Aya with the Harrell's in NYC

What are ShinShinim?

ShinShinim are a select group of promising Israeli high school graduates who choose to defer their enlistments in the Israel Defense Forces so that they can spend a year as Israeli ambassadors in communities around the world.

This initiative, through the Jewish Agency for Israel, one of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater's Israel & Overseas partners, is made possible in part by your gifts to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater's annual campaign.

Shinshinim stay with individual families in Tidewater for durations 3+ months. All that you need to host is a private room, daily meals, and a nurturing home environment.

ShinShinim will each have a cell phone, health insurance, a car, and a financial stipend provided by our community agencies.

After immersing themselves into the complexities of Jewish life outside of Israel, exploring their own Jewish identities and gaining new perspectives, our ShinShinim return to Israel to become change-makers in Israeli society.

What are the benefits of becoming a host family?

Many of our past host families have shared that hosting a ShinShin was the highlight for the family and for their relationship with Israel. They not only feel they have gained a new family member, but also feel they have gained a whole new understanding of what it’s like to be an Israeli. Host families play a vital role in the success of the ShinShinim program. Host parents and siblings provide a great deal of support to ShinShinim and help them transition to living and working in our community.

Naomi with Mulligan Host Family

Host Family FAQ's

Do I need to provide my ShinShin with rides/transportation?

No. The ShinShinim will have two cars and car insurance paid for by the Jewish Federation. The Jewish Federation will also arrange for the ShinShinim to receive driving lessons to familiarize them with NYS laws and driving conditions.

What happens if they need a doctor or dentist?

The ShinShinim will have health insurance coverage through David Shield, arranged by the Jewish Agency. If your ShinShin needs a doctor or dentist, you can take them to your own or contact Nofar Trem.

What does the room situation need to be?

The Shinshin will have a dedicated "bedroom" that is not used for other family needs. A dedicated bathroom is not required.

Do the ShinShinim have a curfew?

The Jewish Agency has established an 11:00pm curfew for all Shinshinim on weekdays and weekends. However, if your expectation is that a Shinshin arrive home earlier than that, please discuss expectations with the Shinshin. Exceptions to the curfew may be granted by Nofar Trem or a host parent in communication with Nofar.

Are they allowed to babysit?

The ShinShinim are here to volunteer, and their visas do not allow them to work for pay. They are not allowed to babysit for liability reasons. Beyond that, the ShinShinim will have very busy schedules volunteering in our community, and any available free time that they have should be time for them to relax and recharge.

What happens if/when our family goes on vacation?

It is entirely up to each host family to decide if they wish to take their ShinShin along, and only if it has been approved by all of their site supervisors and by the Director of Israel Programming. The ShinShin is not permitted to stay alone in your home, therefore will need to make arrangements in advance if you are going on vacation without them.

Can the ShinShin stay alone in the house overnight?

No, the ShinShin should not stay alone in the house overnight. Please make prior arrangements in coordination with Nofar Trem. (However, the shinshinim may stay together in a home without the host family.)