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Policies & Code of Conduct

1 

Dress Code

Shinshinim are expected to dress respectfully and appropriately for all community activities (work dress code).
The following items are not permitted:

  • Flip-flops

  • Tank tops or crop tops

  • Shorts or ripped clothing

  • Revealing or inappropriate attire

2

Alcohol and Drugs

  • Consumption of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited during the service year.

  • In the many countries, drinking under the age of 21 is illegal and not permitted.

  • Violations will be treated with utmost seriousness and may result in termination of the shlichut.

3

Visa

  • Departure for shlichut is conditional upon receiving an approved visa. The process is managed by the Jewish Agency, although visa procedures and costs may vary.

  • Due to visa limitations:

    • Travel outside the country of service is not allowed (e.g., U.S. Shinshinim may not travel to Canada, Puerto Rico, or go on international cruises).

    • No private employment is allowed (e.g., babysitting, tutoring, pet sitting). This is a serious legal violation that can lead to visa cancellation and deportation.

4

Social Conduct

Shinshinim interact with diverse audiences and are expected to maintain professional and respectful behavior at all times.

  • Forming friendships and social relationships is welcomed, regardless of age or background.

  • Attending college or house parties is prohibited.

    • Any visit to a university campus must receive prior approval from the Jewish Agency’s security officer.

  • Respect personal space. Physical contact should be limited and culturally appropriate.

  • Sexual activity is strictly prohibited in host family homes.

  • Partners may not stay overnight in host homes.

5

Extreme Activities / Adventure Sports

  • Participation in adventure sports is allowed only when part of official program activities.

  • If participating in such activities with a host family, both the supervisor and host parents must approve in advance.

  • For private extreme activities:

    • The activity must be operated by a licensed and legally approved provider.

    • Written parental consent is required.

6

Curfew & Accommodation

Shinshinim must return to their host family’s home or designated accommodation by 11:00 PM.

  • Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the supervisor and communicated to the host family.

  • The curfew applies during vacations outside of Israel as well.

Security Guidelines

The safety of our Shinshinim is a top priority. The Jewish Agency operates a global security system, though not every community has an on-site security officer. To ensure preparedness and safety, all Shinshinim must comply with the following security requirements:
Pre-Departure Security Clearance
  • Every Shinshin must undergo a security background check conducted by the Jewish Agency’s Security Department.
  • Participation in a mandatory security briefing before departure is required.
  • No Shinshin may begin their service without full security clearance.
Ongoing Security Protocol
  • Shinshinim must immediately report any security or military-related incidents to their supervisor and the designated security officer.
  • All instructions from the security team must be followed without exception.
  • During the year, the regional JAFI security officer will stay in touch with the local supervisor for ongoing updates and coordination.
Housing Approval
  • In cases where Shinshinim live in apartments, the accommodation must be pre-approved by the security officer.
  • Supervisors' contact details will be shared with the security team, but it is also important for supervisors to be aware of who the regional security contact is.
Emergency Location Sharing
  • Shinshinim are required to install Life360 app on their phones.
  • These apps are for emergency use only, accessible to the supervisor with full transparency and respect for privacy.
Overnight Supervision
  • It is strictly prohibited for Shinshinim to sleep alone.
  • If a host family travels without the Shinshin, an alternative supervised arrangement must be made in advance.

Vacation & Travel Guidelines for Shinshinim

This document outlines the official policies regarding vacations and travel during the Shnat Sherut year. It sets clear boundaries, approval processes, and safety requirements for time off: both within the host country and abroad.
Key topics include:
  • Weekly days off and short local vacations
  • Rules for visiting other communities or traveling within the country
  • Strict restrictions on international travel, including home leave
  • Required approvals from supervisors, security officers, and parents
  • Prohibited activities (e.g., use of vehicles during vacation, curfew violations)
  • Special exceptions and procedures for leaving the host country
These guidelines ensure a balance between personal time and program responsibilities while prioritizing safety and coordination.

Emergency Procedure: Handling Accidents Involving Shinshinim

This document outlines the official protocol for managing traffic accidents and other serious incidents involving Shinshinim during their year of service abroad. It provides a detailed, step-by-step response plan to ensure the safety of Shinshinim and clear communication with all relevant parties.
Key Elements Include:
  • Defined roles and responsibilities for each involved party (local supervisor, regional representative, program coordinator, etc.)
  • A timeline of required actions—from the moment of the incident through follow-up and reporting
  • Clear instructions for contacting law enforcement, emergency services, and the Jewish Agency
  • Reporting obligations via dedicated online forms
  • Guidelines for emotional support, medical care, insurance follow-up, and internal documentation
  • Disciplinary procedures if the Shinshin is found responsible for the accident
This procedure ensures coordinated, responsible, and transparent handling of emergencies across all communities.

Vehicle Use Guidelines

In communities where a vehicle is provided for Shinshinim, it is essential to follow all safety protocols, maintenance expectations, and legal requirements. The following guidelines ensure responsible use of the vehicle and the safety of all involved.
Supervisor Responsibilities
  • Ensure the vehicle is in good working condition, including up-to-date insurance, valid inspection/test certification, and regular maintenance at a licensed garage.
JAFI Responsibilities
  • Give the Shinshin a local driving lesson with a certified instructor upon arrival to:
    • Practice driving in the area
    • Learn local traffic laws
    • In cold-weather regions, a follow-up lesson is required after the first snowfall to prepare for icy or snowy conditions.
Shinshin Responsibilities
  • Drive only with a valid international driving permit and Israeli driver’s license.​
  • Follow all local traffic laws and road conditions at all times.
  • Immediately report any issues: such as dashboard warning lights or mechanical malfunctions to the supervisor.
  • Keep the vehicle clean and refueled as needed.
Usage Rules
  • The vehicle is for work-related use only, unless community policy permits limited personal use.
  • Driving outside the community is strictly prohibited without prior supervisor approval.
  • Do not transport other Shinshinim who are not assigned to the same community.
  • Avoid driving during extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snow or ice.
  • In case of an accident, follow the official Accident Response Procedure and notify your supervisor immediately.

Early Termination of Shlichut – Policy Overview

This document outlines the official procedures for situations in which a Shinshin ends their year of service earlier than planned. While the goal is always to support a full and successful Shlichut, certain scenarios may require a Shinshin to return to Israel before the scheduled end date.
Key Guidelines Include:
  • IDF Draft Orders: When a Shinshin receives a call-up date, early return is coordinated and costs are shared based on timing.
  • Voluntary Early Return: If a Shinshin chooses to leave early with community approval, they bear all related costs.
  • Misconduct or Policy Violations: In cases of serious issues or community dissatisfaction, a structured disciplinary process is followed, and dismissal is subject to final approval by the Jewish Agency’s leadership.
It also details:
  • Who needs to be informed
  • Required steps for documentation and hearings
  • Who covers the cost of return flights
  • Conditions regarding baggage and summer camp participation
This process is designed to be transparent, fair, and supportive for both the Shinshin and the host community.

Media Interviews & Public Communication Guidelines

This document outlines the Jewish Agency’s official protocol for handling media requests and public interviews involving Shinshinim and shlichim in communities abroad. While media engagement can be a powerful way to share the impact of our work and strengthen ties between Israel and the Jewish world, it must be done with great care and strict adherence to security guidelines.
Key Guidelines Include:
  • Media inquiries must be directed to the Jewish Agency's spokesperson team, security officer, and regional representative.
  • Shlichim may not give interviews or appear in media without explicit approval.
  • Sensitive content is prohibited, including:
    • Full names or identifiable photos of Shinshinim
    • Specific workplace or residential details
    • Military or political topics
    • Any security-related information
  • Parental consent is required for any media appearance involving Shinshinim.
  • Shlichim must clearly state their role as emissaries of the Jewish Agency during any approved interview.
These measures are designed to protect the safety, privacy, and well-being of our emissaries and the communities they serve, while still allowing for meaningful media exposure when appropriate.

Partnering with Parents

Every Shinshin comes with parents. While your primary responsibility is to the Shinshinim themselves, building a thoughtful and respectful relationship with their families is an important part of a successful Shlichut year.
Our goal is to involve parents in a meaningful way, offer them reassurance, and set clear boundaries from the start. Their children are young adults, and the relationship with parents should reflect that balance of support and independence.
Recommendations for Supervisors:
  • Establish Early Contact: Initiate communication with parents at the beginning of the year. A brief video call or introductory message helps build trust and clarify expectations.
  • Send Periodic Updates: Every 2–3 months, share general updates and a few photos from activities in the community.
  • Address Significant Issues Collaboratively: If serious challenges arise, involve the parents in coordination with the program team to ensure transparency and shared understanding.
  • Visits to the Community: Parents are welcome to visit: but only after the first 3 months of the Shlichut. Visits must be coordinated in advance with the local supervisor.
  • Early Return Situations: If a Shinshin must return to Israel before the end of their service, parents must be involved, as detailed in the Early Termination of Shlichut section.
What We Do in Israel
The Jewish Agency values strong communication with parents and maintains structured engagement throughout the year:
  • Pre-Shlichut Parents’ Evening (Mandatory): Includes an overview of the program, insurance, expectations, and signing of the official parental contract.
  • Post-Seminar Newsletters: Sent after each seminar to update parents on topics covered.
  • Closing Ceremony: A celebratory event with parents, friends, and community members.
  • Optional Learning Sessions: Three optional online sessions throughout the year that explore the content and values of the Shlichut.
  • Bi-Monthly Newsletters: General updates from the field to keep parents informed and connected to the journey their children are experiencing.
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