The Jewish Observer
News from Middle Tennessee's Jewish Community | Saturday, May 3, 2025
The Jewish Observer

Calling all Jewish Teens in Nashville - NCSY is coming to town!

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new local chapter of NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth) right here in Nashville! NCSY has a long-standing tradition of fostering Jewish identity, friendship, and leadership among Jewish teens across North America, and we are eager to bring this vibrant community to Nashville.  

 

My name is Eli Raphael and I grew up in Dallas, Texas, where I attended Jewish Day School until 6th grade, when I made the difficult switch to a public high school.  That’s where I was introduced to NCSY programming for the first time. Through NCSY, I developed a strong sense of Jewish pride and identity, made lifelong friends, and embarked on a religious journey that led me to spend a year studying in Jerusalem. Frankly, I love everything about NCSY: the mentors, the volunteer projects, the weekly get-togethers, the Shabbatonim .In my senior year of high school, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as the National President of NCSY where I was able to meet amazing people and organize national initiatives. Next year, I will be studying at Vanderbilt University with a major in Human and Organizational Development. I love to play the drums, go on runs, travel, but most of all, spreading my passion for Judaism!  

 

Join Us for Our Kickoff Event! 

 

To celebrate the start of our new chapter, we invite all Jewish teens to join us for an exciting kickoff event on Labor Day, September 2nd, at 6:30 PM. We will gather at Congregation Sherith Israel for an evening of fun, games, and delicious food. The event will feature a pickleball tournament and a barbecue, providing the perfect opportunity to meet new friends and learn more about what NCSY has to offer. 

 

Why You Should Join Us: 

 

Fun and Friendship: Meet other Jewish teens in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. 

Leadership Opportunities: Learn how to become a leader in your community. 

Jewish Identity: Explore and strengthen your Jewish identity and values. 

Supportive Community: Join a welcoming and supportive group where you can be yourself. 

 

Get Involved: 

 

We welcome all Jewish teens to join our chapter and participate in our activities. Your input and questions are invaluable to us as we start this journey together. If you have any suggestions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to ensure that NCSY Nashville becomes a cornerstone of our local Jewish community. 

 

For more details about the kickoff event or to learn more about NCSY Nashville, please contact me at raphaele@ncsy.org. We look forward to seeing you on September 2nd and embarking on this exciting new adventure together! 

 

Support The Observer

The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.

Warm regards, 

 

Eli Raphael 

Nashville City Director  

Midwest NCSY 

214-601-9648