What it meant to our family to host a ShinShin…
by Lorraine Bloom
We were first asked several years ago to host a ShinShin, and then many times since. Each time, not knowing very much about the program, we respectfully declined. We thought that with 3 active kids and their very busy schedules, our home was too hectic and could not possibly accommodate an additional person into the
fold. How wrong we were!
In November 2014, we hosted Noam, an outgoing, enthusiastic and spirited young woman from Jerusalem.
From the very start she enriched all of our lives, and she continues to do so even today!
We decided to become a Host Family because we wanted to provide one of these amazing kids with a safe
space, a home-away-from-home, a place where they could relax and hang out with a warm Canadian family.
What we got in return was so much more.
Noam brought a bit of Israeli culture into our home and into our hearts. She has become part of our family and
has impacted our lives way beyond our expectations. We feel so much more connected with our Toronto
Jewish community, with our Israeli heritage and with Noam. Our lives were enriched by her living in our home,
and we are so grateful that we had that opportunity!
Today, I am the Lay Leader for Beit Rayim, and as such, I have had the opportunity to get to know Roni and
Shahar, our current ShinShinim, who are both outstanding young Israeli emissaries! They bring so much to
our Shul community, and I am so grateful for the relationship that I have developed with them.
Thank you, Israel Engagement for bringing this phenomenal program to Toronto!
As we look forward to welcoming our incoming Shinshinim Shira and Kohav, we encourage you to
consider opening your home to them and to this meaningful experience.
Please contact me, through the shul office, if you’d like more information about hosting a Shinshin.
In September 2014, Beit Rayim embarked on a very exciting project that you and your children will benefit from.We are very fortunate that Beit Rayim was chosen as a site for the ShinShinim to help us run our programs. The ShinShinim Project is supported by the UJA Federation Israel Engagement Shinshinim program.The Shinshinim are a select group of post-high school, pre-army Israelis who are trained and highly skilled to work with Jewish institutions in the diaspora to raise the awareness and pride for Israel. Several GTA Jewish institutions have taken advantage of this program. The reviews are spectacular!
2018 - 2019: Shira and Kohav
It's hard to believe that Roni & Shahar have left us and will soon be heading back to Israel. While we will miss them, we are also excited to welcome Shira and Kohav, who will be joining us soon.
2017 - 2018: Roni & Shahar
They would welcome the opportunity to join your family for a Shabbat lunch or Sunday dinner.
Please contact Lorraine Bloom through the shul office to make arrangements.
2016 - 2017 : Lee & Amir
Lee & Amir were Beit Rayim's shinshinim for the 2016 - 2017 year. They have had a great impact on our community during their time here and have touched all of our hearts. In August 2017 they returned home to Israel to commence their National army service. We wish them a safe service and plenty of luck in all their furture endeavors. If you wish to get in touch with Lee or Amir please email avivit@beitrayim.org
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