Congregation Sherith Israel is a welcoming Jewish community in Nashville that brings together people of different backgrounds, levels of observance, and Jewish knowledge.

Its services are warm and participatory, featuring meaningful Torah teachings and beautiful harmony. Music is an important part of the congregation’s spiritual and cultural life, connecting people through prayer, performances, and community events. Sherith Israel also offers classes, social activities, and community service opportunities for all ages.

I would like to thank the esteemed Rabbi Saul Strosberg for his support and guidance.

Sherith Israel of Nashville, Tennessee, has a main sanctuary that is used for Sabbath and holiday services and is often used during the week as well. The sanctuary features stained-glass windows specially commissioned for the building, with each window depicting a scene from the Torah. Large, back-lit sculptures representing the Two Tablets of the Covenant flank the ark at the front of the sanctuary. The seating is arranged with two sections for women on either side of a recessed central section for men. There is also a women’s balcony at the rear that overlooks the sanctuary.

The small sanctuary also serves as a classroom and contains numerous tables for this purpose. Part of the synagogue’s library is located in this room, with the walls covered by bookshelves. It also contains an ark and a large reading table used for reading the Torah.

Sherith Israel has 12 Torah scrolls, including two unusual scrolls. In addition to the Torah scrolls, the synagogue has a collection of the Five Megillot, or Hamesh Megillot, which are the five scrolls of the Hebrew Bible: Song of Songs (Shir ha-Shirim), Ruth, Lamentations (Eicha), Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), and Esther (Megillat Esther). These scrolls are associated with readings throughout the Jewish liturgical year. Sherith Israel has four of the Five Megillot, while the scroll of Esther, which is traditionally read during Purim, has its own scroll.

Shabbat at Sherith Israel of Nashville, Tennessee, is celebrated through a variety of religious services, classes, meals, and family activities. Shabbat begins on Friday evening with a beautiful Carlebach-style Kabbalat Shabbat service. In addition, the congregation hosts a heimisch Friday night dinner each week for locals and visitors alike, called Abraham and Sarah’s Tent. On Shabbat morning, services begin at 9:00 AM and continue until approximately 11:30 AM. The services emphasize kavanah (spiritual intention), singing, and inspiring divrei Torah from the clergy and community members. Following the........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)