The ShinShinim bring Israel to life

Israeli Emissaries Noga Baraket and Noa Balfour Bring Israel to Life with Educational Programs

Noga Baraket and Noa Balfour are ShinShinim (service year Israeli emissaries), high school graduates who were granted special permission to postpone their time in the Israel Defense Forces to serve in the Greensboro Jewish community.

The ShinShinim bring Israel to life through educational activities around Jewish and Israeli culture, holidays, Hebrew instruction and more. Noga and Noa work with the Federation’s PJ Library program, Beth David Synagogue, B’nai Shalom Day School, and Temple Emanuel.

Their first community program was held at Country Park where more than 40 people enjoyed bike rides while learning about Israel. “In Israel, the streets are empty on Yom Kippur. No one is driving. Instead the streets are full of children riding their bikes. We wanted to share this experience with our Greensboro community,” Noa said.

“I have been comforted by this community. At first, it was really difficult,” Noa said. “Mothers from B’nai take us out for lunch and dinner and make sure that we feel supported.” Noga added, “Their care helps so much.”

The Greensboro Jewish Federation would like to thank the program donors, and Dr. Karen and Josh Gould and Becky and Mark Speilman for hosting Noga and Noa in thier homes. If you would like more information about the program, please email esneiderman@shalomgreensboro.org.