On July 1, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville officially launched its new Israel and Overseas Department — and we've jumped right in. Over these first weeks, we've been surveying, brainstorming, researching, and analyzing as we build impactful engagement opportunities that meet the needs and interests of Jewish Nashville.
As part of this evolution, Federation's Partnership2Gether Committee has become the new Israel and Overseas Committee, co-chaired by Rabbi Lindsey Danziger and Claire Bernstein. I'm grateful to be working closely with both chairs, the committee, and my Federation colleagues as we shape this new department.
The goal of the new department is to offer meaningful ways for everyone—from preschoolers to seniors—to engage with Israel and Jewish communities across the globe through a balance of connection, celebration, and education.
That balance matters. We want to celebrate and showcase Israel and share in its culture while not shying away from its complexities when it comes to education. Rather than telling people what to think, we want to provide facts, multiple perspectives, and space for people to work through the complicated, and sometimes conflicting, feelings that Israel can bring up.
We also recognize how difficult it can be to navigate the constant influx of news and social media, where the volume of information can make it challenging to distinguish fact from misinformation. One way to bridge that gap is through direct conversations about actual experiences. By engaging with people in our Partnership2Gether (P2G) region, Hadera-Eiron, we learn about current life in Israel directly from those living it.
P2G is also undergoing a strategic evaluation in close collaboration with the eight other Federation communities in our Southeast U.S. consortium, all of which share a connection with Hadera-Eiron. The goal is to deepen our collective impact through reimagined hybrid engagement opportunities that connect us with our Israeli sister community and with communities across the consortium. We are intentionally laying the groundwork to introduce opportunities that provide broader value and appeal so more people can experience the benefits of P2G relationships and connections.
In mid-August, the Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville will be represented in Richmond, Virgina, by CEO Judy Alperin, Partnership2Gether Co-Chair Claire Bernstein, and myself at the Annual Partnership2Gether Joint Steering Summit. Over three days, CEOs, Partnership2Gether professionals, and lay leaders from all ten communities in our consortium—including Hadera-Eiron—will come together to review, discuss, and vote on the budget and final slate of projects for the annual cycle, which begins on October 1.
Whether you're looking to learn more about Israel or overseas Jewish communities, engage in meaningful dialogue, build relationships with people across the Jewish world, or simply explore something new, opportunities are for you are forthcoming. We look forward to sharing more in the months ahead and to continuing our work to provide robust, diverse, and engaging Israel and Overseas opportunities.
If you would like to learn more about the new Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville Israel and Overseas Dept. or Partnership2Gether, email jessica@jewishnashville.org
The Jewish Observer is published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Nashville and made possible by funds raised in the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. Become a supporter today.