Schoenbaum Shinshinim
Bringing Israel and Jewish Atlanta together since 2017
What we do
The power of the Shinshinim Program
1

The Meaning of Shinshinim

Shinshin (שש) —a Hebrew acronym for shnat sherut (שנת שירות) or “year of service”—are the best and brightest of Israel’s recent high school graduates who defer army service for one year to become a living bridge to Jewish communities around the world. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Jewish Agency for Israel partner to bring these teens into our community. 

2

Lasting Relationships

Through the Shinshinim program, Israel becomes more than just a place on the map, it becomes part of our community. These young Israelis forge deep, personal connections with families and community members. Whether over Shabbat dinners, late-night chats, or spontaneous dance parties, they bring Israel to life in ways that create lasting bonds. These relationships often grow into lifelong friendships, ensuring that Israel remains close to our hearts long after the goodbyes. 

3

Authentic Israel

There’s no better way to engage with Israel than through Israelis themselves—and our Shinshinim bring Israel to life in the most personal way. These inspiring young ambassadors infuse every moment with their energy, culture, and stories. Whether it’s baking challah, teaching Israeli slang, or leading a holiday celebration, they help our community experience Israel—not just learn about it. Through hands-on moments and real relationships, the Shinshinim make Israel feel vibrant, personal, and unforgettable.

Bring Israel into Your Home

More Than a Guest — A Lifelong Bond

Open your home to a Shinshin for a semester and experience something truly special. Hosting is a unique opportunity to build a lasting connection with Israel, deepen your family’s Jewish identity, and give back to our shared homeland in a meaningful way. 

Host Family Interest Form

Host Family FAQs

List of Alumni Host Families (Coming Soon)

Meet The Shinshinim

Our Shinshinim come from all over Israel! We hope you have a chance to get to know all of them while they’re in Atlanta. You can find the full list of current Shinshinim and previous Shinshinim below.

Shinshinim Around the Community

In Atlanta, Shinshinim can be found in synagogues, day schools, youth movements, public school clubs, afterschool programs, and more, serving as informal educators and facilitators who share their energy, creativity, and deep love for Israel. Get the complete list of where they engage with the community below.

Measuring Our Impact
65+
65+ Partner Organizations
2000+
Jewish Atlantans Engaged Monthly
85+
Host Families have welcomed a Shinshin
60+
Shinshinim joined our community since 2017
Meet your 2024-2025 Schoenbaum Shinshinim
Adi Lemberger
Adi Lemberger

My name is Adi, and I am thrilled to be joining you for a year of service through the Jewish Agency for Israel. I am 17 years old and live in Holon, Israel. I love spending time with my family and friends, and experiencing new adventures.

I come from a loving family. My mother is named Dalia, and my father is named Ofer, I have an older sister named Shani, and a cute cat named cape. I am also very close to my grandparents, who live just a ten-minute walk from my home.

One of the most significant parts of my life has been my involvement in the youth movement Krembo Wings. For the past five years, I have been deeply committed to this organization. I spent two years as a companion to a special needs participant, followed by two years as a counselor for a mixed-ability group of participants. This past year, I served as the special needs coordinator, a role that has been both challenging and rewarding.

In my free time, I enjoy staying active with sports, hanging out with my friends, exploring new places in Israel and flying around the world. I also have a constant soundtrack of music playing in my life, which keeps me energized and inspired. My favorite food is sushi, and I can never resist a good chocolate chip cookie.

In high school, I majored in biology, chemistry, Arabic, English, and math.

Amit Ozeri
Amit Ozeri

My name is Amit and I’m so excited to be a Shinshin in Atlanta this year.

I was born in and still live in kibbutz Ramat Yohanan, which is close to Haifa.

My mom’s name is Adi and my dad’s name is Israel.

I have 2 biological siblings, Roni (F, 23) and Gil (M, 20), and an “adopted” sister, Nina; she’s a lone solider in the IDF, and is originally from Massachusetts. My family hosts her, and we see her as one of our own.

During my free time I like cooking, drawing, listening to music, and more…

I’ve danced hip-hop for 6 years before I came to the U.S.

In high school I majored in Chemistry and Arabic, because I’m good with languages and I have an unexplainable love towards Chemistry.

Dana Boytner
Dana Boytner

My name is Dana Boytner, I’m 18 years old. I live in Modiin which is in the center of Israel – between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. My mother’s name is Ronit, and she is very active in reform management and in the JNF organization as a director who represents the reform Jewish voice abroad. My father’s name is Guy, and he’s a lieutenant colonel in the navy reserve and volunteer with PTSD soldiers.

 

I have two older siblings – my sister, Yarden (27), who is a student at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. My brother, Nadav (24), is about to be a student next year at Ben Gurion University. He just finished his reserve service, which he started close to the start of the war as a combat soldier in a paratrooper unit. In addition to that, I have two cats!

On Friday nights, I participate in services of my reform synagogue with my mom and my friends.

In high school I majored in music and Israeli philosophy.
For the past 8 years I was in Noar Telem, which is the youth movement of the reform movement in Israel.

I volunteered for the Red Cross of Israel for two years.

In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, going out to coffee shops, and watching movies with them!

Gili Aisenberg
Gili Aisenberg

My name is Gili Aisenberg and I’m super excited to be a Shinshinit in Atlanta!!

I was born in Kibbutz Mishmar HaEmek, and when I was 5.5, I moved to Kibbutz Megido, which is located in northern Israel in the partnership (P2G) region.

My parents’ names are Ruth and Boaz (like in the bible), and I have one younger brother who’s 16 years old, named Eyal. My mother is an economist in a bank, and my father is a sports teacher and coach. We love to spend time together as a family, especially by traveling around the world during summer breaks, meeting our extended family, and going to Hummus restaurants (which are our favorite).

During my free time, I like to bake; especially birthday cakes for my family and friends’ birthdays. I also really like sports, especially running, and in the past I was a fencer for 7 years.

In addition, I was a counselor in the “Hashomer Hatzair” youth movement, and from 7th to 12th grade, I was part of an informal youth center of this movement called “Shomria”. “Shomria” is an informal youth center for teenagers from the Megido area that is based on the method of “youth educates youth” (meaning that almost everything in Shomria is organized and produced by its members), and on the Kibbutz education and values.

Nadav Cohen
Nadav Cohen

My name is Nadav Cohen, but you can also call me Nadi.

I am 18 years old from Mitzpe Hila, and I will be your Shinshin for the coming year. For the past three years, I have been studying at the military boarding school for leadership near the Reali School in Haifa.

My parents are Yossi and Li-At, and I have three siblings: Einav (26), Alon (23), and Yuval (16). I also have a cute dog named Gidi.

I really love sports, especially basketball, and I also enjoy hiking, trying new foods, listening to music, and spending time with friends. I am a big fan of Maccabi Tel Aviv in both soccer and basketball, and I would love to watch games with you.

I am very excited, and look forward to meeting all of you. Feel free to text me at +1 (470) 421 3891.

Noga Banner
Noga Banner

Hi! I’m Noga Banner. I was born in Haifa, and when I was two years old, we moved to Yokne’am Illit – which is the twin city of Atlanta. I live with my parents – Idit (a science teacher) and Ron (a high-tech engineer). I have two younger brothers – Yair, who is 15, and Yahav, who is 13. Our family loves to travel together in Israel and go on vacations.

 

‏I work at a kindergarten for children aged two and three, and I really enjoy it! Sometimes it’s a bit challenging, but the connection with the children and working with them totally makes it worth it! Additionally, I love sports – pilates, strength training, and sometimes running. I make sure to train at least three times a week.

‏I spend most of my time in Tzofim (my youth movement), specifically in the “Shachar” tribe in my city. It’s like my second home. I’ve been a counselor there for 3 years; I’ve led classes 4 and 8, and this year I’m the head of the units for grades 6.

Noga Netanel
Noga Netanel

I live with my parents and my three siblings in Kfar-Yona, which is a small town in the Sharon area. Our house is a neighborhood in the town that is called Givat-Alonin. In this area, there are a lot of orchards and agricultural fields, so this place looks more rural. My family and I love to go on walks in the fields and to travel in nature, in general.

In my free time, I like to cook, bake, and do various forms of art, like drawing, painting, and sculpture. I also have a big passion for acting, and I like to go watch a play any time I have a chance.

In the afternoon I go to the scouts. In the last three years, I have been a guide and a troop leader for many different ages.

This place has become my second home, and the place where I made the best memories.

Yali Bar
Yali Bar

I’m Yali Bar, your next Shinshin in Atlanta.

I was born and raised in Petah Tikva, a city really close to Tel Aviv.

I’m the youngest child to my dad, Ronen, and my mom, Inbar. I have 2 siblings – my brother, Doron (22), and my sister, Ziv, (25). We also have a cute dog called Tommy.

In my free time, I like to hang out with my friends and family, play soccer, play the guitar, going to concerts, and training in the gym. In high school, I majored physics and computer science.

My Youth movement is the Tzofim (Israeli Scouts). I have been taking part in the Tzofim since I was 10 years old, and in the past year, I was the coordinator of my shevet (my scout center). My Shevet is called “HaMoshava”.

Impact Stories

“Working with the Shinshinim has ignited a passion for Israeli culture within me, and I’ve formed friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Nina Leff

“The Shinshinim brought Israel to us in ways I never expected—through their stories, music, and enthusiasm for their home.”

Anonymous

“My time hosting a Shinshin was one of the most rewarding experiences, deepening my connection to Israel and my Jewish identity.”

Anonymous

Connect with us
Find out more about the Shinshinim program
Find out more

For more information about the Schoenbaum Shinshinim program, or to request a Shinshin to join your organization or upcoming event, contact Jenn Handel at jhandel@jewishatlanta.org.