Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
Naama and Ron reflect on their time teaching — and learning — in Cincinnati
Submitted by Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
When Ron and Naama first arrived in Cincinnati, nothing quite prepared them for the oversized grocery stores, the vast suburban streets, or the warm embraces of strangers who would soon feel like family.
“It felt like I was in one of those teen movies I used to watch,” Ron said, laughing. “The big, wooden house, the deer outside, the Cheesecake Factory — it was everything I imagined America to be and everything I wasn’t used to.”
“Everything felt huge at first,” agreed Naama. “But people were really kind and welcoming, and that helped me feel at home pretty quickly.”
The two teens are part of the Chaverim M’Israel program — Israel’s young emissary initiative that sends recent high school graduates around the world for a year of volunteer service before they begin mandatory IDF service. Known elsewhere as Shinshinim, they are called Chaverim (friends) in Cincinnati.
“The main goal of the program is to introduce the community to Israelis in an authentic way,” said Tzach Shmuely, Federation’s Senior Community Israeli Emissary. “So ‘friends’ is a great way to describe them, because the connections built over the year are extremely meaningful.”
And while Ron and Naama were tasked with bringing the heart of Israel to the Cincinnati Jewish community, everyone they met shared a piece of their own heart with them.
A Year of Firsts
From leading Hebrew lessons at Rockwern Academy to fielding tough questions at private and public schools from their peers, Ron and Naama didn’t shy away from challenges or complexity.
“I remember the girls at St. Ursula,” Naama said. “They’d never met Israelis before, but they were so eager to learn. That moment reminded me why we’re here — not just to teach facts, but to build connections.”
Ron agreed: “In some schools, we met students who had only ever heard negative things about Israel. After meeting us — two smiling, joking, dancing Israelis — that image changed. It mattered.”
The two created immersive programs, from a podcast that explored Israeli culture and national holidays to a cooking series using recipes featured in “Shavuot of Longing,” a cookbook filled with recipes loved by Israeli hostages, accompanied by their personal stories. They transformed the courtyard of the Mayerson JCC into memorials, led programs during Yom HaZikaron, and spoke passionately during a gathering marking one year after October 7th.
“Standing in front of a thousand people and talking about my experience, about pain and challenges, but also growth and resilience, was truly an honor I will never forget,” explained Ron.
A New Kind of Family
Cincinnatians opened their homes and their hearts to these emissaries.
“Ron came with us to Cleveland and to Texas to visit family,” said Lisa Kadosh, one of Ron’s host parents. “He was instantly a grandson at our Seder. He chilled with us in the family room, got hugs when he walked through the door. It’s like we found a son we didn’t know we were missing.”
Another host parent, Lauren Koon, said Naama brought an energy to their home that had been missing since two of her daughters had started college. “Naama quickly blended into our family, joking around and relaxing with us.”
That familial bond was a two-way street. “Living with host families made me realize I now have a home in Cincinnati,” said Naama.
Lessons on Identity
Living as Jews outside of Israel gave both teens a deeper appreciation for Jewish identity in the diaspora.
“In Israel, you don’t have to choose to be Jewish — it’s just around you,” Naama said. “Here, people have to make the effort. They show up, they celebrate, they build community. It’s powerful.”
Ron added, “What surprised me the most about Jewish life in Cincinnati is how many options you have. Some people go to Reform synagogues, some to Conservative, and some to Orthodox. Everyone prays differently, but everyone still cares so deeply about Jewish life and about going to a congregation and being a part of something bigger — and that’s so special.”
Their supervisor, Christine Katzman, echoed that sentiment. “Most people in Cincinnati have never met someone Israeli before,” she said. “Now they have. Now they have friends in Israel. That’s what this program is all about.”
Humor and Hope
For all their cultural ambassadorship, Ron and Naama also brought levity to their serious work.
There were jokes about camels at school (“We don’t actually ride them to class,” Ron explained in an episode of their podcast “Shalom Chaverim”) and the lack of suitable Israeli cuisine to be found. There were surprise TJ Maxx runs with new friends, first Costco hauls, and debates about whether it’s better to have a gap year or go straight to college.
But through the laughter was a clear sense of purpose.
“I used to think more about Jewish identity only in the Israeli context,” Naama said. “But now I understand that it’s something global, something we all share and need to take care of together.”
What They Leave Behind
Now preparing for army service, the two leave behind a legacy of connection and courage.
“Ron and Naama exuberated a wonderful work ethic,” said Katzman. “They were prepared and efficient. They were also wonderful communicators both in and out of the classroom. When they had setbacks, they were resilient and patient in overcoming any challenges. And they were fun, made people laugh or cry, and had a commanding presence.”
Ron put it more simply: “We came to teach. But we ended up learning just as much.”
And what will they carry with them back to Israel?
“Confidence,” said Naama. “That I can handle new things, speak to strangers, and make an impact.”
“Gratitude,” said Ron. “For this city, these people, and the sense that no matter where I go — I’ll always have a home in Cincinnati.”
