Federation News
October 6, 2026
For the 10th year, Jewish Federation of St. Louis is welcoming Israeli teens to our community through the Shinshinim program, a partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), with support from the Lubin-Green Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis.
Shinshinim are 18-year-old Israelis who have graduated from high school and defer their IDF service for one year to volunteer in Jewish communities abroad. During their year in St. Louis, they serve as Israeli cultural ambassadors, sharing their experiences, traditions, and perspectives through educational programs, social activities, and relationships throughout the community.
This impactful program is overseen by Cynthia Wachtel, Federation’s Israel Emissary Initiatives Manager. Cynthia works closely with the Shinshinim throughout their year in St. Louis, helping connect them with host families, schools, synagogues, youth groups, and other community organizations. Through these connections, the Shinshinim have opportunities to share an authentic Israeli experience while learning about Jewish life in St. Louis.
At its heart, the program is about creating meaningful relationships between Israeli and American Jewish youth and strengthening the connections that unite our Jewish community.
To learn more about the Shinshinim program and other initiatives of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, please visit https://www.jfedstl.org/programs/stl-shinshinim/. Interested in hosting a Shinshinim? Contact Cynthia Wachtel at CWachtel@JFedStL.org or 314-442-3878.
Meet Mattan
- In just a few sentences, tell us a little about yourself!
I was born in Los Angeles. When I was a year-old my family moved to Israel. I love hiking and traveling, movies, running, and cooking with my dad. I am the eldest of two siblings. My brother Roy is 17 years old and my sister Shelly is 13 years old. - Where in Israel are you from, and what do you love most about your hometown?
I live in Herzliya, Israel. My favorite thing about my home city is the beaches. In Herzliya there are plenty of nice beaches with amazing water and white sand. For a moment you feel like you’re in the Maldives. - What is your favorite thing about St. Louis so far?
My favorite thing about St. Louis is the Jewish community. Everyone is so inviting and welcoming! Every temple/congregation feels like a new family. - What is something you are passionate about?
I am passionate about engaging and getting to know people. I am also passionate about travelling and getting to see new places. - What is your favorite Israeli food?
My favorite Israeli food is humus. Specifically, when my dad and I go to Tayibe, a city in Israel, to get the best humus. - What is one thing you really want to do while you’re in St. Louis?
The one thing that I want to do here is go to The St. Louis Zoo. Since I was a kid I have loved animals and zoos. - What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I used to play hockey in Israel for six years. - What Israeli tradition, song, food or activity do you hope to share with the St. Louis Jewish community?
One of the things I would love to share with the Jewish community of St. Louis is the comedy show “Checkout” or “Kopa Rashit.” The show is hilarious! It’s about an Israeli supermarket. The series shows the true color of Israelis and the different cultures in Israel. - What is one thing you hope to learn during your year here?
I would love to learn about the Jewish lifestyle in St. Louis and about the different ways the Jewish community keeps connected to Israel.
Meet Nadav
- In just a few sentences, tell us a little about yourself!
I’ve been playing basketball since I can remember. I’ve made a lot of good friends and learned a lot from playing basketball and being the captain of the team. - Where in Israel are you from, and what do you love most about your hometown?
I’m from Moshav Gealya. And before you ask what’s a Moshav, it’s sort of like a kibbutz, but better! My Moshav is a little south from Tel Aviv, about half an hour drive from there. What I love most about my hometown is the warm and welcoming community. - What is your favorite thing about St. Louis so far?
My favorite thing about St. Louis so far is the amazing people here. - What is something you are passionate about?
I’m passionate about experiencing new things, exploring the world, and meeting new people. - What is your favorite Israeli food?
Shawarma - What is one thing you really want to do while you’re in St. Louis?
Watch the SLU basketball team play. - What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
That it’s my first time in the U.S. - What Israeli tradition, song, food or activity do you hope to share with the St. Louis Jewish community?
I hope to share the Israeli warmth and the way that the Israelis help each other no matter what the situation is or who you are. - What is one thing you hope to learn during your year here?
I hope to learn leadership, courage, being more responsible and all about the differences between this community and Israel.
Meet Ophir
- In just a few sentences, tell us a little about yourself!
I’m 18 and I live in Israel. I just graduated high school and right now I’m at a gap year volunteering for the Jewish community here in St. Louis. I love pilates and I have been in the Israeli Scouts for nine years. I also have an older sister, a younger brother, and two adorable cats. - Where in Israel are you from, and what do you love most about your hometown?
I’m from Herzliya in Israel which is north of and not that far from Tel Aviv. Herzliya is near the Mediterranean Sea and I think this is the best part and the part I love the most about Herzliya. The beach is a 10 minute drive from my home and I love going there with my friends. - What is your favorite thing about St. Louis so far?
The people. Everyone is so nice and welcoming. I feel very comfortable and I know I will have someone to reach out to. - What is something you are passionate about?
I love working and teaching kids and teenagers! I love that I have an impact and connection with children. - What is your favorite Israeli food?
Shakshouka–It’s a dish with eggs and tomato sauce and you usually eat it with challah. I love it so much! - What is one thing you really want to do while you’re in St. Louis?
I want to go see all of the sports games. - What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
That I want to be a paramedic in the military. - What Israeli tradition, song, food or activity do you hope to share with the St. Louis Jewish community?
I hope to share with the Jewish community how I celebrate all the Jewish holidays and my family’s recipes. - What is one thing you hope to learn during your year here?
How Jewish families and the St. Louis community celebrate and embrace Judaism.
Meet Roni
- In just a few sentences, tell us a little about yourself!
I am the oldest of 5 siblings, and I like it so much. My hobbies include dancing, reading, and hiking. I was part of a youth movement in Israel called “Mashatzim,” and I had a great time leading groups and sharing my love for Israel with them! - Where in Israel are you from, and what do you love most about your hometown?
I’m from a city called Ness Ziona, it’s next to Rehovot and Rishon LeZion, and it’s a 25 minute drive south of Tel Aviv. I like the history of it. It’s very interesting, and some people believe that it was the place where the Israeli flag that we all know today was first raised! - What is your favorite thing about St. Louis so far?
So far, I really like the people and the Jewish community! Everyone is so nice, and it’s heartwarming to see how everyone welcomes us. Thank you for making us feel at home already! - What is something you are passionate about?
I’m very passionate about learning. I love meeting new people, hearing their stories, and getting to know them. I came here not just to share my knowledge and experience, I came to learn about the Jewish communities around the world (and specifically St. Louis). I’m very curious and love learning new things! - What is your favorite Israeli food?
My favorite Israeli food is Sabich, and my mom makes the best one! - What is one thing you really want to do while you’re in St. Louis?
I really want to try new things – new foods, new places, new perspectives, and meet new people. So if you think that there’s anything new that I should try, don’t hesitate to reach out!! - What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
You may be surprised to hear that one of my biggest dreams is to hike the Israel National Trail. This means walking Israel on foot, from the north to the south! - What Israeli tradition, song, food or activity do you hope to share with the St. Louis Jewish community?
I would like to share with the St. Louis Jewish community my family’s traditions from Israel, some of the Israeli food that I love to make, and just myself! - What is one thing you hope to learn during your year here?
I really hope to learn a lot about the Jewish culture, new traditions, and some special rituals that you can see only here. I hope to get to know more about the people in the kehilla, meet them as individuals, and make deep connections.
