Meet the SHINSHINIM
ShinShin (ש”ש) is the Hebrew acronym for Shenat Sherut (שנת שירות), meaning Year of Service.
What are ShinShinim?
ShinShinim are a select group of promising Israeli high school graduates who choose to defer their enlistments in the Israel Defense Forces so that they can spend a year as Israeli ambassadors in communities around the world
Why ShinShinim?
There's no more effective way to strengthen vital ties between Israel and our Jewish community than through authentic, interpersonal relationships with Israelis themselves.
The UJCVP is lucky to have Maya and Naomi spending the year in the Hampton Roads region, sharing their energy and excitement. We thank the Tidewater Jewish community for partnering with us to make Maya and Naomi's engagement with our community possible.
The ShinShinim will be at the UJCVP each week, learning and playing with our Sarfan Center students.
Maya Ostrov
Naomi Friedland
Naomi Friedland
FROM
I live in Ramat Gan, a city near Tel Aviv, with my mom, dad and two siblings.
HOBBIES
Running, reading, spending time with friends.
ONE THING MAYA LOVES ABOUT ISRAEL
I like the people of Israel and the variety of colorful cultures, and that although there are differences and disputes, there is still a mutual responsibility for one another, especially in difficult times. I like the fact that we are warm and welcoming, but also straight forward and have some “Israeli Chutzpah.”
Naomi Friedland
Naomi Friedland
Naomi Friedland
FROM
I live with my parents, younger sister, and brother in Qiriat Ono (a suburb of Tel Aviv).
HOBBIES
Meditative walks, art, reading, and working with children.
ONE THING NAOMI LOVES ABOUT ISRAEL
I think the most striking thing in Israel that I appreciate is the mutual commitment between people. I’m always amazed to learn how many people volunteer in different charities. If I’m in trouble, I know I can rely even on a stranger to help me. The natural warmth of people makes every encounter familiar, as if you’ve always known the person you just met on the bus.
UJC OFFICE STAFF
Carmela Malkin Kuhn
Carmela Malkin Kuhn
Carmela Malkin Kuhn
Jessi Malkin
Carmela Malkin Kuhn
Carmela Malkin Kuhn
Naioki Wood
Angela Morris
Sara Traster
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