NJP (Nice Jewish Person) Allie Jacobs!
Each month, The Well highlights an amazing (and eligible!) individual.
This month, we have a conversation with NJP Allie Jacobs!
TW: How did you decide to make your adult life in Metro Detroit?
AJ: After I finished grad school, I landed a job in Royal Oak. Even though I grew up here, I wasn’t exactly sure if I would stay. I re-engaged with the Jewish community, attending Shabbat dinners and young adult-oriented events. I realized there is an amazing network here, and the growth happening in Detroit was also inspiring.
TW: You're currently the Digital Editor at the Detroit Jewish News, but journalism wasn't always your planned career. Tell us a bit about how you got into the field of social work and what kind of you work you did during that time.
AJ: I have always been interested in psychology and for a long time, felt that clinical social work was the right path for me. I had a variety of jobs, including working at a practice specializing in eating disorders, a pediatric rehabilitation clinic, an outpatient clinic for individuals suffering from traumatic brain injury, and in an inpatient setting at Beaumont hospital working with patients with a variety of mental health and medical needs.
TW: After a successful start in social work, you made your way into journalism. How did your passion for writing and editing come about?
AJ: I have always seen myself as a writer. My passion for writing grew when I wrote for the Kalamazoo College newspaper, “The Index” and took some journalism classes. I started a blog about the budding food scene in Detroit called “Coneys and Kale” and interned at Michigan Radio, Michigan’s NPR news station, where I learned audio editing and web posting. I reached out to the Jewish News to inquire about writing opportunities in 2014, and became a freelance writer for the JN and SEEN magazine. When the Digital Editor position opened up, I felt like it was an ideal combination of my passions for writing, editing and digital media.
TW: Working at the Jewish News, you're very connected to community happenings - what's your favorite part of your job?
AJ: My favorite part of the job is being able to tell our community’s story. I love being able to meet new people, especially the multi-talented, inspiring women in our community who starred in the JN video series, “Bubbie’s Kitchen.”
TW: As you mentioned, you’re a big foodie - what are your favorite restaurant recommendations right now?
AJ: I love recommending restaurants almost as much as I like trying them! I recently went to Leila and San Morello in Detroit. Both had amazing food, service and ambiance. For more casual dining, you can never go wrong with Griffin Claw Brewing Company, which is a regular on my restaurant rotation.
TW: After a long day, what's your favorite way to de-stress and unwind?
AJ: Yoga and boxing are definitely high on the list. While it’s usually exercise that helps me unwind, sometimes I just need to kick back with a good book or grab dinner with a friend.
TW: You studied abroad in Budapest, Hungary, you traveled to Israel in November (with The Well!), and you're planning a trip to Japan later this year! What are some of your favorite travel memories so far? If you could travel to any fictional place, where would you go and why?
AJ: That’s tough! I have so many good travel memories. Navigating a new country on my own felt intimidating at first, but before I knew it, Budapest definitely felt like a second home. One of my favorite experiences there was traveling around Hungary with my group and exploring the different cities. I also loved being able to walk everywhere! The Israel trip with The Well was also filled with great learning opportunities, and I enjoyed Thanksgiving and Shabbat with Detroit expats.
If I could travel to a fictional place, I’d choose the wizarding world of Harry Potter. I’d love to play Quidditch and study all of the magical subjects at Hogwarts. Plus, being able to ward off enemies with magic doesn’t sound too bad.
TW: How do you like to give back to the community / others?
AJ: I enjoy volunteering, especially when it involves interacting with people through organizations like Detroit Rescue Mission and Yad Ezra. I also contribute to causes that are important to me when I can.
TW: What's your favorite Jewish holiday and why?
AJ: Passover! I have always loved the story, and not to mention, the food (hello, brisket and matzah ball soup)!
TW: Would you rather win an Olympic Medal (for what sport?), an Academy Award (in what category?), or Nobel Prize (in what)?
AJ: I’d love to win an Academy Award as a producer for a motion picture or documentary about Jewish Detroit, or something Jewish-related.
TW: Who would you invite to your dream Shabbat dinner? (modern and historical figures allowed!)
AJ: My dream Shabbat dinner would include the cast of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” I have been really into the show since its start and I think a real-life Shabbat dinner with them would be a blast.
TW: Best movie ever made, hands down?
AJ: Growing up, my dad introduced me to Alfred Hitchcock’s movies. To this day, “North by Northwest” has been on the top of my list, as well as “From Russia with Love” with Sean Connery as James Bond.
TW: How about a fun fact?
AJ: I won the JN Chanukah Art Contest when I was 7 years old, and now I get to be a judge!
TW: Finish the sentence: When I go to The Well...
AJ: I feel connected!