Shinshinim arrive in Pittsburgh eager to serve community
'Especially this year, I think it's very important for Jewish people all over the world to be united'
Two Israeli teens are in Pittsburgh for a year of teaching, learning and growing.
The Shinshinim — Shanny and Almog, whose last names are withheld due to security concerns — told the Chronicle that although they arrived in Squirrel Hill just days ago, they’re eager to begin working with local organizations and youth groups.
“I want to impact people’s lives in a good way,” Shanny said.
The word Shinshinim is an amalgam of shnat sherut (year of service).
Shanny framed her upcoming year as one of “shlichut” (emissary work) and credited those who previously undertook similar efforts in Pittsburgh and elsewhere.
“I feel really grateful for all of the many people who have already gone to shlichut or are doing their shlichut right now. I’m grateful for these people because what they did shaped my life,” she said.
“Sitting on the plane, on the way here, it hit me,” Almog said. After a year of preparation, “you get to the point where you’re actually doing it and it’s very exciting.”
Shanny and Almog, both 18, are the newest members of the Shinshinim program. Operated by the Jewish Agency for Israel — and in local partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh — the program enables high school graduates to spend a year serving Jewish communities worldwide. Last year, Pittsburgh’s four Shinshinim worked at Community Day School, taught at religious schools and participated in public programs.
Moran Tuti, Federation’s Shinshinim coordinator, said Shanny and Almog will spend the year working with local organizations and youth groups.
As a lead-up to their Pittsburgh adventure, Shanny and Almog said they spoke with last year’s Shinshinim and heard about this “amazing” community and the relationships built.
“I feel really proud to be a part of this journey of the Jewish people,” Shanny said.
The program has taken on new meaning post-Oct. 7.
“Especially this year, I think it’s very important for Jewish people all over the world to be united,” Almog said.
The young women have wide-ranging interests.
Shanny studied chemistry and biology in high school and enjoys hiking and traveling. She’s visited Nepal twice with her family and trekked all 636 miles of the Israel National Trail. She enjoys dance, competitive gymnastics, singing, wall climbing and painting.
“I have a lot of hobbies,” Shanny said.
Almog studied theater and chemistry.
“I like chemistry, but it’s not very interesting to talk about with people,” she said with a laugh.
As for theater, Almog said she loves dancing, directing and “everything that has to do with being on stage.”
She also loves meeting new people.
Casey Weiss, Community Day School’s head of school, praised Shanny and Almog and said the two will “infuse our community with a deep understanding and appreciation for Israeli culture.”
CDS plans on employing the teens’ talents through “experiential learning involving cooking, art, baking, singing and dance,” Weiss said. “These fabulous young women will further a love of Israel among our students and staff. We are honored to host them and learn from them.”
The Shinshinim can’t wait to begin that learning process.
“We want to reach as many people in the community as we can,” Almog said.
“We want to be a source of strength to the community,” Shanny said. “Also, when we go back to Israel we want to bring the Jewish life in Pittsburgh to Israel and be a living bridge between them.”
Given all that transpired during the past year, “I feel like a lot of people here are having a hard time hearing what’s going on in Israel,” Almog said. “I want them to know that they can always come to us and talk to us about it. We experienced it in Israel and we want people to know that people are living in Israel. They’re not just depressed, or staying home or not living their life. We want people to understand that even with everything that’s going on, people in Israel feel strong, they still want peace and still believe in life.”
There’s also something else people should know, Shanny added.
“We are friendly,” she said. “People can come up to us and talk to us.” PJC
Adam Reinherz can be reached at areinherz@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.
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