SHINSHINIM

The Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, in partnership with the Jewish Agency for Israel, will be the new home for the Chicago region Shinshinim hub and related materials.

OVERVIEW

In a dynamic partnership with The Jewish Agency, The iCenter’s dedicated work with shinshinim serves as a catalyst, magnifying the profound impact of relationships in building bridges and fostering mutual understanding between the youth of Israel and North America.

The Shinshinim Program, an acronym for the Hebrew term sh’nat sheirut, or “Year of Service,” offers a unique opportunity for Israeli high school graduates to live and work in communities abroad before entering the Israel Defense Forces. By engaging with these young Israeli ambassadors, communities not only benefit from their meaningful service but also have the opportunity to establish deep and meaningful connections.

At the heart of this initiative lies the importance of building relationships. iCenter shinshinim serve as cultural ambassadors in day schools, public high schools, synagogues, youth movements, and more. These young educators bring their love and knowledge of Israel to the forefront, enabling communities to develop a profound connection to Israeli culture and society. In return, these communities offer their unwavering support and encouragement to the shinshinim, allowing them to grow both personally and professionally. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that enriches both sides, fostering a deeper appreciation of each other’s culture and society.

ROLE OF THE iCENTER

As the hosting local organization, The iCenter provides shinshinim with:

Weekly Training Sessions

Comprehensive Resources

Ongoing Professional Development

1:1 Mentorship Opportunities

Additionally, The iCenter serves as a resource hub for communities and institutions across North America working with the shinshinim, providing educational materials, training tools, and programmatic frameworks to enhance Israel education and engagement efforts.

IMPACT

52

Shinshinim Hosted

4000+

Educators & Young People Engaged

Our shinshinim have made lasting impacts across North America, including Jewish communities in:

Birmingham, AL
Charlotte, NC
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Miami, FL
Munster, IN

MOMENTS THAT MATTER

GET INVOLVED

Want to connect with our shinshinim or have them join your next educational program? Are you part of a shinshinim hub looking for additional support? Please email Denny Frank.

HONORING THE MEMORY OF YOGEV PAZI

The Chicago Shinshinim Hub proudly bears the name “Hub Yogev,” in memory of Yogev Pazi, whose warmth, joy, and dedication left a lasting impact on our community.

Yogev served as a Shinshin in Chicago during the 2020–2021 program year, a time marked by the challenges of the global pandemic. Despite the distance and uncertainty of that moment, Yogev’s spirit shone through. He brought energy, creativity, and genuine connection to every interaction, whether teaching students at Solomon Schechter Day School, engaging families virtually, or building meaningful relationships that endured far beyond his year of service. Yogev also helped lead Tzofim (Israeli Scouts) activities across the community.

Following his time in Chicago, Yogev continued his journey as a counselor at Beber Camp, where his enthusiasm for Israel and love for people continued to inspire. Friends and colleagues remember him for his kindness, humor, and ability to bring people together through song, laughter, and heart.

Yogev was tragically killed while serving in the IDF in Gaza in November 17, 2024. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—in Chicago, at Beber, and across Israel—and in our ongoing work to strengthen connections between North American communities and the people and stories of Israel.

By naming our hub “Hub Yogev,” we honor his life and the light he brought to others. May his memory continue to inspire our Shinshinim and all those who meet them.