Mission Possible, one of the signature programs of The Jewish Federation and Jewish Foundation of Nashville and Middle Tennessee, is ready for takeoff on zoom at 11:00 am on Sunday, February 6th. The mission is designed to introduce Nashville Jewish community members to the service providers and recipients of Federation funding. For participants who register in advance, you will receive a gift bag with specially curated treats and trinkets from the countries will be visiting online.  The typical bus tour of Jewish Nashville went virtual during the COVID19 pandemic, providing the opportunity to focus on the overseas programs and services of the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and programs funded directly by the Federation. JAFI and the JDC are the two largest Israel and Overseas partners of The Jewish Federation. 

This year’s overseas component will allow mission passengers first to have the option of exploring the amazing Jewish communities of India and Morocco. One breakout room will explore the rich history of Jews in Morocco and hear about the Joint Distribution Committee’s humanitarian work in the local Jewish community.  Simultaneously, another breakout room will go to India for an insider’s look at Jewish life in India and the JDC’s work in welfare and Jewish education. 

Mission passengers next will choose one of four Israel-based programs to visit.  A first option includes the work of the Fund for the Victims of Terror, which brings comfort to the loved ones of those who are injured or killed by terror or rocket fire and, since 2002, has helped improve the lives of eight thousand households across Israel. A second option for mission travelers is the Jewish Agency’s Pre-Army preparation “Walking the Distance” program, which is exclusively for young women from disadvantaged backgrounds. A top priority for The Jewish Agency is fostering and developing female leaders. The Walking the Distance “Mechinah” for Female Leadership, as well as the Alma “Mechinah,” are programs exclusively for young women. The programs provide opportunities for participants to engage with influential female leaders and other opportunities to help young women realize their potential for leadership. The Walking the Distance “Mechinah” is specifically focused on empowering young women from vulnerable backgrounds. The program utilizes wilderness therapy to provide the tools they need to change their lives and discover their own paths to leadership. 

The third and fourth breakout room options for mission participants when experiencing Israel will including the Maksam program and the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program Leadership2Gether (L2G).  Immigrant communities in Israel, much like those in the United States, face special challenges integrating into the local national culture. The Maksam network of neighborhood centers works to improve the prospects of Hadera’s children of Ethiopian origin and those from other immigrant communities. Maksam delivers educational reinforcement and enrichment to elementary-aged children, providing them with the skills needed to gain confidence and ambition. Finally, the Partnership2Gether (P2G) program Leadership2Gether (L2G) brings together young professional adults from the Hadera-Eiron Region and the communities in the southeastern US, including Nashville. Using current communication technology, the program engages Israelis and Americans, paired for one-on-one sessions that use text study to share their Jewish heritage and identity, and their responsibilities as Jews to their own community and the worldwide Jewish community.   

Mission Possible is a unique opportunity for the local Jewish community, says Carolyn Hecklin Hyatt, Financial Resource Development Assistant Director and Campaign Director. “The Mission is a virtual opportunity for members of our community to gain greater insight into the overseas programs of The Jewish Federation. The work we do globally is an important part of our mission to enrich the lives of Jews around the world.” 

To learn more about Mission Possible, or to book your ticket, contact carolynh@jewishnashville.org