Memphis Jewish Community

Memphis may be known for Elvis Presley's House, but what most people don't realize the Jewish community dates back to the 1800s. Tennessee has an estimated Jewish population of 22,800, most of them living in the Memphis area. The population has seen steady growth at 9%, doubling in the last seven years, attracted by low home prices and available jobs. That number is sure to increase as many Jews from big cities look to move to established communities outside of New York, California, and Illinois.

Synagogues include Beth Shalom (Conservative) features a mikvah, Baron Hirsch Congregation (modern Orthodox) features a mikvah, Chabad Lubavitch of Tennessee (Orthodox), Jewish Congregation of Oak Ridge (Conservative - unaffiliated), Or Chadash (Conservative), and Temple Israel (Reform)

Currently, there are two Jewish schools in the Memphis area, as well Sunday Hebrew Schools at Chabad at Synagogues. Schools include Bornblum Jewish Community School, a pluralistic school, and The Feinstone Yeshiva of the South, with elementary and separate boys (Cooper Yeshiva) and girls (Goldie Margolin) high schools, conveniently located on the same campus.

Kosher restaurants are non-existent. The closest thing to a deli is at the Memphis Jewish Home. There is a kosher bakery, and a couple of kosher certified chain stores (Krispy Kreme, Cold Stone Creamery, etc.). Nearby shopping includes Krogers with a large selection of kosher, Trader Joe (famous for their kosher items), Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart.

The religious community is located near Interstate 240 and is approximately 15 minutes for the Memphis International Airport. Local attractions include the famous Memphis Zoo, the Memphis Museum of Science and History, and the IMAX theater.