It’s hard to believe, but 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Rabbi Saul Strosberg and Rabba Daniella Pressner joining the Nashville community. As a couple and as individuals, they have had a profound impact throughout both the Jewish and broader communities. As the beloved leader of Congregation Sherith Israel, Rabbi Saul has built a vibrant, active synagogue and his success can be seen every week in the many young families with little children at weekly Shabbat services as well as the deep sense of community that transcends age, observance levels, political views and economic status. His commitment goes far beyond the pulpit, reaching people in spiritual need throughout our community.
Beyond Sherith Israel, Rabbi Saul has been a force in Jewish education as a supporter of Akiva School and founder of both the Jewish Middle School and Kehillah High School. He has been active in bringing together the broader Jewish community through music, chesed, and support of the State of Israel. In addition, he has strengthened our relationships with our Christian neighbors, particularly in support of Israel.
Rabba Daniella is, of course, Akiva’s Head of School and has built its enrollment, the General Studies and Jewish academic programs, and ethos. She is the living embodiment of commitment to Jewish education and a role model for our community's children. Beyond Akiva, she has been a lay leader of Jewish Family Services and deeply involved in envisioning Jewish education in Nashville, as well as a generous and tireless hostess. With her lifelong passion for Jewish learning and education, she also serves on the Board and Strategic Planning committee for Yeshivat Maharat.
Both Rabbi Saul and Rabba Daniella lead by example, with wisdom, with empathy, with insight, and without ego. They are both much loved both at Sherith Israel and throughout our community.
This year also is the 120th anniversary of the founding of Congregation Sherith Israel, so it is a double simcha. While much has changed during the Shul's 120 year history, what remains the same is the commitment to Orthodox practice combined with openness to Jews of all levels of observance. Rabbi Saul is the epitome of of this commitment as the Shul enters its next 120 years. And his and Rabba Daniella's leadership have revitalized the Shul as evidenced each week with the many young families actively engaged in the Shabbat service and with one another during the Kiddush luncheon.
To celebrate these dual milestones, Congregation Sherith Israel will be honoring Rabbi Saul and Rabba Daniella and celebrating its 120th anniversary at its annual fundraiser. The event will be held on Sunday March 2nd from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Gordon Jewish Community Center.
The event will feature a video celebrating the Strosberg-Pressner family as well as montages of photos from their lives, a retrospective of the Shul's 120 years, wonderful food catered by Goldie Shepard, and plenty of time for schmoozing amid a warm and informal gathering of those who know and love this special couple. There will not be a lot of speeches for neither honoree wants them, something that will not be a surprise for those who know them well.
The event organizers will be compiling a personalized book of messages/letters to be given to Rabbi Saul and Rabba Daniella in commemoration of this milestone to which donors and attendees will be invited to contribute. It will not be distributed to attendees so that contributors will be able to convey their personal reminiscences, feelings and wishes privately.
Reservations may be made on-line at https://www.sherithisrael.com/.... If you have any questions about the event, please contact Roberta Goodman at roberta_walter_goodman@yahoo.com.
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