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Jewish Agency Support Framework

Each Shlichut (Shinshin + Community) is supported by the Jewish Agency staff, consisting of representatives and program staff based in the destination country.

In addition, each Shinshin has a coordinator on behalf of the Shnat Sherut program who is based at the Jewish Agency headquarters in Jerusalem. The coordinator is the contact person for any issue and is responsible for providing ongoing support from Israel. Each Shinshin is required to attend periodic Zoom calls together with the regional coordinator for professional, personal support and regular updates.

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Shinshin Selection Process

Every year more than 2,000 teens apply for the JAFI ShSh program. The candidate selection and matching process includes:
  1. Initial screening based on basic suitability criteria
  2. Screening workshop
  3. Personal interview
  4. Psychological assessment
  5. Orientation day
It is important to note that those conducting the screening are themselves graduates of Shnat Sherut.

Shinshin Matching Process (Community selection)

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The placement process begins with a Community Mapping Form, which will be provided by the program’s Placement Coordinator. This form helps us understand your community’s needs and preferences in detail.
Once the form is completed, we will schedule a short consultation to clarify any questions and finalize the next steps.
Our guiding principle throughout the process is twofold:
  1. Ensuring a positive and tailored match for your community, and
  2. Upholding a respectful and fair approach toward all candidates.
Approximately two weeks prior to your scheduled interviews, you will receive a curated set of candidate profiles—on average, three candidates per available position. Each profile will include:
  • Basic personal information
  • A recent photo
  • A short self-introduction video
  • A brief resume
  • A summary of the candidate’s screening process
Candidate interviews are conducted by community representatives, either in person (if you are visiting Israel) or via video call. Following the interviews, you will be asked to submit your candidate rankings or final selections within 7 days, so we may proceed with placements accordingly.
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We’ve Chosen Shinshinim, What’s Next?

Once your Shinshinim are selected, we will begin the training process. From this point on, we encourage you to build an ongoing connection with them. This can include setting up a shared WhatsApp group, scheduling a check-in every two to three months (virtually or in person), and organizing an introductory meeting with their parents.
These steps help ease any anxiety and support a smooth and well-prepared transition for your incoming Shinshinim.

Shinshinim training program

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Opening Seminar
  • 3 days
  • February/March​
  • Main topics and activities: ANU museum, Peoplehood, Introduction to the ShSh country, Cultural differences, Introduction to JAFI, My personal Shlichut.
Professional Training
  • 1 - 2 days
  • March to June
  • Main topics and activities: Early Childhood, Zofim youth movement, Maccabi movement.
Summer Seminar
  • 5 days
  • July
  • Main topics and activities: Team work and group dynamics, Code of conduct, Safe space​, Security, Meeting with the JAFI staff abroad, Education tools, Meet partner organizations (Massa, PJ Library, KKL etc.), Meet past Shinshinim, Shabbat content and practice, How to plan and create educational programing, Marketing and more.
Onboarding Seminar (At the community)
  • ​2 - 3 days
  • August to October
  • ​Main topics and activities: Refresh of code of conduct, Hands on practical educational programing, Safe space at the school and community, Meet the local JAFI team and local preparation for the first 100 days.
Annual Kennes (At the region)
  • 3 days
  • November / January
  • ​Main topics and activities: Dealing with challenges in the Shlichut, Re-visiting teamwork, Working in a different cultural environment, Time management, Meet other Shlichim in my area, Getting ready for the Israel vacation.
Driving
  • 3 to 5 hours
  • July / September
  • ​Main topics and activities: Preparation talk for driving in a foreign country with different rules, Safety and awareness, Driving practice with the cars.
​Bring It Back Home Seminar
  • 1 day
  • October
  • ​Main topics and activities: Summary of the Shlichut, How can you bring your Shlichut back to Israel, Ways to stay connected to JAFI.

Dates for the Start of Shnat Sherut, Home Leave, and End Date of Shlichut

Flight and Arrival Planning
Flights for Shinshinim are scheduled between April and May, based on each community’s needs for arrival between August and September.
It is the community supervisor's responsibility to submit the arrival request and the preferred return date for home leave in order to coordinate ticket bookings.
Home Leave
Each Shinshin is entitled to at least 14 days of home leave in Israel (gross days), unless otherwise arranged in advance as part of the annual program plan.
  • Home leave is mandatory and must take place in Israel.
  • The timing is determined by the community, in coordination with program needs. (Best during January - February)
  • Supervisors must inform the Dispatch coordinator of the planned home leave dates.
End of Service (Shlichut)
The official end date of the service is determined by the community according to its calendar.
  • Shinshinim are not allowed to travel after their service concludes at camp or in the community.
  • The return flight to Israel must align with the community’s designated end date.
  • Please note: Once flights are booked, no changes can be made to the return date or the official end of service.
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