The Zemach family, from Kadesh Barnea, Israel, is traveling to communities around the world to give people the opportunity to meet a typical Israeli family and share a positive story about the Jewish state.
Five members of the family, Oksana, 42; Chami, 40; Gali, 13; Tamar, 11; and Michal, 4; stopped in Louisville from January 10-15 and met with a number of groups. Cantor David Lipp of Congregation Adath Jeshurun facilitated their visit.
One of their Louisville stops was at Chavurat Shalom at The Temple and another was with the seniors at the Jewish Community Center.
At both places, the family showed a short film about their lives in Israel and made a presentation about their travels. Gali played the guitar and she and one of her sisters sang.
There was plenty of time for members of each group to interact with the families and ask questions.
At Chavurat Shalom, Zehava Naamani and Chava Bensinger enjoyed some Hebrew conversation over lunch.
At the JCC, Sylvia Gilbert was so taken with the family that she wrote Cantor Lipp a thank you note. She has family in Israel and felt a strong connection with the family.
The group also made several other presentations, including one at the Louisville Hebrew School and one at Adath Jeshurun, and enjoyed meals with several community members.