CJLL Israel Center
The Center for Jewish Life and Learning Israel Center at the MJCC offers members of our community across the spectrum of beliefs and backgrounds a home for serious cultural and intellectual exploration of Israel. We foster an open and respectful dialogue on cultural, political, social, and religious issues while encouraging a diverse array of perspectives and opinions.
The CJLL Israel Center also seeks to offer our community an insightful view into Israeli society through a rich blend of programs, encounters, and community events designed to bring the cultural richness of Israel to Memphis. From learning Hebrew in our ECC, through sophisticated lectures offered to our Senior adults, all ages can forge deep person to person connections that build bridges across the oceans, including with our sister city of Shoham. Headlined by our Community Shlicha, the CJLL Israel Center has opportunities for everyone to engage and to figure out where Israel fits into their personal narrative.
Programs / Classes
Through the Israel Center, Tal can be found working throughout our community this Fall in many ways, including:
- Bornblum Jewish Community School – teaching weekly Israel education to grades K–8. Together with the students, we explore how Jewish holidays are celebrated in Israel, learn about different regions of the country from north to south, discover Israeli culture through music, food, and art, and discuss current events and stories that bring Israel to life in the classroom. Together, they create interactive projects and activities that help students see Israel not only as a country on the map, but as a living, vibrant place they are connected to.
- MJCC Early Childhood Center – leading Hebrew enrichment classes for our youngest learners through songs, stories, games, and playful activities.
- Temple Israel Religious School – teaching about Israel and Hebrew, helping students connect Jewish traditions with modern life in Israel.
- BBYO – developing Israel-focused teen programs that highlight Israeli culture, music, and leadership opportunities.
- Young Adult Engagement – Hosting social interaction “mixers” for young Jewish professionals and college students to engage with their peers and connect with their “tribes.”
- MJCC Community Programs – Supporting the Center for Jewish Life & Learning programming on interactive holiday celebrations and creating future, adult learning and cultural experiences.
Israeli Cooking Club
Join the MJCC in partnership with Torah MiTzion and Bat Ami for our new Israeli Cooking Club!
We’ll learn how to make authentic Israeli dishes from scratch, taste delicious food together, take home printed recipes, and even pick up a little Hebrew along the way!
Sign up for all 4 sessions or just one, and enjoy a fun, hands-on cooking experience.
All Sessions: Tuesdays 5:30–7:00pm | 1/13-2/3 | $45 fee/$35m | Register
Session 1: Original couscous and vegetable soup | Tue 5:30–7:00pm | 1/13 | $12 fee/$10m | Register
Session 2: Falafel, fries, and homemade pita | Tue 5:30–7:00pm | 1/20 | $12 fee/$10m | Register
Session 3: Israeli desserts | Tue 5:30–7:00pm | 2/3 | $12 fee/$10m | Register
Session 4: Shakshuka, Israeli salad, and tahini | Tue 5:30–7:00pm | 2/10 | $12 fee/$10m | Register **Rescheduled from 1/27**
Welcome Tal Nezry, our MJCC Community Shlicha!
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Shalom Memphis Jewish Community, I'm thrilled to introduce myself to you as the community shlicha at the Memphis Jewish Community Center! I’m excited to be starting my second year among this vibrant and welcoming community. I have enjoyed getting to know so many people of all ages, learning about the Memphis Jewish community, and participating in meaningful programs. I invite you to join me as I share more about Israeli culture, we build connections and create new experiences together. I am 26 years old and originally from Kokhav Yair, Israel. Over the past four summers, I’ve worked at a Jewish summer camp called Perlman in Pennsylvania, which was an amazing experience. I also have a background in event planning and have been taking psychology classes over the past year. In my army service, I was a behavioral diagnosis scientist in the Air Force. In my free time, I enjoy long walks, watching movies, and listening to music. I look forward to connecting with all of you and contributing to our community! Like, follow, and engage with your community shlicha on social media to stay up to date on what's happening!
Sign up HERE to receive the Israel: An Insider’s Scoop Newsletter! |
Past Events
Pottery with local artist Michal Almalem
Age 14+
Join artist Michal Almalem for a hands-on pottery experience inspired by the spirit of Chanukah. In this unique class, you’ll craft your own functional and decorative pieces, from menorahs to dreidels, using traditional techniques with a contemporary twist. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced potter, this is a wonderful opportunity to create personalized, handmade items to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
Morris and Mollye Fogelman Israel Week: April 27–May 4, 2025
Funded by Memphis Jewish Federation's Lemsky Endowment Fund.
Questions? Contact Tal Nezry, MJCC Community Shlicha, at israel@jccmemphis.org or (901) 259-9245.