UJA’s ShinShinim are young Israeli leaders who come to the GTA for a year of service, with the mission of bringing the real and authentic Israel to our community. UJA ShinShinim contribute to Jewish Toronto by working with a wide variety of community partners and engaging thousands of community members through creative and meaningful programs.
UJA ShinShinim are a major part of our efforts to help strengthen the vibrant and unique connection between Jewish Toronto and Israel. Since 2006, this program has been a success thanks to 500+ generous families who open their homes to host our ShinShinim.
Host family applications for the 2025/26 cohort are now open!
UJA’s ShinShinim are young Israeli leaders who come to the GTA for a year of service, with the mission of bringing the real and authentic Israel to our community. UJA ShinShinim contribute to Jewish Toronto by working with a wide variety of community partners and engaging thousands of community members through creative and meaningful programs.
UJA ShinShinim are a major part of our efforts to help strengthen the vibrant and unique connection between Jewish Toronto and Israel. Since 2006, this program has been a success thanks to 500+ generous families who open their homes to host our ShinShinim.
Host Family Applications for the 2025/26 Cohorts are Now Open!
Why Be a Host Family?
Hosting a UJA ShinShin is a chance to be part of bringing Israel to our community! Toronto has the largest cohort of ShinShinim in the world—help us keep up the success of this program by joining our mission.
Hosting is also an opportunity to form a meaningful relationship with a ShinShin, introducing them to our lives as Jews in Toronto while gaining an insider perspective into life in Israel today. Many ShinShinim have formed close bonds with their host families—keeping in touch, visiting one another, and celebrating important life milestones together.
What Does Hosting Involve?
- All you need is a dedicated bedroom in your home for the ShinShin, with a bathroom close by, and an extra chair at your table.
- All families are welcome to apply! You do not have to be affiliated with a Jewish institution or have young children in your home in order to host a ShinShin.
- You will have support throughout your hosting experience. UJA’s Israel Engagement lay leaders and professional team will help guide you from start to finish. As well, UJA offers a cheque exchange program for host families, providing a donation tax receipt of up to $3,000.
- A hosting commitment can last anywhere from three to seven months at the maximum, as ShinShinim typically have two host families each during their time in Toronto. The ShinShinim will also return to Israel to visit their families for two weeks during winter break. We have reserve families available should it be necessary to relocate a ShinShin temporarily (e.g., if your family has booked a vacation).
Why Be a Host Family?
Hosting a UJA ShinShin is a chance to be part of bringing Israel to our community! Toronto has the largest cohort of ShinShinim in the world—help us keep up the success of this program by joining our mission.
Hosting is also an opportunity to form a meaningful relationship with a ShinShin, introducing them to our lives as Jews in Toronto while gaining an insider perspective into life in Israel today. Many ShinShinim have formed close bonds with their host families—keeping in touch, visiting one another, and celebrating important life milestones together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the ShinShinim?
The ShinShinim are mature, motivated 18-year-old Israelis who spend a year after high school volunteering around the globe within various Jewish communities, including Toronto. UJA’s ShinShinim work at a variety of Jewish institutions, such as schools, synagogues, youth movements, community centres, and social service agencies to engage our community in meaningful programming focused on contemporary Israel.
What is the role of a host family?
To welcome a UJA ShinShin into your home. This means creating a supportive, warm, and safe environment for their stay in Toronto.
We're seeking families who are open to spending quality time with the UJA ShinShin, whether it's sharing meals, engaging in activities, or offering a listening ear and moral support. Please take into consideration any family events, upcoming trips, or other commitments that might affect your ability to host. If you do need to be away, we can provide support for temporary coverage
How do I qualify to be a host?
All Jewish families are invited to apply! You don’t need to be affiliated with a Jewish institution or have young children at home. You should have a private room the UJA ShinShin can call their own with storage space and a bathroom close by. Most of all, you should be open to welcoming them as part of your family during their time with you.
How long is the time commitment?
UJA ShinShinim are placed with host families for five months. The UJA ShinShinim typically go home for two weeks over the winter holidays.
We have two hosting sessions running from:
- Approximately the end of August/beginning of September to the end of January/beginning of February
- Approximately the end of January/beginning of February to the end of June, with a ten-day break for Passover
You have the choice of committing to one or both sessions. Ideally, we aim for the UJA ShinShinim to stay with two host families over the course of the year.
Do I get any compensation?
No, hosting a UJA ShinShin is a purely volunteer experience. However, we do offer a cheque exchange program, which provides a donation tax receipt of up to $5,000.
What support does UJA offer?
You’ll have full support from our UJA ShinShinim team as well as local lay leaders. We have an in-depth onboarding process and resources available to set you up for success from day one.
How do I apply?
Please click here to submit your application. Once submitted, there is a qualification process after which we’ll let you know if you’ve been accepted.
