By Jodi Glassman

The theme of Thursday was tzedaka, giving back, and connection with St. Louis’ partnership region, Yokneam-Meggido, in the fertile heartland area of northern Israel. We saw several service organizations that the St. Louis Jewish Federation funds directly or indirectly, including an after-school program for children who need extra support outside of their family. The St. Louis Rubin trip always brings gifts for these children, which are distributed to each child one by one throughout the year on their birthday.

When we arrived at the after-school program we each got name tags with our names written in English and Hebrew, and we paired off with students to make an art project. Because I work with children professionally, I have a special connection with young kids. I was so honored that one of the girls, a super sweet nine-year-old, walked over to me right away and grabbed me by the hand to get to work on a painting together. We took to each other instantly and had a great conversation during the art project, even though we shared so few words in common.

With the teacher translating, I came to realize that my partner student didn’t know the date of her own birthday. I had to ask twice to make sure I understood: She doesn’t know when her birthday is. I come from a life in which kids plan big birthday parties and know exactly what they want for their birthdays, so this visit was a humbling reminder of the struggles other Jews face and the ways we can support one another. It was so hard to leave, but the students gave us handwritten cards and homemade challah, and we know that our gifts will be with them throughout the upcoming year.

Each of us on the Rubin trip had a role to play in organizing the trip, and mine was to help coordinate the gifts for the children and to select the hospitality gifts for all of the families who hosted us for homemade dinners Thursday evening. The home visits were a wonderful way to wrap up our time in Yokneam-Meggido, because it allowed us to split up in pairs and visit kibbutzim and other neighborhoods throughout the region. Being in someone’s home and learning more about Israel from their personal experiences allowed us to make such a great connection. I loved the family I visited!

Each family who hosted us received a beautiful apron designed and embroidered by my sweet friend Connie Brawley, featuring hot air balloons and the St. Louis Arch. We have already gotten so many meaningful gifts from our time in Israel, and it was wonderful to be able to bring something meaningful from St. Louis, too, to leave a little tangible reminder of the connection and friendship between St. Louis and Yokneam-Meggido.