Jewish Family Service of Nashville and Middle Tennessee has named Anna Lambert Sir as the recipient of its 2026 Chesed Award, recognizing her meaningful contributions to the Jewish and greater Nashville communities. The Chesed Dinner will be held on May 7, 2026, at 6:15 PM, with Jessica Kullock and Danielle Mendelson serving as co-chairs.
Chesed is Hebrew for “loving-kindness,” brought to life through the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself.” In addition to honoring Anna Sir, JFS will present a tribute to Annette Schaffer Eskind, recognizing her enduring commitment to JFS and the greater Nashville Jewish community. Guests are invited to celebrate these remarkable women, be inspired by their accomplishments, and learn more about the agency’s impact on more than 1,700 clients.
For Anna, chesed is not an abstract idea—it is a way of life. “To me, chesed is always an action,” she shares. “A doing—a deliberate way of moving through the world with intention and heart.”
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New Orleans, Anna’s Jewish identity was shaped early through family and community and deepened during her time at Henry S. Jacobs Camp, where her commitment to tikkun olam—repairing the world—took root.
After moving to Nashville in 1987, Anna quickly became immersed in community life. Her work with JFS began as a volunteer, helping Russian immigrants learn English—an experience that resonated deeply as the granddaughter of four immigrants. She went on to serve across organizations including National Council of Jewish Women, Renewal House, Abe’s Garden, Gilda’s Club, and the Gordon Jewish Community Center, and co-chaired the Chesed Dinner two times, making this year’s recognition especially meaningful.
In 2006, Anna joined JFS as Helping Hands Program Coordinator, a role she held for 16 years. There, she focused on connecting volunteers with older adults for one-on-one visits. “Whether short-term or lasting for years, these relationships created meaningful connections for everyone involved,” she says. “Volunteers often told me they felt they were receiving so much more than they were giving.”
Her experience at JFS left a lasting impression. “Every person is treated with dignity and respect—regardless of circumstances,” Anna reflects. “Professionalism and compassion permeate throughout JFS. I will always be grateful for my years working alongside the staff.”
When she learned she would receive the Chesed Award, Anna was surprised. “It was a complete surprise,” she says. “I feel both deeply grateful and truly humbled.”
She credits her parents as early role models, inspiring her through their kindness, authenticity, and ability to build community. She has also been deeply influenced by her husband, Martin, whose long-standing dedication to social justice and building bridges of understanding continues to inspire her.
Today, Anna remains engaged in meaningful work, serving seasonally with Vanderbilt University Office of Undergraduate Admissions and teaching as a certified yoga instructor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, practicing yoga, hiking, playing Mah Jong, and traveling—especially to Boston and Minneapolis.
The Chesed Dinner is both a celebration of Anna Sir’s contributions and the primary fundraiser for Jewish Family Service, one of Nashville’s oldest social service agencies.
Invitations are in the mail, so be on the lookout to RSVP. To learn more about the dinner and honorees, or to RSVP or donate, visit jfsnashville.org/ways-to-help/chesed-dinner/.
Last year, JFS served more than 1,900 individuals through 21 programs and services, including adoption support, counseling and psychotherapy, financial assistance, senior services, information and referral, and family life and community enrichment.
For more information about JFS or the Chesed Dinner, contact Pam Kelner, Executive Director, at (615) 354-1644 or visit www.jfsnashville.org
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