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
