New Member Profile: Ashlee and Ashis Jana

BASICS: What are your names and any nicknames?

My name is Ashlee Jana and my spouse's name is Ashis.  Coincidentally, we both answer to the same nickname, "Ash."

YOU: Tell us about you and your family.

My family is from the Midwest and Ashis's family resides currently in India (West Bengal).  We met at University of Alabama at Birmingham, crossing paths one weekend at the Math Department.  We had our first date right before the first COVID lock-downs and grew close during that turbulent time.  We both share a love of math, politics, traveling, hiking, and enjoying ethnic food (Israeli and Indian, of course).

BELONG: What does belonging to a synagogue mean to you?

Belonging means having a place to lend a hand to help others (inside and outside of the Jewish community) as well as nurturing a spiritual and inclusive home for those in various walks and stages of the Jewish experience.

 HERE: Why did you choose Bet Shalom?

I have a background in garden volunteering. I find it to be a renewing experience whenever I can get my hands dirty helping provide a meditative space for others (like the Japanese Garden at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens). This is what initially caught my eye as my spouse drove around and checked out the various communities in the area.  Aside from Bet Shalom being close by, it also had a welcoming green space that enticed me to offer a hand.  Emily Betzler was one of my first connections to the congregation and I'm immensely grateful to people like her who help keep our synagogue warm and inviting—from the inside out.