Temple Israel is a dynamic community that encourages members to explore and share their passions. Our diverse Tribes offer a unique opportunity to meet with others who share similar hobbies and creative pursuits to encourage inspiring conversations and lifelong connections.
*Group in formation means that the group will launch once we reach a critical mass of signups.
Click the name of the group to sign up!
∆ Indication that a group is full. You can still click the link to be added to the waitlist. Faith Ruch will be in touch.
Shabbat Supper Clubs
Shabbat Supper Clubs – 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.
Food & Culture
∆Cooking for the Jewish Soul – Together, let’s explore the food that feeds our Jewish Soul. Traditional Ashkenazi, Israeli, and Sephardi recipes will guide us as we share the foods that enrich and nourish our lives. Fun, Friends, and Food – how Jewish! Led by Judy Bearman
Tandoori Tribe – This group of foodies gets together once a month to enjoy Indian food for lunch! Led by Faith Ruch
∆Grape Expectations – L’chaim! Join old friends and make new ones to explore wines across the world from Napa Valley to Sicily to Chile, grape varietals from Cabernet Sauvignon to Chenin Blanc, and wine budgets from sippin’ on the back porch to special occasions. Led by Cary & Wendy Rotter
Barley and Brachot– Beer lovers, this is the group for you! Tour local breweries, sample beers and explore their profiles, and learn to make our own beer together! Led by Aaron Kanowitz
Sports, Health, & Wellness
Running – Fun, fellowship, and fitness. This group will meet at Temple on a regular basis for an easy run around our beautiful property or the surrounding neighborhood. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just taking your first steps, our group welcomes everyone. Led by Kelley Grusin
TI Tennis Team – Calling all tennis lovers! This group meets for fun, recreational, match play and round robins at local courts. Singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, all levels of play welcome! Let’s get out there and play some good, friendly, tennis! Led by Cathy Poulin
Rock Climbing – You’re never a stranger in a climbing gym. Join other climbers of all levels to connect, learn new skills together, and have fun through monthly climbs at High Point. Challenge yourself to achieve new heights in a safe environment. Community starts with a climb! Led by Rachael Brill and Kate Basar
Cyclist Circle – Group in formation. This Tribe gets together for regular rides around the Memphis area! Great exercise, great fun, and great friendships start here!
Golfing Dads – Grab your clubs, leave the kids at home, and enjoy a day on the course with they guys! This group for dads who golf aims to connect men in the community through love of the sport, good conversation, great weather, and maybe even a cold one or two. We play on public courses in the Memphis area and look forward to meeting you on the green at tee time! Led by Adam Saslawsky
Outdoors
Outdoors Enthusiasts – This group will participate in a variety of outdoor activities in and around the Midsouth area, from hiking, camping, to boating. This group is best suited for those able to complete intermediate + levels of activity and exertion. Led by Jason and Kayla Salomon
Temple Trail Walking (Young Moms) – Enjoy the company of friends and your little ones, and get some exercise while in the presence of peace and nature on our very own, newly renovated, Temple Israel nature walking trail, and other local trails in the East Memphis and Germantown area! Please note for dates scheduled on-site that the Temple Israel trail is natural/unpaved and is unsuitable for strollers that are not “all-terrain.” Led by Sophie Samuels
Music
Concert Crew – Do you like/love all types of live music? Our tribe sets out to discover new and old bands and different types of music to explore, listen, and engage our souls to the sounds and songs of music as a whole. Led by Ross Meyers
Arts & Crafts
Hooks & Needles – Join us monthly for great conversation paired with the therapeutic art of knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint. Whether you’re more of a needle or hooks person, this is the group for you to build friendship while exercising your creativity. This Tribe also participates in mitzvah projects like making hats for the homeless and lap blankets for nursing home residents. Led by Rebecca Belz and Marlene Siegel
Games
Not Your Mama’s Mah-Jongg – This group brings together people in their 20s and 30s who have always wanted to learn mah-jongg or are already a pro! You will find upcoming events, tips, and updates for the group on this private Facebook page. Led by Sarah Besser and Michelle Goltsman
Board Gamers – This is a group for people in their 20s and 30s to get together and play [not just] board games. Whether it’s old classics like Monopoly or Taboo, or new games with fun twists, we are ready to play! Led by Courtney & Sam Charney
Board Gamers (40s plus) – This is a group for people 40 and older to get together and play [not just] board games. Whether it’s old classics like Monopoly or Taboo, or new games with fun twists, we are ready to play! Led by Megan Rubenstein
Beginner Bridge – Beginner Bridge for people who have never played bridge before. Three reasons to play bridge – enhance your memory skills, interact with other people and unlike other activities that require physical ability it’s a game that you can play throughout your life. Led by Leslie Brucker
Intermediate Bridge – Intermediate Bridge for people who have played bridge previously and want to take their game to the next level. Not only will you improve your bidding skills and play of the hand you will also learn defensive techniques that are especially important since you are on defense 50% of the time. Led by Leslie Brucker
Spirituality/Jewish Learning
Silver Linings Society – Silver Linings Society is an uplifting community created to support widows as they enrich their lives after loss. With monthly Shabbat Services followed by friendly dinners, we offer both spiritual nourishment and social connection.
Jewish Spirituality Study Group – This small discussion group meets bimonthly to focus on writings about Jewish spirituality that participants find interesting. Selected readings will be decided by the group and may include Kabbalah commentaries or works by Abraham Joshua Heschel. Led by Allison Delugach and Carolyn Mizne
Say Chai Chavurah – Say Chai Chavurah is a bi-monthly fellowship initiative that will provide not only Jewish learning opportunities focusing on Judaism and Israeli culture but will also provide a space for checking in with one another. Join us virtually every other week on Thursdays at 10 AM to learn, laugh, and “say Chai!” Check the calendar for specific dates.
Torah Study – Join us weekly on Saturday morning at 10 AM for Torah Study with Temple Israel’s greatest teachers! Find the schedule on our calendar.
Israel
Modern Jewish History – Many Jews crave more factual information about their history and the history of Israel so they can better understand current events. We discuss historical and current pivotal events in Jewish history without introducing politics into it. Led by Dr. Peter Aldea and Shep Fargostein
Israel Book Club – Do you wish that you knew more about Israel and its history? Hungry for context on Israel’s current war? Join our new Israel Book Club led by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus. Books and meet-up dates will be sent to the registrant upon sign-up. If you have any questions, please reach out to Faith Ruch, faithr@timemphis.org.
Book Clubs
Modern Jewish Authors Book Club – We will select various books by modern Jewish authors to discuss over snacks or meals at TI Crosstown. Led by Sara First and Alex Sunshine
Identity Groups
Pride Tribe – This group is designed for and by members of our LGBTQ community. By signing up, you will receive updates on the group, events, and other exciting information. Led by Jason Ring
Diaspora: Jews of Color – Where vibrant cultures and diverse narratives converge to create a tapestry of shared experience! This dynamic Tribe, for those who identify as Jews of color, provides a nurturing space for individuals with diverse backgrounds to celebrate their unique identities, foster meaningful connections, and collaboratively elevate awareness of the multifaceted Jewish diaspora. Join us in weaving together stories, traditions, and aspirations to enrich our community and nourish the spirit of inclusivity. Led by Lulu Abdun
Tikkun Olam Groups
Community Engagement and Empowerment
Team Glean -Team Glean is a nationwide effort to end hunger and reduce food waste through gleaning, the practice of redistributing quality produce that otherwise would be discarded. Every Thursday afternoon, Temple volunteers, ages 21+ or children with a guardian, gather at the Agricenter Farmer’s Market to collect fruit and vegetables generously donated by the vendors there, then organize and deliver the produce to Plough Towers for the residents. Led by Jan Reisman and Rebecca Fox
Team Read – The mission of the Team Read tutoring program is to help students improve the academic achievement of second graders in reading by pairing each participating student with a caring volunteer tutor. Led by Penny Lewis
Room in the Inn – Room in the Inn-Memphis is a ministry that serves people experiencing homelessness. The program provides emergency shelter and meals during the coldest months of the year—November through March. There are many ways to get involved, including setting up, greeting, providing or serving a meal, staying overnight with our guests, and cleaning up on Monday mornings. Led by Marcy Stagner
Social Justice
Women’s Health Advocacy – Jewish values compel us to support full access to safe and legal reproductive health care for women. Congress and our state legislature are interfering with a woman’s decision-making about her own reproductive health and limiting and banning potentially lifesaving medical procedures. This group will work to preserve access to family planning and advocate for compassionate healthcare for women. Join us to support women’s rights locally, statewide, and nationally. We have a voice, and it’s time for us to be heard! Led by Mindy Huddleston
Gun Violence Prevention – Help reduce gun violence in our city! We will partner with organizations in Memphis that aim to prevent gun violence by supporting youth (mentoring, school supply or toy drives), participating in community events to raise awareness, and contacting our leaders to advocate for ways to stop the killing. Led by Rochelle Fenton and Susanne Landau
Temple Community
Temple Cares – Temple Cares is a network of congregant-led committees in the business of serving our fellow members when and where they are most in need. Our current committees include the Meals, Bereavement Calls, and Transportation. The Meals Committee provides and delivers a home-cooked or purchased meal to Temple members and families in times of need. The Bereavement Calls Committee makes caring phone calls to grieving members who have recently lost a loved one. The Transportation Committee provides rides to our members to and from medical appointments. If you are interested in being a part of Temple Cares, email Faith Ruch. Led by Debbie Jackson
If you have an idea for a Tribe that is not listed, let us know!
Other Ways to Get Involved
We want to hear from you! If you have an idea for a new group or would like to lead a group, please let us know. We are always looking for new ideas and ways to enhance our community. Click here to share your idea.