By Amichay Findling, Israel and Overseas Director, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
This August, the Ann Arbor Jewish community will welcome its first cohort of Israeli gap-year volunteers dedicated to the local community – the “ShinShinim.” The name ShinShinim is an acronym for the Hebrew phrase “Shnat Sherut,” or year of service. While Ann Arbor has previously benefitted from the work of ShinShinim who were based in Metro Detroit, this is the first time these elite volunteers will be based in Washtenaw County.
Danielle and Lahav, both 18 years old, have decided to dedicate a whole year of their life to community volunteering right as they graduate from high-school, postponing their military service and academic studies for a year, to come serve here in Ann Arbor.
ShinShinim are carefully chosen from thousands of applicants after a lengthy and thorough selection process which evaluates candidates’ personality traits, creativity, interpersonal skills, knowledge of Israeli culture, fluency in English, and much more. After a rigorous selection process (sorting), these young Israeli Ambassadors/Emissaries engage in a 9-month training program before being sent to Jewish communities around the world to share their youthful and enthusiastic Israeli spirits and serve as outstanding representatives of Israel.
ShinShinim bring their energy, love of Israel and unique perspectives to worldwide synagogues, religious schools, pre-schools and Jewish Community Centers. In addition to Jewish organizations, they often serve as informal educators in public schools and other venues in the community. ShinShinim provide an authentic Israeli perspective, sharing on a range of topics including Israeli culture, Jewish identity, Jewish celebrations, and life in Israel in general, through creative programs and challenging discussions. One of their main objectives is to promote lasting engagement between their host community and Israel by forging personal relationships with community members that ultimately build strong, meaningful ties for the future.
In Ann Arbor, Danielle and Lahav will work with youth and teenagers in multiple local Jewish institutions, including Hebrew Day School, the JCC, and the religious schools at Beth Israel Congregation and Temple Beth Emeth. In addition, they will participate in and initiate a variety of community activities in the Ann Arbor area’s public sphere, bringing with them strong experience as youth movement counselors, as well as expansive artistic and intellectual interests.
Danielle, from Holon, near Tel Aviv, is an experienced Israeli Scouts troop leader, a dancer and piano player.
Lahav, from the central Israeli town of Mazkeret Batya, is an experienced counselor in “Noam” (the Israeli youth movement associated with Conservative/Masorti Judaism), science student, avid cyclist and pianist.
Their time in Ann Arbor is made possible by the Jewish Agency for Israel, the generosity of the Zeff Family Foundation, and, most of all, the generosity and enthusiasm of many community volunteers, including those who will host Danielle and Lahav in their homes for the year the ShinShinim are in town.
For further information about engagement and volunteering opportunities with Danielle and Lahav, contact Amichay Findling, the Jewish Federation’s Israel and Overseas Director, at amichay@jewishannarbor.org.
And most important, if you see Danielle or Lahav around, make them feel at home: don’t be shy, say “Hi!”