[by Shiela Steinman Wallace]
Why would a family of six leave their home to travel around the world for a year?
For the Zemach family – Oksana, 42; Chami, 40; Yulia, 22; Gali, 13; Tamar, 11; and Michal, 4 – the answer is very straightforward and simple: people around the world see Israel as presented in the news reports, so most of what they see is conflict and negativity. If people in other countries had the opportunity to meet a real Israeli family, perhaps they would come to understand and appreciate Israel as the wonderful place the family calls home.
Rather than just wondering, the Zemachs decided to do just that.
Adath Jeshurun Cantor David Lipp heard about their endeavor, checked out their web site and inquired to see if Louisville could be one of their stops. Through his efforts, promises from volunteers to provide meals and some assistance from the Jewish Community of Louisville and The Temple, the Zemach family will be in Louisville January 10-15.
Their entire itinerary had not yet been established when Community went to press. At that time, the Zemachs were scheduled to visit the Jewish Community Center’s Early Childhood program at 10:30 a.m. on January 11; then be with the JCC’s Senior Lunch program at noon, and visit the Louisville Hebrew School in the late afternoon. On Thursday, they will present a program at Chavurat Shalom at noon at The Temple.
Additional programs may be scheduled.
When the Zemachs meet with people, they tailor their presentation to the group. When they meet with Chavurat Shalom, they will share a short movie, “The Israeli Family,” which documents the family’s life in Kadesh Barnea, where they have a small factory that manufactures jams and sauces made of local fresh fruits and begetables. Then Chami will tell the story of her family, focusing on family life, fulfillment, entrepreneurship, education, culture, reading and music.
Learn more about the Zemach family on their web site, http://il-family.com/en/?category_name=the-israeli-family-project.
The Chavurat Shalom program invites the community to join them to hear the Zemachs’ story on Thursday, January 12, at The Temple. A healthy, catered lunch is available for $5 at noon, and the program will begin at 1. Kosher meals and transportation available for $5 upon request in advance. Call Cindy at 423-1818 for lunch reservations or information.
For information about the Wednesday, January 11, seniors program at the JCC, contact Slava Nelson, 238-2743 or snelson@jewishlouisville.org.
Cantor Lipp says the family needs financial help to sustain their mission, and would welcome contributions to Zemach Family, Kadesh Barnea 43, Haluza, Israel 85513.
Courtesy of the Israeli Family Project
