Nadav, 35, has worked in Jewish education for more than 12 years. Born and raised in Jerusalem, he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as an officer in the medical corps, training doctors, paramedics and senior medics for the IDF. Before embarking on his first Shlichut in Melbourne, Australia, he was the national director of Telem, the youth department of the Jewish Reform movement in Israel. Aylee, 38, Nadav’s husband, is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but made Aliyah six years ago.

Currently, the couple lives in Westchester, New York, as Nadav is the senior Jewish Agency Community Shaliach (Israeli emissary) in the city. Their decision to go on Shlichut again was a natural choice as it’s a mission Nadav feels very passionate about — and together, Aylee and Nadav play an important role not just as Shlichim, but as a gay couple in the Jewish community.

“From the very beginning, we were accepted in all of the communities across the county and have been able to share our story with numerous groups,” Nadav shared. “We’ve educated, enlightened and made both allies and new friends along the way. As members of the Reform and Conservative movement, we are blessed to have so many synagogues and temples that have welcomed us as a couple.“

As a gay Shaliach, Nadav has seized every opportunity to share his story and educate others about the LGBTQ+ community.

“Both this year and last, I had the opportunity to speak to numerous synagogues on Pride Shabbat, sharing my personal story with hundreds of people and getting the opportunity to discuss the victories and the challenges that face the Israeli population when it comes to gay rights,” said Nadav.