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Shinshinim Atlanta

Lydia McBratney
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Federation News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Because of You, Families Like the Libowskys Experience the Joy of Bringing Israel Into Their Home

Written by both Staci and Joel Libowsky

This is the story of Staci and Joel Libowsky and their family, who decided to get out of their comfort zone and become a host family for a Shinshin.

The Schoenbaum Shinshinim program brings Israel and Jewish Atlanta together. Shinshinim are 18-year-old high school graduates from all over Israel who complete a year of service in Jewish Atlanta, fostering connections to Israel for community members of all ages.

The program is funded by the generosity of Schoenbaum family in partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Jewish Agency for Israel.

In 2023-2024, our family had the incredible experience of hosting Matan Moshe, an 18-year-old Shinshin from Israel. Matan was born in Givat Shmuel but currently lives in Kiryat Ono. He’s the youngest of four. Matan joined our family in Dunwoody, and over the course of a year, he became like one of our own.

Initially, we had mixed feelings about hosting. We were approached with the opportunity several times, but we hesitated, especially our two sons, who weren’t thrilled about a “stranger” living in our home. However, our daughter was excited from the start, and after a little convincing, we decided to go for it. The boys, to our surprise, warmed up to Matan within minutes of meeting him.

I (Joel) had some personal reservations, too. We had never had anyone else live with us, and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about another person in the house. But from the moment Matan arrived, all my worries vanished. It quickly became clear that this was going to be an amazing year. Matan fit into our family so naturally that having him with us felt effortless. It was less of a commitment than we had anticipated—he just became a part of our daily lives, joining us for meals or hanging out whenever it suited him.

One of the most surprising aspects of the experience was seeing the different connections each of our children formed with Matan. They each had their own unique bond with him. Our daughter loved making TikToks with him, while our son Dylan enjoyed their deep conversations. Our eldest, Noah, took a little longer to warm up, but watching their relationship grow was incredibly special.

Being Jewish connected us with Matan on a deep level, yet we also discovered fascinating cultural differences. Despite our Ashkenazi roots and his Mizrahi background, we bonded over our shared values, and those conversations about Israel and life were moments we’ll always treasure. Matan’s energy and magnetism also had a huge impact on our year. He became a well-known figure in our community—even our neighbors and his students at Davis Academy grew fond of him, as he made friends wherever he went.

He has an incredible energy and magnetism, and a special way of connecting with everyone, everywhere we went—whether it was at Davis or even at a neighborhood basketball game. It didn’t matter if it was our closest friends or new acquaintances, he made everyone feel like family. His presence truly enriched our lives, bringing us unexpected joy and connection. It was a year we’ll always cherish.

When it was time to say goodbye, our entire family felt the weight of his departure. Matan left each of us a heartfelt letter, and we all shed tears and felt a real loss when we had to say goodbye. We all cherish those letters, reminders of the amazing year we shared.

In fact, Matan also flew in for our daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in November. Her parsha and D’var Torah were all about welcoming guests, and she talked about hosting Matan and what it meant to our family.

Would we do it again? Absolutely. We’ve talked about hosting again in the future, especially after our sons are older. This experience was truly life-changing for all of us, and we highly recommend it to anyone considering it. Opening your heart and home to a Shinshin is a unique way to build a connection that will impact your family forever.

Know a family who wants to create lifelong relationships and has at least one child between the ages of 10 and 18? Federation needs 16 families every single year to step up and host!

Interested in being a Shinshinim Host Family? Federation is currently seeking families for second semester starting in January. Please contact Amy Fox at afox@jewishatlanta.org.

To all Federation supporters:

Thank you. 

Lydia McBratney
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Federation News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Lifelong Connections & Lasting Impact as a Shinshinim Host

The Schoenbaum Shinshinim Program bridges the gap between Israel and Jewish Atlanta. Shinshinim (which is a Hebrew acronym – Shin Shin, standing for Shnat Sherut, translating to ‘a year of service’ in Hebrew) are 18-year-old high school graduates from across Israel who spend a year of service in Jewish Atlanta, building meaningful connections with community members of all ages.

For anyone seeking a life-changing opportunity to support Israel from Atlanta and form lifelong relationships, the Schoenbaum Shinshinim Host Family Program offers an incredible experience. These young ambassadors need a home away from home—a supportive, welcoming environment—and the Dorfman family decided the time was right for them to get involved.

Lara and Adam Dorfman, current Shinshinim hosts, have opened their home to Dana Boytner, who hails from Modiin, Israel.

Reflecting on the decision, Lara shared, “This has been on our radar for years, but it felt like the right time. We felt our family was in a good spot, and with everything going on in the world, it just seemed right.”  

The Dorfman family, with two children ages 11 and 14, have embraced this experience wholeheartedly, and Federation has made the process for them both simple and thoughtful.

“I just reached out to Amy Fox, Federations’ JumpSpark Navigating Parenthood Coordinator, and it was seamless from there,” Lara explained.

Federation’s careful approach to matching families with Shinshinim ensured a great fit; Dana’s interests aligned perfectly with the Dorfmans’.

“Dana was involved in the Reform youth movement in Israel—something that’s not very common there, but it resonated with us,” said Adam. “We are also active at our Reform synagogue, and we share a love for music and the arts.” 

Living with Dana has enriched the Dorfmans’ daily life, from discussions about Hebrew to sharing Israeli meals.

“I love how she’s shifted the conversation at our dinner table,” Lara said. “We talk about Hebrew words, foods, and culture, creating memories I know will last a lifetime.” 

Their 10-year-old daughter’s feelings have been especially touching. “She asked, ‘What if I miss her when she’s gone?’ It was such a tender reminder of the bond they’re forming,” Lara said, her eyes filling with tears.

For families considering hosting, Lara’s advice is simple: “It’s crucial to have the mental space and openness to welcome someone into your family. You’ll get out of it what you put in.”  

As they look to the future, the Dorfmans are already planning to visit Dana in Israel. “This experience has truly been life changing,” they said.

Interested in being a Shinshinim Host Family? Federation is currently seeking families for second semester starting in January. Please contact Amy Fox at afox@jewishatlanta.org.

Lydia McBratney
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Federation News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Bridging Hearts and Horizons – The Shinshinim Impact on Atlanta

At a recent Saturday morning Shabbat service at URJ Camp Coleman, Nina Leff, a camp counselor and BBYO teen leader in Atlanta, spoke about the impact that Shinshinim have on the Atlanta community.

“This year has been incredibly meaningful for me with the presence of the Shinshinim in Atlanta,” Nina said during her speech. “Working closely with them in BBYO to bridge Jewish teens in our community with their peers in Israel has not only resulted in deep, lasting friendships but has also ignited a personal passion for Israeli culture within me.” 

Federation and the Jewish Agency for Israel bring Israel and Jewish Atlanta together with the Shinshinim program. Shinshinim are recent Israeli high school graduates taking a gap year before their military service.

All of our Schoenbaum Shinshinim work at regional Jewish overnight camps as a culmination of their year in Atlanta. They are able to further the relationships they’ve developed with their peers like Nina, students, and host siblings. For the first time in Atlanta, all of our local BBYO chapters collaborated with the Shinshinim to host meaningful and engaging Israel programming.

“Their leadership has been instrumental in improving our BBYO region, introducing innovative programs that have fostered participation and strengthened our ties to Jewish traditions globally,” Nina said.

They all agreed that this program and their connections helped them recognize the importance of shared Jewish destiny and the personal significance of Israel as a homeland.

“Through their guidance, we have experienced a renewed sense of community where diversity is embraced and our shared Jewish heritage is celebrated. Their genuine warmth and openness have allowed for an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and connected,” added Nina. “As we approach the end of their time here in America, I am filled with gratitude for the impact they have had on us. The friendships we’ve formed and the knowledge we’ve gained about Israeli customs and daily life will continue to inspire us long after they return to Israel.”  

This experience also highlighted the unique blend of secular and religious practices that enrich the identities of the Shinshinim and the communities they serve. Nina underscored the deep bonds formed through shared cultural and religious experiences, particularly in the wake of significant events like October 7.

“Their legacy will undoubtedly shape our community’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful connections and cultural exchanges that strengthen our global Jewish family,” Nina said.

The year-long experience fostered a stronger sense of community and connection, both in the U.S. and Israel, illustrating the transformative power of cultural and religious exchange.

To learn more about bringing the Shinshinim program into your home, school, or organization, please reach out to Jenn Handel at JHandel@jewishatlanta.org.

(L-R) Pictured above is Nina Leff, Hadar Rochwerger, and Yuval Yaniv

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Lani Preis
In Global News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Words of Reflection from an Atlanta Shinshin

In August of this year, Greater Atlanta welcomed eight Israeli emissaries to our community thanks to the Schoenbaum Shinshinim program. Shinshinim are 18-year old high school graduates from all over Israel who complete a year of service in Jewish Atlanta, fostering connection to Israel for community members of all ages.

Here is a reflection from one of our Shinshinim, Matan, age 18:

Fri night [October 6, 2023] at 11:30 pm began the worst night of my life. I was awoken by messages of alarms being sounded in Israel. As I turned to my phone, I began to see videos of terrorists inside Israel. I was living my worst nightmare, worried about my family, my country, my friends. 

My immediate feeling was that I wanted to go home. I wanted to join my countrymen and women on the frontlines and defend Israel. But as the hours and days passed, I began to recognize the important job I was doing here in Atlanta. As a Shinshin, I am here to represent Israel. I can combat fake news. I can answer questions. I can share my love of Israel with the children in my school and so many others. And each and every day since the war broke out, I have gotten to do that.

At the Solidarity Gathering the other night, I couldn’t believe the outpouring of support for Israel. To know that I am living in a community where so many people care so deeply, means a lot to me.

Yesterday I learned that I lost a dear friend. My heart is heavy. I am devastated over the loss. And though a part of me wishes I was in Israel hugging my family and standing beside the brave men and women fighting for our country, I know that I have an important job to do right here in Atlanta and I am honored to do it.

Matan Moshe
jewishatl
In Atlanta Jewish Community, Global News, Shinshinim Atlanta

Host a Shinshin Next School Year!

Last year the Davis family opened their hearts and their home to host Yael Yankelevitch, one of Atlanta’s Schoenbaum Shinshinim. It was a decision that impacted everyone in the family in the best possible way, and one they’ll never regret. As Mom Sara Davis says, ‘The most rewarding part of hosting a Shinshin was Yael herself. She became an older sister to my children as well as a close friend to me. She became a part of our family — the piece we didn’t know we were missing.”

Who are the Shinshinim? They are exuberant 18-year-old Israelis who just graduated high school who are taking a gap year in Atlanta before their army service. They are here to share and infuse their authentic Israeli experience across the Atlanta Jewish community.

What would you tell someone considering hosting a Shinshin? 

Hosting a Shinshin I would say, is the best gift you can give your family. I would advise going into the experience with an open mind, compassion, and understanding. These are young adults who most likely haven’t been away from home for longer than a month. They are in a foreign country and may or may not know the language. You can be the safe place for them to ask their questions, voice their concerns, and have a warm place to unwind at the end of the day. In the end, you will gain more from the program than they do.

What hesitations did you have before hosting? How have they been resolved? 

One hesitation I had before hosting was having a stranger in my home who might not do things the way I would hope or expect. Another hesitation was what if she didn’t blend well with our family, or if her differences made it awkward and uncomfortable. These hesitations were resolved by being open and having clear communication. Don’t just assume someone else will know your routines and how you keep your home. At the same time, understanding goes a long way, they are the ones alone and far from their family and everything they know. Compassion is key.

What has been the impact on your children by hosting a Shinshin? 

My young children had an older sister they looked forward to snuggling with at bedtime, playing games together, and learning the Hebrew word of the week. My now 3-year-old still talks about “Yael Bestie” regularly and asks to call her. The guest room in our home is no longer called a guest room but “Yael’s room.”

Host families are needed right away! Contact Jenn Handel and learn more about how hosting a Shinshin for the 2022-23 school year can bring joy to your family.

jewishatl
In Shinshinim Atlanta

Funukkah

Sunday, December 5 | 11 am-3 pm | The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta

Shinshinim are recent Israeli high school graduates taking a gap year in Atlanta before their military service. They live with host families and work with Jewish day schools and camps! Please join us for an inclusive Hanukkah party with our own Schoenbaum Shinshinim. There will be 8 game stations, Israeli music and dancing, and sufganiyot.

Enter in the drawing below and get the chance to win these prizes that our Shinshinim have put together:

  • Kerem – Sufganiyot making and decorating
  • Amit – Tea party and bracelet making
  • Shahaf – Family pictures with Shahaf
  • Nave – Basketball in your backyard
  • Noa – Making Challah and Shakshuka – a traditional Middle Eastern dish
  • Noga – Israeli Krembo – a traditional chocolate treat
  • Alma – Israeli storytime and puppet show
  • Ori – Israeli snack review
  • Beltline walking with Eric Robbins, CEO of Federation

Celebrate Hanukkah with our local Shinshinim and the JCC Camp! And visit our Shinshinim page to learn more about the 2021-2022 Schoenbaum Shinshinim.

Are you not able to attend the exclusive Hanukkah party with the Schoenbaum Shinshinim and want to participate in the drawing?  Reserve your tickets below.

jewishatl
In Global News, Jewish Journeys, Shinshinim Atlanta

Shinshinim Life

SHINSHINIM LIFE
By Amit Toledo

When the Shinshinim landed in Atlanta on September 27, I was feeling excited about the unknown and ready to tackle the two weeks of quarantine. Yet I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the fact that I was actually here. There were so many times over the last many months when all of us were worried the program would be cancelled for the year.
My adventure only began to feel real when I met my family, the Seitz’s, over Zoom just a few weeks before boarding a plane to Atlanta. I learned very quickly that they were the epitome of the “All American Atlanta Family” with their photo of the Braves in the background. I spent 30 minutes on the phone with my host sister Barri, who showed me her bedroom as we began getting to know one another.
Spending Yom Kippur and Sukkot in quarantine was the beginning of a new chapter in my adventure. Being quarantined with my Shinshinim cohort I learned quickly how to lean on and trust my new friends and colleagues. We cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and bonded over the two weeks in a beautiful Airbnb in a Roswell neighborhood. (I recommend the quarantine experience for future Shinshinim, not for Covid-19 but for bonding purposes.)
Many different supervisors, rabbis, Israeli community members, as well as current and past host families came to visit us and shared their experiences with our new group. It was overwhelming but I took it all in and learned a lot about the Atlanta Jewish Community.
I was nervous as I entered my new host home for the first time but quickly felt at ease. Though I expected it to feel awkward, it felt both natural and overwhelming — in the best way possible. Of course, the Braves were on TV, the energy was high, and my first American Shabbat dinner of hamburgers was delicious. Our family hike was the topping on the cake!
I’m very excited to see all of Atlanta and am looking forward to making an impact and seeing the changes that will happen in the year to come.

jewishatl
In Global News, Jewish Journeys, Shinshinim Atlanta

Home Away From Home

HOME AWAY FROM HOME
by Saren Schapiro, Host Family to Shiraz Bar Haim

Why did you choose to host a Shinshinit? What were you and your family hoping to gain?
Over the last few years, our family has seen the incredible experience our friends had hosting teens from Shinshinim Atlanta. Also, our two girls had unforgettable experiences learning with the Shinshinim at their Hebrew school at Or Hadash. When life slowed down this year and forced us to be home from work and school, the opportunity to devote time and attention to a Shinshinit was there. We signed up right away and were so excited when we heard that we would be hosting! I hope this year will be a year to remember for both our kids and Shiraz. We are excited to gain a daughter, big sister, and lifelong connection to Israel.

Tell me about your family’s feelings during the application process.

We were hopeful! No one really knew whether this year would happen or how it would look. We really just went with it, put ourselves out there, and looked forward to a unique opportunity.

So, you heard that you were chosen as a host family. It took a while to be officially introduced to your Israeli daughter. When you were introduced, how did the first meeting go? How did your family begin preparing for her arrival? What were your thoughts, plans, and emotions during this time?
That’s right! We didn’t find out this was happening until very close to the arrival time. The minute we found out Shiraz was paired with our family, we set up a time to FaceTime with her and her family in Israel. We met her mom, dad, and sister, and asked her all about herself. We showed Shiraz her new room as our girls jumped around in the background with excitement! Getting our guest room ready for her was a good incentive to do a little organizing around the house!

Tell me about the drive-by meeting on the day of Shiraz’s arrival. And then the Shinshinim’s two-week quarantine. How did your family manage that?
Meeting Shiraz that first day during the drive-by of their quarantine house was awesome! The girls made big Welcome signs, we brought our puppy along, and got to connect in person for the first time. We were able to get a feel for Shiraz’s personality and communication style. The two-week quarantine was HARD!!! We just wanted to hug her already! Shiraz’s birthday fell on the second day she was in Atlanta, so we were able to bring her a birthday cake and delicious lunch for an outdoor socially distanced party. We visited Shiraz in quarantine a few times over the two weeks, which really allowed us to get to know her. I was shocked and happy to see how quickly she clicked with my kids and was excited to engage with them and play, and how easily she seemed to fit into our family.

Tell me about Shiraz’s first week with you. What were the things you did together to begin the bonding experience?
The first day Shiraz was with us, we spent a quiet afternoon helping her unpack, showing her around the house, and exchanging gifts. Shiraz is such a kind, thoughtful person. She brought gifts for the kids, lots of games and toys, and asked them to help her unpack. They had a blast! My girls gave Shiraz a big basket of things we bought her to help her settle in. The first two nights Shiraz was here, my husband and I, and Shiraz stayed up late and talked forever. We discovered that Shiraz is an incredible young lady, very mature and insightful, with so many ideas and views. Over the first week we have been cooking (shnitzel night was the best!), hiking, playing, talking, having Shabbat dinner, watching movies, and making s’mores! Shiraz has quickly and easily fit into our family and made our house feel complete. We love her already!

jewishatl
In Global News, Jewish Journeys, Shinshinim Atlanta

How They’re Serving Jewish Atlanta

What does it mean to be a Shinshin in the midst of a global pandemic? It means summoning up courage and curiosity, dedication and drive! These young Israelis have already shown us they have all of that! The five Schoenbaum Shinshinim are currently working with over 25 Jewish and non-Jewish institutions in the Metro-Atlanta area this year — in person more often than not! Each Shinshin(it) spends time in our Jewish Day Schools between 2-4 days per week, and then in the afternoons and evenings they may engage in an after-school Hebrew School or youth group through Zoom.

Some of our synagogue religious schools have classes in person, some in a hybrid model, or on Zoom over the weekends. We are constantly finding creative ways to reach organizations that we were unable to add to our weekly calendars. The Shinshinim recently participated in Senior Week at the MJCCA, leading a program called “Growing up in Israel” where they shared their personal stories, their thoughts on serving in the IDF, and life in Israel during COVID-19. We plan to share a lesson on social media about the Ethiopian Holiday Sigd and will also amplify the MJCCA celebration of Hanukkah. 

We hope you will have a chance to interact with one of these inspiring and interesting young Israelis in the coming months.

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