Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University

I am seeking your help to create a lasting memorial for my beloved family members who have passed away.

Over the course of seven years, I experienced, one by one, the painful and tragic loss of my brother, my father, and my mother. I loved them deeply, I miss them daily. When I think about my life, its ups and downs, the resilience that it takes to survive in our world, I also think about the light that comes from darkness and how our calling is to create new measures of goodness wherever we go. Because I remember the goodness that went with them, I want to honor that memory with something lasting, meaningful and spiritual; an enduring memorial; something that would be treasured and revered for generations, carrying goodness and blessings to them. 

I see these elements in the Torah. The Jewish people have experienced wonderful times and very dark times; in all times the Torah has been with them.  It is symbolic of their long history, a “book” that tells the story of oppression in Egypt, their flight to freedom, the journey to the Promised Land and the goodness and sweetness of a meaningful life.  It carries the Law that organizes an ethical society and the verses that convey the spiritual messages that connect us to the sacred. 

I find my own story in its messages. To learn more, watch the video below or Check out my story here 

 

I want to create a new Torah Scroll dedicated to the Freeling Family to keep their legacy alive in the world. It will be commissioned by Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University, my alma mater, where it will be housed, and where generations of students will benefit from it. The Memoriam book that will accompany it will list the names of all those who join with me in creating this spiritual gift. Donors can add stories, memories, and well wishes they would like to share for inclusion as well.  

Your donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledge with a receipt from Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt, a registered 501c(3) 

To donate by check: Make payable to Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University, 111 23rd Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203. Put Freeling Family Torah in the memo.

To donate stock or by wire transfer email Rabbi Shlomo at [email redacted]

To celebrate my late father, Ken Freeling’s life; I, along with our good friend Rabbi Shlomo Rothstein of the Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University, will be bringing back Aryeh’s Kitchen; a hip food truck dishing out innovative kosher cuisine, great vibes, and thoughtfulness.

 

My Dad was a visionary, a lawyer who traveled the world and helped many people. He and I wanted to do something special together, so with the help of Rabbi Shlomo and Vanderbilt University we started Aryeh’s Kitchen. 

 
My dad and I shared many memorable father-son moments working on Aryeh’s and now that he has passed away, I want to continue this dream for the both of us. It is my way of sharing our heritage and our love of something that makes people smile and walk away satisfied. Most importantly, it is my way of saying, "I love you Pop’s. You are not forgotten and I will take it from here."

 

Aryeh’s Kitchen will be reopening as part of the Rohr Chabad House at Vanderbilt University, a 501©3 with the vision of welcoming all students with Jewish wisdom, hospitality, and a home on campus. Aryeh's Kitchen is for everyone who wants to eat well and feel good, so that they can have a moment when the mind, body and spirit are in harmonious sync. Aryeh’s Kitchen intends to direct a percentage of profits to organizations promoting mental health. 

 
It will take a lot of hard work and some capital to reopen Aryeh’s Kitchen. We are dedicated to doing the work, and we are reaching out to you now to help us raise the funds to work on our dream.  Together we can make Aryeh’s (the Hebrew name for lion) blossom and grow, and remain an everlasting symbol of resilience, fortitude, and love.

Thank You, 

Zack Freeling