ShinShin (ש”ש) is the Hebrew acronym for Shenat Sherut (שנת שירות), meaning Year of Service.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS WITH THE SHINSHINIM

 

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Connect. Support. Engage. Get Involved!

 

 

 

Consider

BECOMING A HOST FAMILY

Welcome Noga and Yarden into your home as part of the family!  This unique opportunity builds meaningful relationships that will last a lifetime.

 

Learn More
   

Visit our "Host a ShinShin" page for more information and to apply.

 

 

 

 

Invite Noga and/or Yarden to a

WEEKDAY OR SHABBAT MEAL

Sharing traditions and meals with new friends fosters deep connection. Gathering is good for both body and spirit.

 

Learn More
   

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, Noga and/or Yarden will learn so much from conversation and interaction with members of our community. 

 

 

Request to Host a Meal

  

Email Nofar with any hosting questions.

 

 

 

 

Go on a 

SHINSHIN ADVENTURE

Help welcome Noga and Yarden by hosting the group for a mid-week dinner or, take excursions around Tidewater, or have a fun day at your home!

 

Learn More
   

Danille and Emily 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!

  

Email Nofar with any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Tidewater's Shinshinim

Noga and Yarden vill arrive in Tidewater in mid-August 2025!

 

 

Noga Yaniv

FROM

"I live in Kfar-Saba. I have wonderful parents, my mom, Valeria, works in accounting, and my dad, Idan, works in sales. They both really enjoy spending time with the family. My parents divorced when I was 4 years old. I have one sister, Ma'ayan. She is 20, soon to be 21, and she is serving in the IDF in the intelligence unit."

HOBBIES

Noga is a passionate dancer with professional experience and now teaches dance. She also enjoys photography and playing guitar. In addition to her creative interests, she has been a dedicated youth counselor at Ruach Amiti in Ra'anana, where she’s led students in grades 4–8 and helped build a community grounded in Jewish values, respect, and equality.

ONE THING NOGA LOVES ABOUT ISRAEL

"The ethnic and cultural diversity is amazing—Jews, Arabs, Druze, and immigrants from all corners of the globe live together, each contributing their own traditions and customs. This diversity is evident in everything, from the unique foods in the markets to the music and celebrations that invite everyone to join in. I love the spirit of unity, where despite differences, everyone feels a sense of belonging to a larger family."

Yarden Lahan

FROM

"I live in Kiryat Ono, Israel which is near Tel-Aviv. I am a middle child. I have an older sister named Nitzan she's 23 years old she is a biomedical engineering student, And a younger brother named Nadav, He is 12 years old. My mom's name is Dafna she's a graphic designer and my dad's name is Ofer and he is a UX expert. I also have a cat named Gooey and she is 19 years old."

HOBBIES

Yarden loves music, plays guitar, and enjoys going to concerts. In her free time, she reads, does crosswords, and creates art through drawing. She’s an active Hadracha scout leader with three years of experience, currently guiding future leaders in 9th grade. Since the war began, she has also been involved in volunteering to support soldiers, their families, and evacuees from across Israel.

ONE THING YARDEN LOVES ABOUT ISRAEL

"After the war started I realized how resilient our people are and how much we want to help, volunteer and support each other during these hard times and thats in my opinion one of the most admirable things about Israel."

 

 

Danielle Hartman + Emily Patyuk 2024-2025

 

 

Maya Ostrov + Naomi Friedland 2023-2024

 

 

Aya Sever + Alma Ben Chorin 2022-2023

 

 

Alma + Aya handoff to Naomi + Maya!

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Contact Nofar Trem, Youth and Family Program Coordinator, at NTrem@UJFT.org or (757) 321-2334