A Match Made in St. Louis’ Partnership 2000 Israeli Sister City

This is about a match made in St. Louis’ Partnership 2000 (P2K) sister-city in Israel that has taken that partnership to a new level.

Chiyya Smason, son of Rabbi Ze’ev and Rebbetzin Smason of Nusach Hari, and Chagit Caspi of Yokneam, daughter or Hunan Caspi, former regional development director of P2K region (Yokneam-Megiddo) who works with the people-to-people programs, met at a P2K-sponsored Orthodox Shabbaton. Young people from St. Louis who are in Israel are invited on a regular basis to Yokneam for Shabbatons, conducted by former Young Israel Rabbi Jeffery Bienenfeld.

Chiyya, who attended Block Yeshiva High School, went to a pre-military yeshiva in the Golan Heights after high school with an eye toward enlisting in the Army. Chiyya just completed his Commander School course, and is now a Sergeant. After a week’s vacation following the completion of his course, he and the unit of men under him will be deployed somewhere in Israel.

“Chiyya made these choices because he wanted to make the most significant contribution to the homeland of our Jewish people,” said Rabbi Smason. “He loves Israel and is religiously motivated. We also have deep family connections to Israel. My wife’s family and now two of our kids live there. While at Yeshiva, my son attended a Shabbaton and the two met. He’s handsome. She’s pretty. They have common values and goals.”

Rabbi Smason said that last October, he was in Yokneam staying in an apartment with his son. “One night we took a long walk. It was late. After our walk, I asked, ‘Are you coming to sleep now?’ He smiled sheepishly and said he was going for a walk with Chagit. At that point I knew something was up. They began dating actively at the end of last year and were engaged this past May.” They’re getting married in Israel the end of December this year. 

This is one marriage that will be based on a true Partnership.