For Ruby Bierman (2nd from r.), a junior at Blue Valley North High School, the highlight of the relief mission was being able to celebrate her Jewishness with other Jews teens.

“I hadn’t been in a synagogue or to a service since Covid,” Ruby says. “It was really special [on Friday night] to be able to sit in the synagogue with other, like-minded teens and to be in space where everyone was so comfortable being Jewish. I loved coming together and celebrating being Jewish.”

Ruby says that while she’s always liked to help people, the mission’s many volunteer activities and it focus on tikkun olam impacted in her a lasting way.

“[I’m thankful that] I’m in a position personally where I don’t have to worry where my next meal is coming from, or if I’ll have fresh fruits and vegetables available,” she says. “I’ve always wanted to help others, but now it’s more so. It’s a more prevalent thought.”

Ruby adds that she’d recommend the trip to all Jewish teens.

“It’s a great opportunity for any Jewish teen to connect with their Jewish identity and with other Jewish teenagers, and to connect with local or non-local communities,” she says.