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. They infuse Israeli culture across the community through art, song, dance, and holiday observances. The Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Jewish Agency for Israel partner to bring these amazing teens to Atlanta each year. By sharing themselves and their personal stories with us, they make Israel real!

Atlanta Host Families

The success of the Shinshinim program relies heavily on the generosity of the families in our community. Each Shinshin lives with two families for 4-5 months at a time during their time in Atlanta.  They bond quickly and deeply with their American families and the relationships they build are human bridges that will endure for a lifetime. Being a host family means you are willing to open your heart an home to one of these amazing teens and provide them with private bedroom, food for daily meals, and a nurturing home. Each Shinshin is provided with an insured car, a cell phone, health insurance and a financial stipend through Federation and the Jewish Agency.