Nashville, TN, may be hailed as the home of country music, but local teens are now proud that it’s home to something else – their very own NCSY chapter.

Nashville teens have participated in regional events in the past, but this is the first time they have an official chapter with ongoing, local programming.

Bayta Coleman, (front row, c.), a sophomore at Harpeth Hall School, is a proud Nashville NCSY participant.

“My favorite NCSY program this year has been our weekly latte and learns because I love getting to catch up with my friends,” she says. “These events also help me grow the Jewish part of my life because it gives me a chance to learn every week. Without NCSY I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do that.”

Cole Strasborg (top row, l.), a junior at Kehillah High School, shares a similar sentiment.

“Latte and Learn has given me a chance to expand upon my thinking from a Jewish perspective,” he says.

The chapter is led by Eli Raphael (top row, 2nd from r.), a Dallas, TX, native, currently pursuing a degree in Human and Organizational Development at Vanderbilt University.

A former NCSYer and past National NCSY Teen President, Eli knows firsthand just how great of an impact NCSY can have on a teen’s life.

“After being a participant for so many years, it’s definitely interesting being on the other side,” says Eli. “But Nashville has been an amazing experience thus far, and providing Jewish experiences for teens is deeply enriching and meaningful.”

Batya, Cole and many other local Jewish teens are excited Eli’s in Nashville.

“Before Eli came we didn’t have [local] events and we rarely got to attend Shabbatons,” says Batya. “But now we are planning events on the regular, and [we’re] so hyped for regionals!”

“Eli is not only an incredible mentor and resource,” adds Cole, “but a good friend.”