WHAT ARE SHINSHINIM?

Shinshin (ש”ש) is the Hebrew acronym for Shenat Sherut (שנת שירות), meaning Year of Service. The ShinShinim program is the “year of service program” that offers Israeli high school graduates an opportunity to delay mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces and serve Diaspora communities for up to 10 months. The program allows communities to meet young Israeli ambassadors who perform meaningful service prior to entering the army. 

The ShinShinim will share their love and knowledge of Israel through organizations in our community — making Israel accessible, and helping Jews develop a strong, meaningful attachment to Israel through tangible engagement. Together with our community, this is one of the important ways we are bringing Israeli culture, experiences, and connections to Greensboro.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

OUR LOCAL PARTNERS

The Shinshinim Program relies on strong community partners. We are proud to work with:

• B'nai Shalom Day School

• Beth David Synagogue 

• Temple Emanuel 

• B'nai B'rith Youth Organization - Greensboro (BBYO) 

what will they do?

Our Shinshinim will bring their energy, passion, and love of Israel to their work with B'nai Shalom Day School, Temple Emanuel, Beth David Synagogue, PJ Library, and many other Jewish community programs. They will present educational lessons, facilitate arts and crafts and music, and establish personal connections in the community with members of all ages.

where will they live?

Each Shinshin lives with a Greensboro host family for four to six months at a time. They bond quickly and deeply with their American families and the relationships they build are human bridges that will endure for a lifetime.

how long will they stay?

Each year, the young ambassadors arrive in August. They will stay in Greensboro for 10 months, then will head off to Jewish Summer Camp as councelors. They return to Israel in August after a full year of service.