Shinshinim energize our community’s connections to Israel through programming at our synagogues, with our teen community, with our partner organizations and with their host families. These dynamic teens are excited to bring their unique perspective to our community and give us a chance to get to know Israel through their eyes. It is a true cultural exchange: They are teaching us about Israel and what teen life is like there, and they are learning from teens and adults in the Palm Beaches about what it’s like being Jewish in the Diaspora – knowledge they will bring back with them to Israel.
Each Shinshin is welcomed into the heart of our Palm Beach County community by a local host family. For 4 to 6 months, they become part of the family, sharing meals, traditions, and everyday life. These immersive experiences often spark deep, lasting relationships that continue long after the year ends, building personal bridges between Israel and our community.
New Shinshinim arrive in Palm Beach County each August for a full year of service. During the school year, they work closely with local community organizations. In the summer, they bring their energy and creativity to Mandel JCC camps. Their journey concludes the following August when they return to Israel, having made a lasting impact on everyone they met.
Hometown: Ir Ganim
School Majors: Biology, Literature and Music
Interests: Guitar, sports and reading
Yannay believes that exchanging cultures and traditions is more crucial than ever due to the ongoing conflict in Israel. He finds joy in playing the guitar for his family and friends and hopes to create art with the children in our community.
“This difficult situation has made the shlichut (emissary program) even more important to me. In my opinion, there is a great need for someone who has experienced Israel’s life and challenges and could explain the situation.”
Hometown: Kiryat Ono
School Majors: Chemistry and Computer Science
Interests: Cooking, traveling and family time
Shani’s love of traveling goes hand-in-hand with her desire to share the Israeli experience with communities around the world. She also enjoys baking and going to the beach.
“I always like to challenge myself and explore, and I believe that this year will help me to learn more about myself and to be more significant to society and to myself.”
Opening your home to a Shinshin is an incredible opportunity to build a unique relationship that will last a lifetime. We are looking for host families for the 2025-2026 Shinshinim and this could be your chance!
As a host family, you provide a spare bedroom, meals and a welcoming home.Transportation will be provided for your Shinshin during their stay. Each Shinshin has three Palm Beaches host families, staying with each for several months at a time.
Please read through the General Host Family Guidelines and complete the form below.
If you have any questions, or are interested in hosting Shinshinim in the future, please contact Assistant Director of Israel Engagement, Shani Rosenzweig at shani.rosenzweig@jewishpalmbeach.org
