St. Louis Then… Israel Now
Leah Schmidt went to Israel and was smitten. She returned to
intern with a Tel Aviv  jewelry maker  and the rest is history.

Before Birthright

"For years, my mom persistently nagged me to go on Birthright," says Leah Schmidt, daughter of Risa Zwerling Wrighton and step daughter of Mark Wrighton, chancellor of Washington University. Friends, too, had told Leah about Birthright – a free 10-day first-time trip to Israel for Jewish young adults aged 18 to 26.

"But I wasn't ready," says Leah. "I was that girl who was homesick at sleep away camp. I finished my BA degree without spending my junior year abroad.  In fact, I never really traveled outside the US, apart from two spring break trips to Mexico and one afternoon in Belize on a cruise."

While studying for a degree in sociology at Emory University, Leah would occasionally attend Hillel, but her Jewish experiences were limited. Born and raised in St. Louis, she attended Saturday School at Central Reform Congregation, had a Bat Mitzva there and was confirmed. "I wasn't very religious," says Leah.

2007-2009 were gap years for Leah. After graduating Emory in May 2007, Leah broke her ankle and had to spend two months on crutches back home in St. Louis.  At first she was miserable.  But she bounced back.  As she recalls: "To my amazement, I quickly realized that breaking my ankle was actually a blessing in disguise.  For years I had dreamed of being able to invest all my time and resources into making my own jewelry.  With my ankle broken, I had all the time in the world, and my dream became a reality."

Though jewelry design was to remain her passion, Leah soon joined the workforce and became an assistant account executive for TWIST, LLC, a St. Louis marketing and public relations agency.  "I loved being ‘in-the-know about St. Louis,’" says Leah. But she was ready to move beyond St. Louis. 

In December 2008 Leah arrived in Israel to participate in Birthright.   


Birthright Oranim

Leah had chosen Oranim, the largest Birthright trip provider.  It is a pluralistic program, where Shabbat is a day of rest that includes a sunset service, good food, good conversation, and a time to enjoy Israel's gorgeous Mediterranean beaches.  During the 10 days, there is lots of touring and lots of fun. In an Oranim program, the Israelis show you Israel.

"I could be the poster child for the Oranim program," says Leah. "I think it's such a great experience. Thanks to the president of Oranim, Shlomo "Momo" Lifshitz, a secular nationalist former Israeli army officer, my world was turned upside down. Though I didn't become religiously observant, I did become more Jewish. I became spiritually enlightened and I bought into Momo's philosophy – date Jewish, marry Jewish, and make Jewish babies."

Leah finished Oranim on December 25, 2008.  But she wasn't done with Israel.  Shalom. Shalom.


Tel Aviv Intern

In her personal essay, Leah wrote: "When I returned home, all I wanted to do was go back.  I craved the excitement that I had been lacking for so long and the new experiences and knowledge I gained each day in Israel.  Within weeks, I signed up for a five-month Oranim program in Israel.  With such an incredible opportunity at my fingertips and my whole life ahead of me, it was the perfect time for such an adventure."

On March 23, 2009, Leah was back in Israel to participate in the Tel Aviv Internship Experience, where she would attend ulpan to study Hebrew, engage in an internship in a field of her choice, enjoy trips and special excursions, and live in an apartment just minutes away from Tel Aviv nightlife and beautiful beaches. "I try to touch the sand every day," says Leah.

For her internship, Leah returned to her passion of jewelry design. As the bubbly and enthusiastic Leah twittered about her choice: "I LOVE IT.  I'm working with the AMAZING Israeli jewelry designer, Efrat Cassouto."

The Cassouto studio is located in the Nachlat Binyamin Pedestrian Mall. The mall is ranked the number one Tel Aviv attraction (out of 73) by Trip Adviser.

Leah summarized in her blog: "I'm having the time of my life, chilling on the beach, partying it up at night and developing amazing friendships.  I can't tell you how incredible it feels to be 24 and having the opportunity to do what I'm doing."

And what does her mom think? "Leah has discovered a side of herself she didn't know she had. She felt so connected in Israel that she was able to demonstrate to herself that she could take risks and get a great reward. She also loves the city of Tel Aviv and when walking with her through the streets, it appears that she owns the streets and is very much at home."


Beyond

On August 16, 2009, Leah completes her program as a Tel Aviv intern.  What's beyond?  Five months earlier in her personal essay she wrote:  "While I dream of falling in love one day (I’m definitely a closeted hopeless romantic) and having a family, developing a successful career, whether that be in fashion, PR, marketing (or a combination of all three), I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds.  If my experience on Birthright has taught me anything, it’s to enjoy life, live it fully and be open to the unexpected. I can’t wait.”  


Written by former St. Louisan, Leah Hakimian, who now lives in Jerusalem