Introducing this Year's Shinshinit!

by Hannah Fineman, SSLI '25

The Shinshinim program has been a beloved part of the Schechter experience for a long time. Each year, Israeli teenagers come to America to teach our local communities about Israel through engaging activities. This year's Schechter high school Shinshinit is Aya Kedar.

The Long Island Shinshinim are ready for an amazing year. (Long Island Center for Israel Instagram) 

Kedar spoke about what type of conversations she has with the Schechter students. She explained they "talk mainly about Israel, Israeli society, [and] about Israeli life. We talk about the entire situation with the people in Israel, whether it be the protests, whether it be the war, or whether it is just general culture. I also always like to add a little something from my personal life."

“Ultimately I feel like the best way to connect to Israel apart from physically being there is to have an Israeli friend,” said Kedar, “especially in a year like this, where everything is super troubling and super confusing. I feel like having an Israeli friend or an Israeli’s perspective is really, really impactful, especially with the older kids."

Senior Yael Pedram agreed as she expressed her "favorite part of the Shinshinim program is getting to know the Shinshinim. Especially this year, since I am close in age to the Shinshinim, it’s a lot more fun getting to know them because I can relate to them more.”

Sam Levenson, a sophomore, shared that this year’s Shinshinim program "feels different from previous years because of the ongoing war in Israel." He explained that during their "meetings, we have talked about things like propaganda, the hostages, and important events on the timeline of the war itself. I find it very refreshing to be able to talk to an Israeli about the war rather than read things in the news, because it makes it feel more relatable and more impactful.”

Mr. Baumvoll, a Hebrew teacher who runs the Shinshinim program at Schechter, explained that the Shinshinim are able to "bring activities that teenagers like. I think that through seeing her and participating in the activities, the students learn more about Israel. She brings new stuff to the table that we cannot bring."

Levenson shared that for him, the most impactful part has been learning "the cultural history and the elements of the culture, rather than just dates and times. When speaking with Shinshinim, it is easier to connect to the people of Israel, as we’re not imagining the millions of Israelis as random people. It’s always very interesting, and I learn something new each time we meet." 

Kedar shared that the students also "impact me in the sense that they teach me about American culture. They tell me where to go out to eat and what their day looks like. I’m getting to know a little bit about an American high school student's life, which is a really cool experience. We can make a connection and see what’s different and similar between us, and broaden our horizons and just get to know a little bit about each other’s diverse societies.”

The Shinshinim program is definitely a success, as Pedram concluded, “I have always strongly believed in Israel and have always been a proud Zionist. The Shinshinim program has only continued educating me, which has been especially gratifying and rewarding.”

Hannah Fineman is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since November 2021. Hannah is currently a senior at the Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: hfineman25@schechterli.org