By Danielle and Lahav, the Ann Arbor ShinShinim
Danielle and Lahav came to Ann Arbor to strengthen the connections between the Ann Arbor Jewish community and Israel, sharing the Israeli atmosphere through informal education – interactive lessons that include music, culture, Israeli childhood games and even food.
They arrived in Ann Arbor in August 2024 for a service year as Israeli emissaries between their high school graduation and military service through the ShinShinim program of the international Jewish Agency for Israel. They share here what they’ve been up to around town recently.
After six unforgettable months of working, learning, and growing in Ann Arbor, we had the chance to take a short but meaningful break and return to Israel for a two-week vacation. This trip was a chance to reunite with our loved ones, revisit the places we hold dear, and experience Israel with new perspectives after spending half a year away.
Returning home was deeply significant. We reunited with our families and friends, whom we had missed so much, and returned to the familiar places that are so close to our hearts. There’s truly nothing like the feeling of being home.
Danielle and Lahav in Jerusalem.
During our visit, we immersed ourselves fully in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Israel. We savored the food we had craved, enjoyed the familiar music, and breathed in the distinct smells of the land. We spent time with family and friends, and made sure to revisit our favorite places – in our hometowns, the beach, the Machane Yehuda and Carmel Shuks (markets), and our favorite restaurants, among other experiences.
One of the most meaningful moments of our trip was our visit to Jerusalem. Before leaving Ann Arbor, we collected heartfelt notes from children in the community with their personal wishes, and we had the privilege of placing those notes in the Western Wall. It was a truly special experience to bring a piece of Ann Arbor with us to Israel and connect both of our worlds in such a significant way.
Danielle and Lahav with next year’s ShinShinim.
Another special moment during our visit was the opportunity to connect with the next cohort of ShinShinim who will be coming to Ann Arbor when our year of service concludes this August. We spent a day with them, sharing our experiences and offering advice about the community. They are incredibly excited about the adventure ahead.
This visit was unforgettable, as it allowed us to reconnect with loved ones and appreciate the places and people we hold dear. It also gave us a chance to reflect on the meaningful experiences we’ve had in Ann Arbor. We feel more committed than ever to continue strengthening the connection between Israel and the community, and we are excited for the next cohort of ShinShinim who will follow in our footsteps.