Scarsdale Synagogue Welcomes Shinshinim

This fall, Scarsdale Synagogue will welcome two Israeli young adults to work with students in the synagogue's religious school. The visitors are called "Shinshinim" and they are coming to the U.S. as a part of an initiative through Westchester Jewish Council. The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) sends shinshinim all around the world to different Jewish communities.

A "Shinshin" is an 18 year-old Israeli emissary sent by the Israeli Government and the Jewish Agency for Israel to communities abroad and with the goal of educating people of all ages about Israel and Israeli culture. These bright and talented young adults have made the difficult decision to postpone their army service to participate in this rewarding program.

The Westchester community shinshinim have been selected from over a pool of 400 applicants. In addition to the training they receive to participate in this program they come to the community with a long list of impressive experiences and skills. Shinshinim are leaders in their home communities, excel academically and artistically and are fluent in English.

We spoke to Rabbi Ilyse Glickman, Scarsdale Synagogue's Director of Congregational Learning about the program and here is what she shared:

How did the plan to include Shinshinim develop?
We (and day schools and synagogues in the county) were approached by Westchester Jewish Council (with our county Shlicha Oshra Rosenberg as the lead on this idea) to begin to explore the possible venture of bringing shinshinim into our community for 2017-2018. Interested parties met several times to brainstorm, strategize, and ultimately work our way through applicants to arrive at consensus of who we would love to bring into Westchester.

How will they be involved at SSTTE?
We will be working mostly with our Shinshinim Amit throughout the year. Amit will be a significant presence in our Religious School on Sunday mornings and Wednesday afternoons, engaging with all of our students ranging from Pre-K through 12th grade. Amit will bring her musical talents to her classes and will engage our learners in Israeli songs, culture, and what it's like to grow up and live in Israel in the 21st century.

Where do the Shinshinim live while they are in Westchester?
The Shinshinim model is that these young adults live in people's homes (families that are part of the participating sites). This is an important piece of their experience as they get to know people on a deeper level, experience real American/Westchester life on a day to day basis, and if there are kids/teens in the home they form lasting friendships.

When they are not at SSTTE what will they be doing during their time in the US?
The schedule for the shinshinim is packed -- Sunday through Friday they are teaching in day schools and synagogues and preparing for such lessons/experiences. They have Shabbat off.

For more information, contact Rabbi Ilyse Glickman at 914-725-5175