New emissary looks forward to exploring Rhode Island

A new Israeli emissary (shlichah) is coming to Rhode Island at the end of the summer.

Gaya will work on behalf of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island for the next two years and will be a community resource for Israel education and advocacy. She will collaborate with local synagogues, religious schools, youth groups and agencies throughout Rhode Island’s Jewish community to promote Israel-related activities and programs.

The 22-year-old lives in Tel Aviv and grew up in Karmiel with her parents and three sisters. She has participated in the Diller Teen Fellows program in Pittsburgh and was also a part of the scouts movement, where she guided children from 4th to 12th grade.

Gaya writes that her hobbies and interests include volunteering, traveling and exploring different cultures. In her free time, she loves to watch movies and create arts and crafts projects. She is passionate about Jewish holidays, cooking, baking and preparing traditional Israeli dishes.

“I am excited to start my mission and get to know the members of the community in Rhode Island,” Gaya writes. “I look forward to collaborating and creating special community events that will strengthen the sense of connection and belonging. Additionally, I am eager to explore the area, learn about the local culture, and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nature of Rhode Island. I am also excited to learn about the Jewish history in the region and participate in local educational and cultural activities.”

As the new shlichah in Rhode Island, Gaya hopes that she “brings an authentic Israeli spirit and can strengthen the connection between the local community and Israel, and enrich community life with meaningful and exciting events. I believe we can create engaging experiences together that will strengthen our sense of belonging and connection to Israel and our Jewish identity. My goal is to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation between the American Jewish community and Israel and to deepen social and cultural bonds.”

Members of the community are invited to welcome Gaya after she arrives. This fall, you’ll be able to “POP” in for some delicious flavored popcorn and you will be able to play some paddle Gaya/RI trivia to learn more about her as she discovers Rhode Island and the Jewish community here. Look for details and the required registration form in the coming weeks at jewishallianceri.org.

DORI ADLER (dadler@jewishallianceri.org) is the director of Jewish life and learning at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.