What Makes Us a Family

Building Bridges Across Histories | Dalia, Peter & Barbara

In this episode, Barbara Dab, community leader from Nashville, joins Dalia Lahmany from Israel and Peter Federace from the Czech Republic to reflect on how the Hadera-Eiron Partnership2Gether connects communities across different histories and geographies. They share stories of visiting Jewish communities in Europe, engaging with Israeli peers, and discovering the depth of global Jewish solidarity after October 7. Together, they highlight how the Partnership fosters belonging, resilience, and people-to-people connection even across borders and languages. Speakers: * Dalia Lahmany – Israeli participant in the Partnership * Peter Federace – Czech community member * Barbara Dab – Nashville community leader

Leading Together: Exploring Questions That Matter in Partnership | Ravid, Shlomit & Allison

In this episode, Allison Jacobs, P2G Hadera-Eiron Co-chair and Shlomit Zimring, Israeli Lay Leader, dive into the heart of the Hadera-Eiron Partnership2Gether initiative — exploring how this living bridge between Israel, the Southeastern U.S., and the Czech Republic has become a model of mutual responsibility, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connection. Together with Ravid Fleisher, P2G Professional, they reflect on what makes this Partnership unique, how it brings individuals and communities closer, and the impact of its diverse programs — from youth exchanges to volunteer missions, leadership training, and shared cultural projects like Hinneni. Speakers: * Shlomit Zimring – HR consultant and longtime P2G steering committee member. * Allison Jacobs – Partnership2Gether Consortium Co-chair. * Ravid Fleisher – P2G Human Bridge Coordinator.

From Strangers to Family - Local2Global (L2G) Program | Ken & Michal

In this heartfelt conversation, Michal Pirani from Harish, Israel, and Ken Stiles from Greensboro, North Carolina, share the story of how they went from strangers to close friends through the L2G – Local2Global program. They reflect on the deep bond they built through personal stories, poetry, shared Jewish values, and even moments of tragedy—like the October 7th attacks. Despite living thousands of miles apart, their friendship transcends borders, politics, and headlines, reminding us that human connection is the heart of community. * Ken Stiles – Retired HR executive and volunteer with Partnership2Gether * Michal Pirani – Writer and poet.

Through Their Eyes: Teens and the Families Who Welcomed Them | Jessice, Maya, Peleg & Rachel

In this episode, Jessica Cohen Banish from Nashvile, TN, Maya Fux from Hadera, Peleg Orenstein from Pardes-Hanna Karkur,, and Rachel Landis from Charleston, SC - reflect on what it means to grow up Jewish in very different contexts. Maya and Peleg participated in an in-person youth delegation to the U.S. communities, where they stayed with host families and built meaningful relationships with their American peers. These home hospitality experiences added a deeply personal layer to the program - allowing Israeli teens not just to visit, but to live inside the rhythm of Jewish life abroad, share Shabbat dinners, and have real conversations around the kitchen table. The bonds that formed between the teens and their host families became some of the most impactful parts of the journey - demonstrating how hospitality, warmth, and curiosity can foster true connection across cultures. Together, the group opens up about navigating political differences, family expectations, and the shared desire to stay connected to something larger than themselves. Through honest conversations sparked by the Local2Global (L2G) program, they share about the moments of connection that make these cross-cultural encounters so powerful.Speakers: * Jessica Cohen Banish – SE Consortium coordinator and P2G host mom * Maya Fux – P2G Teen Experience participant * Peleg Orenstein Hadash – P2G Teen Experience participant. * Rachel Landis – P2G host mom

What’s Cooking? Food, Memory, and Belonging | Avigail, Itay, Rich & Yasmine

What happens when people from different countries, backgrounds, and generations come together around the kitchen table? In this flavorful episode, Avigail Sharim, Itay Landsman, Rich Mancill, and Yasmine Rana share how recipes, stories, and smells became a powerful way to explore identity, memory, and connection. Through reflections on childhood dishes, emotional recipes, and the meaning of hospitality, this episode celebrates food not just as sustenance, but as a bridge between cultures, communities, and hearts. * Avigail Shreim – Artist, L2G participant. * Itay Landsman – Mechanical engineer and product designer, L2G participant and foodie. * Rich Mancill – Charleston community member and L2G Participant * Yasmine Mancill – Charleston community member and L2G Participant.