Who are ShinShinim?

The ShinShinim are high-school graduates who choose to defer their military service for a year of service abroad. They are carefully selected, recruited, trained, and sent to Jewish communities around the world to share their youthful and enthusiastic Zionist spirits with diaspora communities. This program allows our community to meet young Israeli ambassadors and connect with them in a meaningful way through a shared sense of collective responsibility, global Jewish discourse, and collective Jewish consciousness. 

The ShinShinim share their love and knowledge of Israel through our community synagogues, Hebrew and day schools, and other local Jewish organizations. They make Israel accessible, and help Jews develop a strong, meaningful attachment to Israel. Together with our community, this is one of the important ways we are bringing Israeli culture, experiences, and connections to South Jersey. 

Hear from our site supervisors on the impact of the ShinShinim program:

"We are so thankful to Gil and Zohar for their involvement and education over the past year. We truly fell in love with them both and could not be more grateful for the impact they made for our students. They will hold a special place in our hearts forever!  

         – Amy Stanley, Director of Early Childhood, Katz JCC Sari Isdaner ECC

"Lia and Ella were such a wonderful integral part of infusing our program with yisraeliut! It was such a pleasure to have both of them with us, teaching the children new words, projects and giving them a glimpse into Israel in a way that couldn’t be done another way. Their warm and inviting approach made the children feel at ease and excited to learn! We thoroughly enjoyed having them with us this year and we wish them only the best in their future endeavors!"

– Ayelet Mittelman, Early Childhood Center Director, Congregation Beth El

"Kellman Brown Academy was so blessed to have Ella and Lia join us this year. They both brought so much ruach, ahavat Yisrael and fun to our school! They organized and planned lessons every week that our students found engaging and educational. They created relationships with our students at recess through teaching Israeli games and helped bring Israel’s holidays and culture to our community! Their warmth and laughter will be missed, and we wish them hatzlachah Rabbah as they return to Israel and to their next adventures!!"
– Eliana Seltzer, Jewish Life Coordinator, Kellman Brown Academy

"It was a pleasure working with both girls. They were always prepared and willing to do any task I gave them. I will miss them!"
– Harriet Baker, Education Center Coordinator, Temple Beth Sholom

Thank you to our partners and funders

The Zeff Foundation