walls of our sanctuary, and a year later, we have grown our Tribe community to forty five groups. Through these groups, we bring a wide variety of people together every month to play, learn, grow, and celebrate the simchas of holidays and life cycle events together.
Whether it’s learning a new skill like brewing beer, diving deeper into our history and culture through our book clubs, serving the greater Memphis community through tikkun olam teams like Team Read and Room in the Inn, or showing off your first brisket you learned to make at your cooking Tribe to your Shabbat Supper Club buddies on a Friday night - Tribes creates a space for every member to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging within our Temple Family in unique ways that bond and fulfill us.
Let us help you find a group of friends to light candles and break bread with each month. If you already have a couple of friends who are interested, bring them along and we can help you form a full group.
Rock climbing, golfing, hiking, and walking groups for moms with little bitties.
Music, Arts & Crafts
Concerts, crocheting, knitting, needlepointing.
Games
Mahjong, Bridge and Board games.
Jewish Spirituality & Learning
Study and discussion groups from Torah study to Jewish mysticism, to Jewish culture & history.
Book Clubs
Modern Jewish authors in Midtown and Israel Book Club out East.
Identity Groups
Pride Tribe & Diaspora.
Tribes and Supper Clubs meet monthly in a variety of settings from our beautiful Temple Israel campus, to our suite at the Crosstown Concourse, to breweries and restaurants, and in our members’ homes. Tribes take our members beyond the walls of our building on East Massey to build and strengthen our Temple family wherever our congregants seek fun and fulfillment!
Thank you to each of our Tribe leaders; this wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your hard work and dedication in spearheading your Tribes group have been instrumental in building our community at Temple Israel. We appreciate all that you do!
Wendy & Cary Rotter
Grape Expectations
Aaron Kanowitz
Barley & Brachot
Judy Bearman
Cooking for the Jewish Soul
Faith Ruch
Tandoori Tribe
Rachael Brill and Kate Basar Rock Climbing
Adam Saslawsky
Golfing Dads
Kayla & Jason Salomon Outdoors Enthusiasts
Sophie Samuels
Temple Trail Walking
Young Moms
Ross Meyers
Concert Crew
Rebecca Belz and Marlene Siegel
Hooks & Needles
Sarah Besser and Michelle Goltsman
Not Your Mama’s Mah-Jongg
Courtney & Sam Charney Boardgamers 20s & 30s
Megan Rubenstein Boardgamers 40+
Leslie Brucker
Beginner and Intermediate Bridge
Allison Delugach and Carolyn Mizne
Jewish Spirituality
Study Group
Russell Strauss
Say Chai Chavurah
Rabbi Jeff Dreifus
Israel Book Club
Sara First and Alex Sunshine
Modern Jewish Authors Book Club
Debbie Jackson
Temple Cares
Penny Lewis Team Read
Rebecca Fox Team Glean
Marcy Stagner, Meggan Kiel, and Judy Royal Room in the Inn
Mindy Huddleston
Women’s Health Advocacy
Susanne Landau and Rochelle Fenton Gun Violence Prevention
Melinda Lejman
MICAH Core Team
Jason Ring Pride Tribe
Lulu Abdun
Diaspora: Jews of Color
Hayley Brooks and Leah Gafni
Shabbat Supper Club
Cara Greenstein and Alex Shindler
Shabbat Supper Club
Megan & Stuart Janssen
Shabbat Supper Club
Rachel & Ferris Mogy
Shabbat Supper Club
Eleanor & Corey Steinberg
Shabbat Supper Club
Drs. Rebecca & David
Bittenbinder
Shabbat Supper Club
Sara & Josh First
Shabbat Supper Club
Lisa Usdan and Dave Portnoy
Shabbat Supper Club
Suzanne & Barry Cohen
Shabbat Supper Club
Leslie & Bill Fargotstein
Shabbat Supper Club
Lisa & Jonathan Frisch
Shabbat Supper Club
Cathy & Craig Weiss
Shabbat Supper Club
INFORMATION
Please be on the lookout for more information about Tribes in our weekly email. Most Tribes will resume their monthly meetings in the Fall. To sign up and or to get more information about Tribes, scan the code below.
QUESTIONS
FAITH
Legacy & Continuity
RABBI MAX SAMFIELD’S DESCENDANTS VISIT TEMPLE’S ARCHIVES
Over a century after Temple Israel’s third rabbi, Rabbi Max Samfield, passed away in 1915, his legacy was honored in a touching and poignant manner as two great-grandchildren Dina and Emily ‘Sammy’ Samfield, returned to Temple to learn more about their famous and notable ancestor.
Born in Marksteft, Bavaria in 1844, Rabbi Samfield served the Temple from 1871 until his death in 1915. A steadfast leader and compassionate guide, Rabbi Samfield served his community with unwavering dedication during one of its most challenging periods. The yellow fever pandemic, which ravaged many communities in the late 19th century, demanded resilience, faith, and leadership. Rabbi Samfield provided all three, ensuring that his congregation remained united and hopeful despite the devastation surrounding them. During that time, when many chose to leave the city, Rabbi Samfield decided to stay and help, conducting as many as four funerals in one day.
“Imagine the New York subway system stopping for even 10 minutes in homage to a revered citizen who passed away,” said Rabbi Micah Greenstein. “That is essentially what happened in the heart of Ku Klux Klan country in 1915 Memphis when the hero of the 1873 and 1878 Yellow Fever epidemic, Temple Israel's Rabbi Max Samfield passed away.”
Known in Jewish history as America's first "pastoral" rabbi, Rabbi Samfield not only buried Jew and Gentile, white and black, rich and poor, among the 1/3 of Memphis who perished from Yellow Fever, throughout his 45 years as Temple Israel's Rabbi, Max Samfield emphasized and elevated the pastoral role of the rabbinic profession in addition to oratory, teaching, and lifecycle officiation.
During their visit, the great-grandchildren toured the Temple Israel and were shown artifacts and documents from the rabbi’s era, including his roll top desk, as well as an oil portrait and numerous records related to him. These artifacts served as tangible connections to their great-grandfather's enduring impact. “I just want to know more,” said Dina, who resides just outside of Boston, MA.
The visit not only honored the past but also underscored the importance of continuity and the passing of values through generations. His great-grandchildren's presence was a testament to the enduring influence of their great-grandfather's legacy. It was a reminder that the values he embodied during the yellow fever pandemic – compassion, leadership, and faith – remain vital and relevant today.
In the face of contemporary challenges, the congregation Finds its strength in the example set by their former rabbi, and the visit by his great-grandchildren reinforced the timeless bond between past and present. Rabbi Samfield wrote; “I will share your joys and sorrows, your children shall be my children. Let us be a band of brothers who, without contention, strive to secure peace as the greatest blessing here on earth and eternal salvation as their reward in the world beyond.”
Sisters Dina (left) and Emily ‘Sammy’ Samfield were emotional and all smiles when they had the opportunity to examine the roll top desk belonging to their great-grandfather, Rabbi Max Samfield, who was the third Rabbi for the Congregation Children of Israel now known as Temple Israel.
Sisters Dina (left) and Emily ‘Sammy’ Samfield look over yellow-fever era records with Temple Archivist Jen Kollath (right).
FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH
As we usher in a new year, we extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes for a sweet and prosperous 5785. We are delighted to invite you to continue your journey with Temple Israel during the upcoming 2024-2025 membership year.
This year is particularly special as we celebrate our 170th anniversary as the first permanent Jewish house of worship in Tennessee. Temple Israel has grown to become the largest congregation in the region, and your participation is integral to our vibrant community.
We invite you to renew your membership or join us as a new member. Please use the enclosed envelope to mail in your membership renewal or to become a new member for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
If you are able to contribute more than the standard dues, please consider the Sustainers options listed on the Membership Renewal Form. Any higher level of donation helps support temple ritual, cultural, social, and educational programming.
We also encourage members to review the information on using Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from your IRA to fund your membership and other donations to Temple Israel.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication. We look forward to another year of shared faith, community, and celebration.
MEMBERSHIP
We invite you to renew your membership or join us as a new member. Complete your form online at our secured website, where you can renew your membership or sign up to become a new member.
Online: timemphis.org
Phone: (901) 761-3130
Email: member@timemphis.org
If your financial situation necessitates a dues adjustment, please contact:
MARK GULNER
Executive Director
Phone: (901) 761-3130
Email: member@timemphis.org
All communications are confidential.
EREV: THE NIGHT BEFORE
AN EVENING TO COMMEMORATE THE OCTOBER 7 ATTACK ON ISRAEL
SUNDAY
Join us for Erev: the Night Before - Remembering Oct. 7 at Temple Israel. It will be an evening of stirring music and moving reflections along with a gathering of hearts and minds committed to honoring the past while looking forward to the future. This is a chance to come together in order to heal, and to strengthen the bonds that make our community resilient and compassionate.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Join us in celebrating a sweet new year at our third annual Apples & Honey Festival, featuring games, crafts, food trucks, and artisan vendors! Open to the entire Jewish community.
This event has been generously sponsored by an anonymous donor.
