FROM
I live in Ramat Gan, a city near Tel Aviv, with my mom, dad and two siblings.
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.
There's no more effective way to strengthen vital ties between Israel and our Jewish community than through authentic, interpersonal relationships with Israelis themselves.
The ShinShinim initiative enables the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Simon Family JCC, synagogues, and other community partners to build relationships with these young Israelis.
During the ShinShinim's year here, community members have the rare chance to connect with Israeli life and build lasting memories while sharing what makes Jewish life in Tidewater meaningful.
Consider
Welcome Maya or Naomi into your home as part of the family! This unique opportunity builds meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.
Shinshinim will 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.
Invite Maya and/or Naomi to a
Sharing traditions and meals with new friends fosters deep connection. Gathering is good for both body and spirit.
The best way for our visiting ShinShinim to experience Jewish life and community here in Tidewater is to be invited to a Shabbat (or holiday) dinner.
Whether a smaller family meal or a celebratory event, Maya and/or Naomi will learn so much from conversation and interaction with members of our community.
Go on a
Help welcome Maya and Naomi by hosting the group for a mid-week dinner or, take excursions around Tidewater, or have a fun day at your home!
Maya and Naomi would like to experience the best of what Tidewater has to offer. If you or your family & friends can invite them on a hike, kayak ride, surf day, movie night, dinner at a local restaurant, or even a fun day at home, they would welcome the opportunity.
Request a Date for Tidewater Fun!
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Nofar Trem, Youth and Family Program Coordinator, at NTrem@UJFT.org or (757) 321-2334