ShinShinim

Shnat Sherut" (meaning "year of service") is often abbreviated as "Shin-Shin" or “ShinShinim”, referring to courageous and dedicated Israeli volunteers who spend a year serving Jewish communities around the world.

Consider hosting a piece of Israel in your home! Includes a stipend — unforgettable experience guaranteed.

What are ShinShinim?

ShinShinim — a Hebrew acronym for Shant Sherut (Year of Service) — are some of Israel’s brightest recent high school graduates who defer their army service for a year to serve as emissaries in Jewish communities around the world. These inspiring young volunteers teach, engage and bring the spirit and joy of Israeli culture to life through local events and immersive experiences for people of all ages.

Now in our second year of hosting ShinShinim, BJE—together with HaTzofim and Mt Zion ELC— is proud to see the strong bonds our students have formed with these caring and responsible role models. The program has strengthened conversational Hebrew across our primary and high school students, sparking curiosity, confidence, and a deeper connection to the Israeli experience.

Meet Our Current ShinShinim

Yarden Hermoni

Yarden is majoring in music and diplomacy in his final year at school. He is the eldest of 3 siblings and lives in Kibbutz Dan (North of Israel). Yarden served as a youth counsellor for younger children on his kibbutz and participated in the ‘Kav HaZinuk’ program, focused on leadership development, advocacy and promoting values. He was also selected for the ‘Unistream’ program, focusing on technological and business entrepreneurship, and plays guitar and drums, performing in bands and orchestras. Yarden is very excited to come to Sydney. He has spent some time learning about the city and can’t wait to get started.

Yahli Karsh

Yahli has spent some time growing up in Sydney and moved to Israel with her family, aged 14. She is the eldest of 4 siblings and is majoring in Theatre and Computer Science. Yahli has held leadership roles with ‘Tzofim’ (Israeli scouts) and has travelled the US as part of a delegation performing and teaching to schools across the country. Yahli is passionate about acting and singing and loves reading as well. She is also a talented piano player. Yahli has such fond memories of Sydney and, like Yarden, cannot wait to get started.

"Hosting (an Israeli emissary) is a once in a lifetime experience. My daughter hosted one of the ShinShinim this past year.

Not only was it a wonderful experience for my two granddaughters, my wife and I enjoyed the numerous times we got to share with the most delightful young woman, who will be returning to Israel this fall to enter the military.

If you have a spare bedroom in your home, l'd think about participating in this incredible program."

Norman J Lederman DDS
Host Grandparent

Thank you for the support of our partners for bringing shinshinim to our community and enriching us