Host Families

An important component of the program is the relationship developed with host families who house the Shinshinim throughout the year. A family hosts a Shinshin for 3 months so each Shinshin lives with a total of 4 host families. Hosting a Shinshin has a tremendous impact and has proved to be a wonderful experience not only for the host family but for the Shinshinim as well. We also have short term host families who will house the Shinshin in case that their long term host family is out of town.

 

Testimonials

We loved opening our home to our Shinshinit. She was wonderful, kind, thoughtful and brought our whole family a great deal of happiness. We had many conversations about what life is like in Israel compared to how things are here. I think for my kids, being able to understand that there is so much beauty outside of what they know living in the US, it was priceless. We have always admired Israel and have Israeli friends whom we adore, but this experience made it feel closer to home. Now, we can’t wait to go to Israel and indulge in all of the amazing experiences Israel has to offer.

Jessica Goltzman

It was a wonderful experience overall. What a blessing to get to be a part of such a great program and feel like we now have an extension of our family in Israel. I would have to steal the line that our Shinshinim used when it was time to leave…”How lucky we were to have something that made saying goodbye so hard!”

Jodi Blucher

Hosting a Shinshin was an amazing experience for our family, we loved sharing recipes for Israeli food, having our kids exposed to Hebrew language, and getting to know a genuinely amazing young person who we now consider family!

Caroline Goldenberg

We started our journey with an introduction to a young Shinshin from Israel and ended it with a lifelong son and brother.

Jennifer Pines

Our kids have a much more vivid picture of what life is like in Israel. They now want to go there to experience the culture, but more importantly, to visit Snir. It was great for my son to experience having an older brother and for my daughter to get to spend time with someone who shared her interests. We loved learning more about him, his family, his work in St. Louis, and what he hopes for his future.

Marissa Rosen

Opening your home and your heart to host a Shinshin can be one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. I am so happy I said YES to this amazing opportunity.

Abby Hahn

Hosting a Shinshin was a life changing experience for the better. We connected more with Israel and learned firsthand about different cultures and lifestyles. We are proud to say we have extended family in Israel now.

Melika Baumgarten

Applications

If you are interested in being a host family to a Shinshin, please refer to the guidelines which include the hosting requirements. If you would like to begin the application process, please fill out the application form. If you have any questions please contact Cynthia Wachtel, Shlichut Program Supervisor, at 314-442-3878 or at CWachtel@JFedSTL.org.