By Elizabeth Johnson
Jeremy and Nicki Engel did not approach the Bernstein Leadership Group( BLG) as a joint exercise so much as a deliberate choice. They arrive together, but once inside, they“ go their separate ways,” forming relationships independently and engaging with ideas from different vantage points shaped by their distinct backgrounds and professional lives. At times, those perspectives diverge, adding a layer of honesty and depth to their conversations.
After the sessions, they compare notes, challenge one another and deepen the conversation. Together, they revisit conversations on Israel and the broader challenges facing Jews around the world today. What brings them back to the same place is a shared sense of purpose: to better understand Jewish life in Charlotte and to consider, in a real and practical way, where they can make an impact, both now and for the future they are building for their family.
Nicki, you came to Judaism by choice, while Jeremy was raised within it. How do those different paths inform the way you each connect to Jewish life? Although our paths have been very different, we share a similar intentionality in how we approach Judaism.
I have the privilege of getting to discover the richness of Judaism with fresh eyes, and Jeremy supports my journey by helping me engage with intention. We want to inspire our children to embrace what makes Judaism important to us – to pursue lifelong learning, embody justice and responsibility, and engage in a practice that creates. I have been most surprised about how warmly I have been welcomed into our vibrant Jewish community. We really do have something very special.
You come from very different professional worlds: talent acquisition and elder and special needs law. How have those perspectives shaped the way you engage with the conversations and challenges in the program? Each of us approaches BLG with our own unique background; however, we engage in similar ways. We are both in helping professions, which makes us active listeners and pragmatic thinkers. We both like to lead by making others feel heard in the problem-solving process.
BLG is designed to deepen leadership within the Jewish community. Has anything in the experience shifted how you see your role or collective responsibility within it? Our BLG friends have so much passion for so many different causes, and they inspire us to contribute to our vibrant Jewish community in our own ways.( Nicki) As a“ Jew by Choice,” my connection to Judaism is always evolving as is my sacred obligation of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. I am rolling off a professional board soon and will devote my efforts to supporting Outshine Hate, Federation’ s initiative to end antisemitism and anti-Israel
The Charlotte Jewish News- June- July 2026- Page 5 Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte
Charting the Future: Voices from the Bernstein Leadership Group
Jeremy and Nicki Engel
Power of Words: Kesher
By Jessica Goldfarb
Some of the strongest parts of Jewish life are found in the relationships we build. These connections bring people back to the same tables, the same traditions, and the same community year after year. Jewish communities are sustained not only through shared history, but through these vital connections people build with one another over time.
“ Connection” is translated as“ kesher” in Hebrew. Its root, ר ־ ש ־
ק, means to tie or bind together, reflecting the idea that connection is something actively created and strengthened over time.
Kesher can describe relationships between people and communities but at its core, the word points to the bonds that hold us together through shared history, responsibility, and care for one another.
That understanding has shaped Jewish life across generations. Jewish communities have long relied on connection not only to preserve traditions and history, but to sustain one another through changing times and challenges.
Relationships built through learning, gathering, supporting one another, and showing up consistently for community have helped create continuity from one generation to the next.
In many ways, kesher reminds us that Jewish life has never been meant to be experienced in isolation. It grows stronger when people remain connected to one another and to the broader community around them.
That same sense of connection continues to shape Jewish life in greater Charlotte today. Kesher can be seen when community members gather to celebrate Yom Ha’ atzmaut together at Shalom Park. It is seen when young adults come together through Bernstein Leadership Group( BLG). We feel it when hatred across our community. Additionally, I will continue to provide sessions at Oasis on the legal issues of aging.
Outside of BLG, your life is full with two small children, dynamic careers, and, by all accounts, a love of the mountains and live music. How do you make it all work? Grandparents! But seriously, we do not make it all happen without help. We are blessed to have family and friends that provide us with opportunities to pursue our passions. This includes our BLG family!
When your perspectives diverge, what tends to happen next?( Nicki) When we do disagree, we respect each other’ s perspective. Meaning, we can agree to disagree. And oftentimes, I have to recall the advice of the great late Ruth Bader Ginsburg,“ sometimes it helps to be a little deaf.”
Looking ahead, what do you hope this experience will
families gather for Board Game Café, PJ Library Charlotte programs, or guest speaker events. Each of these moments strengthens not only individual connections to Jewish life, but the relationships that hold community together.
That understanding is central to the work of Federation every day. Through philanthropy, education, advocacy, and community building, JFGC helps create opportunities for people to gather, engage, and build lasting relationships across generations and backgrounds. Strong community begins with strong connection.
Kesher reminds us that strong
shape, either for your family or for the way you show up in Charlotte’ s Jewish community? As we think ahead, we hope to become even more involved and add value to several different areas. Our passion lies within the community as a whole and given our backgrounds, both professionally and personally, we are excited to share what we can to make Jewish life in Charlotte the very best it can be.
We will forever cherish our BLG experience as we’ ve been introduced to close friends and have gotten to know our community in a different way. Without a doubt, this experience will push us to give back, serve as thoughtful stewards and support vibrant, creative Jewish life in Charlotte.
Jewish communities are not formed by proximity alone, but by relationships, shared responsibility, and a commitment to showing up for one another.
Wherever those connections are strengthened, Jewish life continues to grow.