Shinshinim
The Shinshinim Program
A Shinshin is an 18-year-old Israeli emissary who defers their army service for one year to volunteer in Jewish communities abroad with the goal of educating people of all ages about Israel and Israeli culture. They teach about Israel through creative programs and challenging discussions, bringing an authentic Israel experience to the community they serve.
The Shinshinim program is a partnership between the Jewish Agency for Israel, the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, and several local organizations: Congregations Shaare Emeth, United Hebrew, Bnai Amoona, Kol Rinah, Temple Emanuel, the Israeli Scouts, and Saul Mirowitz Jewish Day School, as well as Camp Ben Frankel.
Their Work in the Community
The Shinshinim work at several different programs within the congregations, mainly with children ranging in ages 3-18, including the Sunday schools, religious and Hebrew schools, early childhood centers, USY, and NFTY. They also participate in special ‘chagim’ happenings, adult programming, weekend retreats and Shabbatonim, youth group conventions, summer camps, and other events.
One of the main objectives of bringing Shinshinim to our community is to encourage Israel engagement through educational programming, through formal and informal social interactions, and by building relationships with community members.
The Shinshinim serve as Israeli cultural ambassadors throughout the community, and the program ultimately builds a bridge between Israeli youth and Jewish communities, creating an educational dialogue between the two, in order to strengthen our Jewish family ties and to build the foundation for a secure Jewish future.
Meet the Shinshinim – Guy Dobrin, Inbar Bachar, Alma Cohen and Inbar Bloch
We are so excited to welcome the sixth cohort of Shinshinim to St. Louis!
Meet Inbar Bachar, Inbar Bloch, Alma Cohen, and Guy Dobrin. Inbar Bachar works at United Hebrew Congregation and the Israeli Scouts, Inbar Bloch is at Congregations Shaare Emeth and Temple Emanuel, Alma Cohen works at Saul Mirowitz Jewish Day School, and Guy Dobrin works at Congregations Temple Israel and Kol Rinah as well as the Israeli Scouts.
Connect With Us!
Cynthia Wachtel
Manager, Israel Emissary Initiatives
For more information about Shinshinim, contact Cynthia Wachtel at 314-442-3878 or CWachtel@JFedSTL.org.