HOSTING OPPORTUNITIES

EXPERIENCES • COMMUNITY • CONNECTION

Providing housing to Israeli and overseas guests from our Partnership Region (the Western Galilee and Budapest, Hungary), can spark real connections that last a lifetime! It allows us to strengthen our Jewish identity, deepen our connection with Israel, build Jewish community, and learn about experiences different from our own. By sharing our world, we create community amongst ourselves in Austin and with Jewish people everywhere.

SHINSHINIM 2026-2027

What is ShinShinim?

As a part of Shalom Austin’s Israel initiative, a Zeff family grant, and local donors, we will be continuing our ShinShinim program for the 2026-2027 school year!

Two ShinShinim, young emissaries from Israel through the Jewish Agency, will be coming to Austin before entering the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), and will be a part of the Austin Jewish community as shlichim (emissaries) to educate and engage while experiencing the world of diaspora Jewry here in Austin.

Interested in hosting? Contact Naama Shabtay, Shalom Austin Beged Kefet Campus Head & ShinShinim Coordinator, at [email protected]

WHO WE NEED

We are looking for host families for our ShinShinim to provide:

A welcoming and supportive home for 2-3 months.
A private, designated, clean room that is not used for anything else.
Access to a bathroom that can be locked (a shared bathroom is fine).
Daily meals.
Include Shinshinim in family activities in town.

WHAT IS PROVIDED?

The ShinShinim will be provided with a vehicle, cell phone, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

Having a Shinshin live with us has been a deeply enriching experience for our whole family. It’s not just about sharing space—it’s about sharing culture, stories, and values. Through conversations, meals, and daily life, we’ve gained a new perspective and forged a connection that transcends borders. In today’s world, experiences like this remind us how powerful personal relationships can be in fostering understanding and unity.

– Karine Gordon, host