Food brings people together…Holidays bring people together…combine them together to make a meaningful program!
As a congregation, it is The Temple’s goal to create an inclusive and educational environment while also helping to create community. The Temple brings together interfaith couples to celebrate and discuss both Jewish and Christian holidays. Through this initiative, couples are given the chance to learn more about holiday traditions, as well as the opportunity to share their personal experiences and customs. Food being a connector and bringing people together, quality and deep conversation has further enhanced the atmosphere of the program.
Couples do not need to be Temple members to participate in this program. Married, engaged, and dating couples are able to join in on this meaningful experience. From Sukkot to Christmas to wedding planning conversations and panels; quality discussions and sharing about your own relationship is always on the menu. We end the year by baking challah together as a group and discussing the couple’s relationship with Israel as an interfaith couple.
Jodi Backalar shares, “Being a part of the interfaith cohort through The Temple is one of our favorite parts of our life in Nashville. The community has been very welcoming, and it is really meaningful to connect with other couples over similar experiences that are unique to interfaith relationships.”
This program has been occurring since 2021, with four cohorts that have completed the year of dinner programs. This coming month, there will be a gathering for the previous cohorts to meet and connect with one other.
Participant Andrew Grote says, “Being a part of this interfaith couple’s cohort has been a great experience. We have really enjoyed meeting others living a similar experience to us, which has helped create perspective. Sheri has also been remarkably welcoming since the beginning. We’re looking forward to the next time the group is together and highly recommend this program to all interfaith couples. ”
We are looking forward for our fifth year with new and exciting elements to enhance the experience. If you are interested in being part of the 2025-2026 cohort of Conversations and Culinary Connections session, please reach out to Sheri Rosenberg (sheri@templenashville.org).
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