Are there Jews in Fuquay-Varina? Jennifer Kublin’s search for an answer led her to start Jewish Women of Fuquay-Varina. Their story is just one example of how Jews in Greater Raleigh are finding new ways to connect with each other. We asked Jennifer questions about how she started this group, and where she sees it going in the future.

Q: What brought you to the Greater Raleigh area? To Fuquay-Varina?

I’m originally from upstate New York, and I lived in South Florida for the last 28 years prior to coming to North Carolina. My husband had expressed wanting to move about six years ago. We visited North Carolina several times and enjoyed it, especially since it has all four seasons and mild winters. Once my daughters finished school, one college and the other high school, I said let’s do it. We moved to Fuquay-Varina by chance since that was the place I was able to find a home during the COVID craziness. We have been here almost 3 years now.

Q: How did you start connecting with other Jewish women in Fuquay-Varina?

I felt there was no Jewish presence in our community. This is Southwest Wake County, and most of the Jewish infrastructure is in North Raleigh. Traffic is a lot and adds time to your commute traveling there. Beth Shalom isn’t too far, which is great. But I figured if I’m looking to connect with other Jewish women, there must be others. I posted on the Ladies of Fuquay-Varina Facebook group, “Where does a Jewish girl get Jewish food for the High Holidays?” All the Jews came out of the woodwork – over 100 comments! I decided to create my own Facebook group, called the Jewish Women of Fuquay-Varina. Once I started posting in other groups to let people know about it, several wanted to join. I opened it to the surrounding geographic areas since others expressed interest in joining. I have someone from out in Kenly, all the way down to Clayton and Garner, around to Holly Springs, Apex, Cary, and over to Sanford. We have over 160 members!

Q: What has your group done since it started?

We have a lot of events that I plan, like getting together for dinner, breakfast, or lunch. We started piggybacking off other activities in the area. Beth Shalom Sisterhood has events which we have attended, for example the Challah Bake and Bunco night. We have even attended services for the high holidays and plan to attend Friday Shabbat services. Local restaurants will have events as well such as music bingo, so we’ll get together for that. We have volunteered with Jewish Family Services and have done a Rosh Hashanah service at a local nursing home. A few of our members have helped in delivering meals. We have various clubs, such as Mah Jongg, Virtual movie club, Book club and looking into doing more this year like Bunco.

Also, I’m the Young Women’s Chair of Hadassah Raleigh/Cary chapter and I share the Hadassah events as well. I try to get the members involved for ideas as well as if they want to showcase their skills. We have had jewelry classes, a yoga Pilates class as well as a sip and paint event painting hamsas and hopefully more as new members join. We also had a dessert exchange for Rosh Hashanah and a party for Hanukah. I added an album in the Facebook group to share the recipes.

Q: How has Fuquay-Varina changed since you moved there?

We are adjusting as it is extremely different here from where we lived in South Florida as it was more built up with shopping, restaurants, temples, schools, homes, apartments, and hospitals. I have heard it has changed dramatically! They are building new developments and apartments, new schools and community centers, new stores as well as more restaurants are coming here.

I am also part of the Holly Springs Interfaith Alliance, so we are working on including all faiths and religions to be more inclusive in the community. I reached out to the Town of Fuquay-Varina, and said “There are more and more people moving here with different religions and we would like to be represented. You have an event for lighting the tree and visiting Santa, so what about celebrating Hanukkah and lighting the menorah and showcasing other religions?” I am happy to say that we have been talking and planning on doing something with the Town of Fuquay-Varina for this year.

In addition, I am working with Mindy, Gena, and Leslie on a Jewish Federation Connection meetup. I would like to bring more of a Jewish presence here, because there are a lot of Jews here and we want that connection.

Q: Where do you see your group going? What are your goals for its future?

I would love for it to continue to grow and welcome those who are Jewish and want to connect with other Jewish women. Unfortunately, since the war broke out on October 7 in Israel, we need that connection even more so. And I really feel this helps since a lot of us feel the same way and can relate to what is going on even in the United States. I think this group really helps a lot of women to connect, make friendships and feel better since they are not alone. I will continue to reach out and find volunteer opportunities as we have helped other organizations with food drives, make meals for those in need in our community with a local church and do more with the seniors. I would like to continue to grow and increase the Jewish presence in this area and help as much as we can. I would like women to continue to connect and build those friendships.

Finding Jewish Fuquay-Varina: An Interview with Jennifer Kublin