We are thrilled to announce the placements for the 2024-2025 cohort of Shinshinim!
The Schoenbaum Shinshinim program is a vital bridge between Israel and Jewish Atlanta. This year, eight 18-year-old high school graduates from various regions of Israel will spend a year in our community, deepening connections to Israel across all ages.
“Hosting a Shinshin has created lifelong bonds between each member of my family and their host siblings. Not only do the Shinshinim become part of our family life, they impact members of my family’s community who have never interacted with someone from Israel before and become a part of their community too,” said Pam Cohen, a Shinshinim host parent. “My children know they always have family in Israel now and will forever be in touch with their Israeli brother and sister. For the Shinshinim, being exposed to Jewish life in the diaspora brings life lessons and teachings that will inform their experiences when they return to Israel.”
Through their involvement in art, song, dance, and holiday celebrations, the Shinshinim bring Israeli culture to life in our community. This program, a collaboration between the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Jewish Agency for Israel, allows these exceptional teens to share their stories and experiences, making Israel tangible for us all.
“I am very excited to do a year of service in Atlanta because I want to expose myself to new cultures and people and step out of my comfort zone. I also want to strengthen the connection between the diaspora and Israel,” said one of our incoming Shinshins, Noga Banner. “I am very Zionist and love Israel dearly, understanding the importance of strengthening the bond between Israel and the diaspora, especially during this time of conflict. I look forward to getting to know the Atlanta community, which I have heard amazing things about, and fulfilling my role to the best of my ability.”
The success of the Shinshinim program relies heavily on the generosity of local families. Each Shinshin will stay with two different host families for 4-5 months during their time in Atlanta. These connections are profound and lasting. Hosting a Shinshin involves opening your heart and home to one of these remarkable teens, providing a private bedroom, daily meals, and a supportive environment.
“I have a very special reason why I wanted to be a Shinshin in the Atlanta community – I am a cadet at the military boarding school in Haifa. It’s the same school from which Dekel Swissa graduated. Dekel was a Shinshin in Atlanta in 2019. After he was killed in the current war, I asked Dekel’s family to continue his legacy and to ask the Jewish Agency to interview me for your community, and thankfully, his family agreed to it. After several selections, I was elected!” said Nadav (Nadi) Cohen, one of our incoming Shinshins. “I am very excited to move to the United States. It’s a country that I really love, and I’m especially excited to live in Atlanta. I’ve already heard from Dekel’s family and from past Shinshinim that it’s an amazing community with very kind people.”
“My name is Gili, in July I’ll be 18 years old, and I live in Kibbutz Megiddo (in the P2G partnership). Being a Shinshinit is something I have wanted to do for so long, and it’s a dream come true! It’s important for me to be a Shinshinit because I think that the connections between Israel and Jewish communities around the world are so important, and I would like to keep those connections and try to make them stronger and deeper,” said Gili Aisenberg, one of our incoming Shinshins. “In addition, I would like to bring my “Israeli story” to the local community and to learn new things from the community about the life and traditions of the Jewish people in Atlanta. I’m most looking forward to getting to know new people, friends, and culture and being part of my workplaces and the community.”
Please join us in welcoming our eight new Shinshinim:
Adi Lemberger, Holon
Amit Ozeri, Ramat Yohanan
Dana Boytner, Modi’in
Gili Aisenberg, Kibbutz Meggido
Nadav Cohen, Mitzpe Hila
Noga Banner, Yokneam Illit
Noga Netanel, Kefar Yona
Yali Bar, Petah Tikvah
Click here for more information on the Shinshinim program.
Federation is excited to unveil a fresh fundraising opportunity that unites four key Federation initiatives under one umbrella: Gather Grants (formerly Making Jewish Places), Young Leadership Division (formerly NextGen), Interfaith Connector, and PJ Library.
What these four initiatives have in common is a central value and priority for Federation: A commitment to activating Jewish engagement in everyday life and providing opportunities for Jewish connection and community-building.
“When I look back over the more than 300 days since October 7, I am somewhat comforted by seeing the growth in demand by so many in our community to participate in Jewish life,” said Rich Walter, Federation’s Chief of Programs and Grantmaking. “This is what is at the core of Everyday Jewish Thriving – to provide and expand meaningful experiences for families, adults, and children throughout greater Atlanta to celebrate being Jewish, to learn more about our tradition and heritage, and to build and strengthen community.”
There is significant overlap between those who engage in these four initiatives. For example, 25% of those who host Gather Grant events are interfaith families using the grants to engage with and express their Jewish identity. Around 3,000 young adults participating in Gather Grant programs are also a part of our Young Leadership Division initiative. By bundling these programs together, we are providing an opportunity for donors who deeply care about Jewish connection, community, and daily engagement to have an even bigger impact in Jewish ATL.
Each of these initiatives has seen an increased demand since October 7. Take our work in the JBaby initiative, part of PJ Library—through this program, we have increased PJ Library subscriptions for children under the age of one from 100 to 300 in the past year alone. These initiatives bring new families into our community, helping us grow and expand our reach.
This model combines the tradition of the federated campaign with a modern, donor-focused approach, offering a more efficient way for supporters to contribute to the causes that matter most to them. We are optimistic this bundle will succeed and serve as a blueprint for future fundraising!
Join us in strengthening Jewish life and community in Atlanta. Your donation today will help us continue to provide meaningful opportunities for engagement and connection. Donate now to make a difference!
On August 12, the community gathered at Congregation Beth Shalom in Dunwoody for an event that transcended a typical film screening. The atmosphere was charged with a blend of solemnity and purpose as attendees arrived, knowing they were about to witness a profound story of resilience.
The evening centered around HBO’s documentary A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, a film that had already moved audiences across the nation. But this screening was different—it was personal. As attendees took their seats, Rabbi Mark Zimmerman introduced the film.
For 80 minutes, the audience was drawn into the harrowing events of the Tree of Life synagogue massacre, the deadliest attack on American Jews in history. The film did not shy away from the pain but also highlighted the remarkable strength of the Jewish community in Pennsylvania. Faces in the crowd reflected a range of emotions—grief, anger, and admiration for the resilience displayed on screen.
A panel discussion took place after the screening, featuring individuals who had been directly impacted by the events or dedicated to ensuring the safety of the Jewish community.
Community Security Director Brian Davis spoke first, offering insights into the ongoing efforts to protect Jewish communities nationwide.
Lindsay Kopecky, Vice President of Atlanta Jewish Foundation and former member of Tree of Life Congregation, shared her deeply personal connection to the tragedy. Bradley Orsini, a Senior National Security Advisor, and Stephen Weiss, a survivor of the attack, provided their perspectives, each voice adding another layer to the story of survival and resilience.
As the audience listened, they absorbed the gravity of the situation while also finding hope in the strength of the panelists’ words. The event was more than a discussion – it was a call to action, a reminder of the importance of vigilance and unity in the face of threats.
“This event aimed to demonstrate resiliency for our community. In the film, we see what happened in Pittsburgh and a survivor from the Tree of Life Synagogue who was willing to come out and educate people on what saved his life. I couldn’t have imagined it being more powerful,” said Bradley Orsini, Secure Community Network Senior National Security Advisor. “What is most important about the film is that we want to be proud to be Jewish, not hide or live in fear. It is powerful to hear from a survivor who is taking the time to travel and tell his story to make sure people are living their Jewish identity and not being fearful.”
As the evening concluded, some attendees stayed for a special Tisha B’Av service, a time to remember the many tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people, from the destruction of the Temples in Jerusalem to more recent horrors like the Tree of Life massacre and October 7. The service was a poignant reminder that while the Jewish community has faced countless challenges throughout history, it has always risen with resilience and strength.
Below, you can find details regarding an upcoming security training held by the Secure Community Network:
High Holidays Safety & Security Webinar Series
Various online sessions from August 6-September 26, 2024
The Secure Community Network (SCN), the network of Jewish communal security professionals, national security experts, and religious leaders hosted a series of conversations to aid preparedness for the High Holiday season.
Click here to register.
On the evening of August 6, the Federation building buzzed with excitement as more than 25 families gathered to celebrate a special milestone. Thirty-five students had been awarded the prestigious Atlanta Israel Gap Year Fellowship, marking the start of an extraordinary journey. While not all 35 fellows could attend, those present were eager to connect, share, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
The evening began with an overview of the fellowship, highlighting its unique structure designed to keep the cohort connected. Even though each fellow participates in one of twelve different programs— such as Aardvark Israel, Young Judaea Year Course, and various Mechina programs—the fellowship brings them together four times during the year for leadership development and to strengthen their bonds as a group.
“I really appreciate the time and consideration that went into this selection process and am thrilled to be the recipient of this generous scholarship,” said Ava, one of the students. “I look forward to giving back to my Atlanta community after the completion of this experience.”
One of the most cherished aspects of the fellowship is a Shabbaton (weekend retreat) in Yokneam Meggido, providing the students with an immersive experience in the partnership region. This event fosters a sense of unity and connection with Israel that is both personal and profound.
As the evening unfolded, Dov Wilker, Regional Director of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) took the stage. A former Gap Year participant himself, Dov shared his firsthand experiences and insights into how this formative time shaped his leadership in the community. His words resonated deeply, especially with the parents, who attended a separate breakout session while the students gathered informally, many meeting each other for the first time. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with anticipation and a sense of shared purpose.
The fellowship offers between $10,000 to $15,000 to each student, helping to offset the significant costs of these programs. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Zalik Foundation and Masa, our partners in Israel. The fellowship represents a significant investment in the future of these young leaders.
As the evening drew a close, families and teens lingered over desserts and fruit, savoring the moment before the next big step. The students, who would soon be departing for Israel between late August and early September, were filled with excitement and a touch of nervous energy.
This event was more than just a send-off; it was the beginning of a journey filled with learning, growth, and a deepening connection to Israel and each other.
Now that Atlanta kids are back after an incredible summer at various Jewish overnight camps across Georgia/North Carolina, they’re bringing back more than just memories—they’re carrying a strengthened Jewish identity, lifelong friendships, and a deep sense of pride in who they are.
This summer, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta Jewish Camp Initiative team had the privilege of spending time at camp, getting a firsthand look at the profound impact that camp has on campers, directors, and counselors alike.
More than ever, camp directors are expressing an unwavering commitment to safety, which was emphasized by Danny Herz, Executive Director of Camp Barney Medintz.
“One of the biggest obligations we have as a Jewish community is to keep our kids safe. Having security in place and seeing what’s going on in the world, maybe is not enough,” said Danny. “We were fortunate to have assistance from the Federation and others that said, hey, let’s work together to find additional security measures that would be in place for summer 2024.”
At camp, it’s about more than just having fun—it’s about building character, deepening connections to Judaism, and fostering a sense of community that will last a lifetime. From meaningful Shabbat celebrations to adventurous activities, every aspect of camp is designed to help kids step out of their comfort zones and discover the best in themselves and each other.
“There are memories I’ll never forget from camp,” said one Atlanta camper, Gabi. “These moments are something that I’ll always cherish.”
As these campers return to their everyday lives, they’re bringing with them the lessons, friendships, and confidence they gained over the summer—along with a deep sense of gratitude to everyone who made this unforgettable experience possible.
To watch our brand new Jewish Camp Initiative impact video, click here.
