Meet the New Cleveland ShinShinim
Welcome Avigail, Alon, Ori, Guy, and Yuval! These five Israeli teens are spending the next year in Cleveland as part of the ShinShin program, a partnership between the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Overseas Connection Committee and @akiva, a Federation beneficiary agency.
ShinShin is short for Shnat Sherut (Year of Service), which means they have come here as part of a gap year between their high school and Israeli army service to volunteer in our Jewish community. “The goal is for us to learn the Jewish community and the Jewish community to connect back to Israel,” said Alon. “We want teenagers to see Israel by us to love Israel – and not just to love, but to connect and know about Israel.”
A typical day for the ShinShinim is teaching at our local Jewish day schools and public high schools. “We also teach at different temples and help out on different programs at synagogues and other Jewish organizations around the community,” said Yuval.
All five teens are very excited to continue their year here and have been overwhelmed with how much support they have throughout our community. “It's very special and we couldn't have asked for a better community and experience,” said Avigail. “It's so welcoming and warm!”
You make stories like this possible because of your support to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland's Campaign for Jewish Needs.
