ShinShin Program at Narayever
Two bright, talented and enthusiastic Israelis join the First Narayever Congregation for one school year, fulfilling their year of service (שנת שירות) better known by the initials ShinShin (ש"ש).
The ShinShin enrich our community with lots of energy, Israeli culture, and Hebrew. They connect with our young congregants by co-facilitating the Shabbat and Holiday family programs and the B.Mitzvah class, teaching Israeli songs, dances, games and activities. As experienced and idealistic counselors, they mentor our youth by example, inspiring them to become involved and engaged leaders, making a difference in our community and beyond.
The ShinShin experience first hand how we put into practice our traditional and egalitarian values by participating in our services, and contributing to it by delivering Dvar Yisra'el (דבר ישראל). We also benefit from additional programming (ShinShiNights) that they bring to our teens, young adults and adults. They hold a special place in our hearts and also have their own corner in our weekly newsletters.
During their stay, they connect to our community, learn to appreciate the the wide range of Jewish practices, thus bridging gaps between Israeli and world Jewry.
In addition to their involvement at Narayever, they play an active role at Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School, The Habonim Jewish Heritage School, and Camp Gesher (Habonim-Dror).
Vision
Narayever views our participation in the ShinShin program as essential to our community's Israel Engagement. Each pair of ShinShin over the years have been a link in the chain helping our congregation feel tethered to the Land of Israel. Through our programming, congregants and community members of all ages, learn about, discuss, and celebrate our love of Israel. In day-to-day conversations with our ShinShin, individuals can feel their knowledge and connection with Israel grow. Through our ShinShin's cultural, political, educational and social programming we recognize the reality of life in Israel and build a vision for how we see ourselves as part of it, even from afar. We connect to Israel through our young emissaries, and in so doing, connect these young people to the Jewish Diaspora, too.
Get to Know Our ShinShin!
Please reach out to them, during Kiddush or other opportunities, ask questions or discuss different topics and share your views. You are also welcome to reach them at shinshin@narayever.ca, and if you would like to host them for a meal please contact m@narayever.ca.
Read more about the UJA's ShinShin program by clicking HERE.
Messages from Alma and Yuval
Alma and Yuval, our 2025-2026 ShinShin
Hi!
I’m Yuval Shor from Kiryat Ono and I am one of the new shinshiniot :). So a little bit about me, I have 2 older brothers and a dog called EZ. I have been in the scouts since 4th grade, and counseled on my own in grades 10 to 12. I love theater, and have been practicing it in the past 8 years! Last year I even got the opportunity to direct my own play and had so much fun doing so!
I loved meeting some of you, talking and connecting with you, and I am looking forward to keep meeting and getting to know each other. I hope I can bring a little bit of Israel here, and when I come back - bring a little of Canada to Israel. It was great celebrating the holidays with you, sharing the story of how I sat on the floor and counted the seeds of the rimon (pomegranate), to see if there really were 613… If we haven’t met yet, please feel more than welcome to say hi!
Email yuval@narayever.ca to contact Yuval.
Hi everyone!
So for those of you who haven't met me yet, my name is Alma Cohen, I'm 18 from Tel Aviv, Israel and I am one of the (not so) new shinshiniot here at the Narayever.
My favorite things in the world are dancing, my family and friends, being a counselor and olives. Speaking of my family, I have 3 siblings- 2 brothers and a sister, and a sweet dog named Luke.
The time I spent in Toronto so far and especially in this community has been absolutely incredible thanks to you, so I can't wait to continue this journey with you. I wish us a wonderful rest of the year. I hope we will continue to talk, laugh, and celebrate together, to get to know and learn from each other.
Email alma@narayever.ca to contact Alma.
Click HERE to view previous years' ShinShin information.
Tue, December 2 2025
12 Kislev 5786
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES SUSPENDED as of NOVEMBER 23, 2020
In-person services have been supended. Please refer to our Shabbat Services page for more information.
