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 2023/24 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 2023/24 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.
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).
