Dear friends,
My mother and I are excited to launch this new project, sharing the story of our family’s journey raising Jewish children in southern Kentucky. While our journey has been many years in the making, we are just beginning the process of learning how to share our story with others in a way that is funny, meaningful, and relatable.
Ultimately, we hope to create a series of materials (including a podcast, co-authored memoir, and cookbook) which reflect our family’s history. We are deep in the creative process for each, and your support at this stage is critical in allowing this project to continue. Funds will be used to support research and recording of our planned podcast (72 Miles) and recipe testing for our planned cookbook (Faith in Comfort). We aim to self-publish our podcast Spring 2021, and launch in the cookbook in Fall 2021.
This project simply won’t be possible without support from our community of family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for helping us achieve this dream!
WHO WE ARE
Margaret Friedman-Vaughan has spent the past forty years as a lay leader and executive professional in the Reform Jewish community. She spent most of her adult life navigating the world of interfaith life. She married her husband in 1980, and they pledged to raise their children in both of their respective faiths, a goal they now acknowledge was naïve. They discovered children who are not given a foundation in something will generally believe in nothing. They worked hard to honor two faiths and respect two sets of traditions, all while developing a strong Jewish identity in their children.
Nathan Jordan Vaughan has spent a decade as a Jewish communal professional, serving in a variety of program, fundraising, and executive roles. He moved to Boston in 2011 where he enjoys living and working in a vibrant Jewish community. He remains true to his southern roots as an avid bluegrass and Kentucky basketball fan. Nate and his wife are active members of Congregation Kehillath Israel in Brookline, MA.
THE VISION
Last year, Nate attended a “story slam” at Mamaleh’s Delicatessen in Cambridge, MA. “The Nosh: An Eser Storytelling Event,” sponsored by Hebrew College and Combined Jewish Philanthropies, invited people in the community to tell a personal “Jewish story” in front of a live audience. At the last moment, Nate decided to participate, telling the story of his senior year solo recital of “The Dreidel Song.” This experience, on top of similar previous experiences, compelled Nate to explore how to share his family’s unique story and perspective.
For those who watched the video, here’s a classic action shot of Nathan in band uniform.
THE PROCESS
We want to take the time to do this right. That means lots of flights across the country, following our stories where they naturally lead, and collecting as many memories from friends and family as possible along the way. We’ll be recording everything, from one-on-one interviews to raucous Passover Seders, and documenting our process on social media.
Your support will help fund the following estimated expenses:
- Camera, laptop, and field recording equipment–$6,500
- Research trip flights–$5,000
- Studio costs–$2,500
- Recipe testing materials–$2,000
- Cookbook development–$1,000
This project simply won’t be possible without support from our community of family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping us achieve this dream!
Thanks,
Nate and Margaret
