By Mia and Hadar, ShinShinim
Mia and Hadar arrived in Ann Arbor in August as the community’s newest cohort of ShinShinim from the Jewish Agency for Israel. They are here as volunteers from Israel, on a year of service after graduating high school before their army service. While in town, they will work to strengthen the connections between Ann Arbor and Israel, sharing Israeli culture through informal education, music, Israeli childhood games, food, and much more. The ShinShinim program is made possible by the Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor. Mia and Hadar share here what they’ve been up to around town recently.
Since landing in Ann Arbor in mid-August, our days have quickly filled with learning, action, and above all, so much excitement as we get to know wonderful people.
First Steps in Education
In August, we took our first steps into our two main educational institutions:
- Hebrew Day School (HDS): We spent time learning all about the school, getting to know the dedicated teaching staff, gathering valuable information, and absorbing teaching approaches that will propel us forward. We were so excited to meet all the amazing children we’ll be spending the year with, and we’re so proud to be part of such an impressive, professional team!
- Early Childhood Center (ECC): We met the sweet children for the first time and began building the warm connections that bring us joy every day.
Getting to Know the Community
A major part of August was dedicated to connecting with the warm and welcoming Ann Arbor community through social gatherings, conversations, and community events:
- Apples & Honey Event: Our very first community event! We ran a “Wheel of Fortune” booth filled with Israel-themed games and challenges, and we were thrilled to meet so many of you.
- Synagogues & Community Hubs: We visited Beth Israel Congregation, were hosted at Temple Beth Emeth, and dropped by the Hillel—at every stop, we received the warmest welcome from incredible people.
- BBYO Youth Movement: We met the wonderful BBYO teens for the first time and got to see inspiring young leadership in action!
Free Time
Alongside starting our work, we made time to experience the area. We enjoyed kayaking on the Huron River, explored the city and the university campus, and really got to know our new home better!
Looking Ahead & Thank You
We want to thank everyone for the warm welcome and for the privilege of being part of this incredible community and meeting amazing people every day. We’re excited and looking forward to many more activities, conversations, events, and lots of fun ahead!
To learn more about the ShinShinim program and how you can connect with us, visit jewishannarbor.org/engagement/israel/Shinshinim.