Dear Friends,
This summer, we had the privilege of welcoming four Ukrainian teens and their chaperone for a 10-day visit as part of our collaboration with JCC Global.
During their stay, the teens were warmly hosted by local families with ties to Ukraine, creating meaningful connections that extended far beyond their visit. They participated in activities at our day camp and enjoyed unforgettable experiences throughout the region, including exploring the historic treasures of Philadelphia, attending a baseball game, bowling, hiking local trails, and much more. They also spent time in New York City, where they toured iconic landmarks and experienced the magic of a Broadway show.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the trip was the opportunity for the teens to spend time with local families and their teenage children. These interactions fostered genuine friendships and strengthened the bonds between our communities.
For these young visitors, the trip provided a much-needed respite from the realities of living in a war zone. It also gave them the opportunity to connect with another Jewish community and experience the true meaning of Jewish peoplehood, seeing firsthand that they are part of a global family that cares for and supports one another.
As a heartfelt expression of gratitude, the group presented us with a beautiful tablecloth and challah cover from their community center. We were honored to use these special gifts during our Shabbat by the Pool celebration, where they served as a powerful reminder of the connection we had already begun to build between our communities.
Thank you to Niv, our Shaliach, for serving as their tour guide, to the generous host families who opened their homes and hearts, and to JCC Global for making this meaningful exchange possible.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Moriah SimonHazani
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