Morrie & Miki Zimring

Ever since their three grandchildren went on Birthright Israel trips, this important Federation-supported program has occupied a special place in the Jewish hearts and lives of Morrie and Miki Zimring. So, when Federation initiated the idea of a St. Louis only trip, they immediately stepped in to give their support. Birthright Israel, they contend, is a good way for young people who have been reared in homes with little Jewish feeling and tradition can get back into Judaism’s fold. The Zimrings are not suggesting that Birthright Israel will necessarily pull young people into our religion. “That’s not the point,” they said.  “It’s more of an awareness of what’s happening in Israel. These young people on a Birthright trip see firsthand how small the country is, what the Israelis have to put up with on a daily basis and what it’s like to defend a country against impossible odds for the sake of survival. We love being Jewish and believe Judaism has prospered because we place extreme value on family, the need for education and a higher power. It’s important to us to have this continue.”