THE
Jewish
OBSERVER www.jewishobservernashville.org
Vol. 91 No. 5
MAY 2026 14 Iyyar - 15 Sivan 5786
Introducing A Reimagined Israel and Overseas Department By ERIN WIDES
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ashville’s Jewish community has fostered a long-standing relationship with the people, places, and culture of Israel. Through programs such as Partnership2Gether, which bring people together through personal experiences and educational collaborations, the Shlichut (Israel emissaries) program, and mission trips, the Federation has been able to support connections to Israel and partnership regions for many years. Following surveys conducted by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and Jewish Federations of North America, Nashville’s Federation has decided to create a new Israel and Overseas Department, which will be a two-year pilot program with clear expectations for measurable impact.
Jessica Banish and Partnership2Gether trip in front of a Tel Aviv beach sunset
The process began with reviewing new Impact Index data, then Federation President Aron Karabel convened a task force to take a deep dive into what these numbers were saying about Israel connection, identity, and engagement across Jewish Nashville. “Rather than making assumptions or rushing to conclusions, we chose a different path: we invited community leaders to join us as thought partners,” said Judy Alperin, CEO of the Federation. The task force included Karabel, Rabbi Lindsey Danziger, P2G Chair; board members Fred Zimmerman and Bill Berk; community leader Penny Woody; and staff partners Judy Alperin and Michal Eskenazi Becker, chief impact officer. “Our goal has been to use the Continued on page 23
From Nashville to Israel: A Journey of Identity and Belonging By BARBARA DAB
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rowing up Jewish in the South can be challenging, leaving some young people conflicted about their identity. Others lean further into their Jewishness, pursuing deeper meaning and greater connection. Such was the case with Sam Jacobson who grew up attending West End Synagogue with his family and graduating from Beit Miriam religious school. The product of an interfaith family, Jacobson officially converted to Judaism in the first grade. He participated in a Get Connected trip to Israel in high school and spent more time there during a gap year. He made Aliyah and enlisted in the IDF as a lone soldier, where he served in the elite Golani unit. After his service, while in the reserves, he earned his bachelor’s degree in business and now how a defense sector job in the robotics industry. The Observer recently caught up with Sam after his latest reserve posting to learn more about his experiences and to share his reflections about life in Israel today. A Publication of the
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Observer: You were so young when you converted. What do you remember about the conversion process? Sam: The memory is as crisp as the water itself. It was at Sherith Israel, and I went in by myself. I remember it perfectly. Observer: What about Judaism touched you so deeply that you have now gone on this unique journey? JCRC Avi Poster Social Justice Seder Marks 60th Anniversary of Nostra Aetate, page 2
Sam: I think it’s the community. Growing up in Nashville you really feel like you’re a minority, that you’re different. I was searching for that unity for a long while. I always say if I had grown up somewhere with a bigger, stronger Jewish community, I don’t think I would have made that trip to Israel and done this whole process. Reflections on Yom HaShoah Commemoration, page 4
In Nashville you feel like you stand out. Finally, when I came here it was like a community. I always say it’s like the “new Jew” who doesn’t back down and we’re going to live life and we’re not going to apologize for the way we live it. And I think being here I really identified with that. A sense of community and belonging. I really found that here. Observer: Let’s back up a little. You went to MBA. Were there very many Jewish students there at that time? Sam: I my grade I think I was one of three or four Jews. We had this thing called JAG, which is Jewish Advisory Group. We had all told about 10 or 12 participants and we’d get together and have bagels once a week. That was the most robust Jewish scene at school. At MBA you definitely felt like you were a minority. Observer: After high school and your gap year with Young Judea, what made you want to go back and live in Israel? Sam: It was definitely a thought in my mind that I wanted to do the army. But I thought I had time, I really wanted Continued on page 22 Women In Business Special Section, page 17