Feature
Memphis Recruits Big City Converts
I remember a time when people in Memphis
said there was nothing to do here. College
students left home for new adventures – many
never returning. Young families moved to
larger cities with better job opportunities.
Sports enthusiasts traveled to other cities to
see major league teams.
There were those who just couldn’t leave or
had to return. They had grown up here, their
families still lived here, and their hearts and
souls were buried in Memphis history. They
believed in Memphis.
Then something amazing happened. Downtown
became a popular spot for millennials and even
their parents. Great restaurants, breweries and
coffee shops started sprouting up everywhere
from South 3rd, to Broad Ave., down the Poplar
corridor and into East Memphis, Germantown
and Collierville.
The Memphis JCC pool, early education, and
gym regained its status as gathering spot for
Jews and non-Jews of all ages. The variety of
excellent Jewish education opportunities at
schools and synagogues attracted a collage of
people from all walks of life.
That’s when a group of concerned Jewish
Memphians rallied to market all of these
fantastic qualities that Memphis had to offer.
In 2014, Hal Newburger, Larry Wruble, Joel
Siegel and Jessica Baum Sukhadolsky formed the
Memphis Jewish Recruitment Committee and
became the backbone of the 100 New Families
initiative. Their goal – spread the word about
the great things Memphis has to offer Jewish
families – especially those with young children –
who were looking for quality religious education,
synagogues, jobs, affordable housing and short
driving commutes.
“I already knew that people my age living
in larger cities on the East and West coasts
were unhappy with their high cost of living,
quality of life and looking for alternatives,”
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said Jessica. “We also knew that bringing these
families to Memphis was an investment in the
sustainability of our Jewish community and
institutions. It was a win-win for us all.”
They were right.
Each year the committee hosts two Taste
of Memphis weekends. “We try to arrange
Shabbatons around big events such as the
ASBEE Kosher BBQ Contest and Memphis
Israel Fest,” said Joel. “We also host families
frequently throughout the year.”
Southern hospitality is a key to their success.
Memphians open their homes to weekend
guests and invite neighbors for Shabbat
dinners. The schools and synagogues are open
for tours. Job interviews are often arranged
during the visits.
About 60 families have since made the move
including Ari and Molly Hagler. Ari grew up
in Teaneck, NJ. Molly grew up in Memphis.
By Susan C. Nieman
/www.jewishscenemagazine.com