Jessica grew up in a small university town in Northern California. With few Jewish families in the area, her father, a biochemist by profession, also served as the synagogue’s cantor for most holidays and life cycle events. For Jessica, Jewish identity wasn’t just something you belonged to; it was something you actively built.

David’s story traces back through generations. Raised in Niagara Falls, New York, his grandfather came from a long line of rabbis, more than 12 generations.

“Niagara Falls was a small Jewish community, and our family was very involved in Jewish communal life growing up. I also went to the Rochester JCC camp for over a decade, and all our girls went there too,” David says.

The Right Moment

Last year, Jessica and David began searching for an “experiential learning opportunity” they could do together.

“We wanted to do something meaningful as a couple,” they explain. “To meet like-minded individuals and couples, have real conversations about Israel and current events and build deeper relationships within our Jewish community here in Baltimore and in Ashkelon.”

Kesher offered exactly that.

“They are truly exceptional,” they share. “The shinshinim represent a diverse group of religious backgrounds and day-to-day experiences, both at home in Israel and also while visiting the States.”

During their year of service, the shinshinim volunteer in the community and serve as informal educators at local schools, synagogues, camps and other Associated funded programs and events.

With every interaction and relationship, the shinshinim share their knowledge about Israel, its people and culture. Then, when they return to Israel, they informally become Baltimore’s ambassadors and share their experience of the American Jewish community.

Building Relationships That Last

Whether hosting visiting leaders from Ashkelon in their home, engaging in dialogue with their Israeli partners, or simply spending time with fellow participants in Baltimore, each interaction has deepened their sense of belonging.

“As someone who grew up in a small Jewish community, building relationships like this is incredibly meaningful,” Jessica says. “We are enjoying our group and individual communication between our Kesher match and can’t wait to meet them eventually in Israel!”

Why Programs Like Kesher Matter

For Jessica and David, programs like Kesher are more than just educational; they are essential.

“It’s critical to be in spaces with people who share a common denominator, a connection to Israel, to our people and to our religion,” they say. “To share experiences in real life is so important for building relationships, supporting our community and feeling connected.”

Kesher creates that space: one where participants can listen, learn, question and grow together.

A Family Connection to Community

The Lunkens are the proud parents of three daughters, Isabel (24) Talia (22) and Nadya (20), each of whom has already developed her own connection to Israel and Jewish life.

“Our daughters have been very involved in different ways with the Baltimore Jewish community and beyond and our eldest continues to work for the JCC and its 4Front programs,” they say.

That deep connection to community and shared experience is exactly what drew them to Kesher and what continues to resonate most.