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.

Why ShinShinim?

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.

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