After 12 years of hosting Shlichim (Israel Emissaries), the Indianapolis Jewish community welcomed its first Shinshinyot, two young Israeli emissaries, in the fall. Hosted by the Jewish Agency and the Jewish Community Center with help from the Jewish Federation, Enav Perez from Haifa and Maya Hirshberg from Jerusalem, both 18 years old, are Indianapolis’ inaugural Shinshinyot. 

Hirshberg referenced an Israeli culture of service to one’s country and community as her inspiration to serve as a Shinshinit. ‘Shinshin’ is an acronym in Hebrew meaning ‘Year of Service’. Many young Israelis take a gap year between high school and army service to give back in some way. 

“I wanted to dedicate a whole year of my life to give back to the Jewish community,” Hirshberg said. “Being Jewish is a very big part of who I am.”

Perez said her involvement in an Israeli youth group led her to the Jewish Agency position. She is excited to be one of the first Shinshiniot in Indianapolis. 

“We are building something from scratch,” she said. 

Hirshberg and Perez are offering programming, including Hebrew conversations and Israeli cooking classes, for community members of all ages. Their office is located in the JCC, where they work with kids in early childhood and afterschool care. The Shinshinyot partner with groups throughout the community, including synagogues, Moishe Pod Indy and the Federation. 

“We are trying to create programs that will allow us to reach as many parts of the community as we can,” Hirshberg said. “We want to reach as many people as possible.”

Through this program, Perez said, the Shinshiniyot bring “the real Israel” into the Indianapolis community. 
The duo will work in Indianapolis through the summer. They will start their army service two short months after returning to Israel in August: Hirshberg will teach Hebrew to soldiers from the Diaspora, and Perez will serve in an intelligence unit.

Families are encouraged to reach out to the Shinshinyot to invite them for a meal, outing, or day trip. If you are interested in hosting the emissaries in your home for several weeks, email Michele Boukai at mboukai@jfgi.org. This is an especially unique opportunity for kids and teenagers to form friendships with Israeli peers. 

To keep up with the Shinshinyot, follow them on Instagram at Shinshinim.indy or Facebook at 
@ShinshinimINDY. To contact Maya Hirshberg, email Mhirshberg@jccindy.org or text/call (317) 617-2221. To connect with Enav Perez, email Eperez@jccindy.org or text/call (317) 617-2157.