Summer 2018 is getting closer! In the mean time, we’d like to introduce you to Idan – one of our summer 2018 staff who is a shinshin in Toronto right now.

Shinshinim, are Israeli’s who are completing what’s called a “Year of Service” before entering the Israeli army. Instead of going directly to the army after high school, these emissaries come to Toronto and work in the Jewish community, teaching students about Israeli life and culture and of course about Hebrew! At the end of the school year, the Shinshinim are placed at a Jewish summer camp to complete their Year of Service. Check out our interview with Idan below!

Tell us a little bit about yourself…

Idan: “I’m from Eilat which is a southeast city in Israel.”

Where’s one place in Israel everyone should visit?

Idan: “One place in Israel everyone should visit, it’s pretty obvious for me to say – it’s where I live in Israel, Eilat. Because my city is a combination of sea and desert coming together, and don’t forget that Eilat is a city with two borders, one with Egypt and the second with Jordan. Eilat is a tourist city and because of that we have amazing attractions, a lot things to see and a lot places to travel. For example there are the Coral reef, dolphin reefs, an underwater observatory, jeep trip into the desert and also water sports like windsurfing and water tubing and water skiing or relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun.”

Where are you working in Toronto and what’s the best part of your job?

Idan: “I am working in Toronto at 3 Jewish institutions- Leo baeck north campus, Temple Har Zion and BBYO (youth group.) The best part of my job is sharing Israel engagement through personals stories and experiences to help community members create real and deep connections that will remain forever.”

What are your hobbies?

Idan: My hobbies are playing soccer and basketball (all kind of sport) with friends, going to the beach with my family for swimming and playing matkot (beach tennis.)
I also like to go to running and do training with my twin brother.”

What has surprised you about living in Toronto?

Idan: “What surprised me about living in Toronto is seeing how united the Jewish community is here.” 

What has it been like living with your host families?

Idan: Living with host families is one of the best experiences in my year of service.” 

Have you ever been to or worked at a camp before? (If yes) What was your favourite part of the experience?

Idan: “I have actually been to Camp George twice with the Diller Teen Fellowship, which is a Jewish leadership program. My experience was magical. ” 

What’s your favourite food that you’ve tried in Canada?

Idan: “My favorite food that I have tried in Canada is a beaver tail.”

What are you most looking forward to about coming to camp this summer?

Idan: “I am looking forward to camp this summer so that I can create more connections with the campers and the staff and bring my personal story as an Israeli, formally and informally. In addition, I also want to learn and absorb more values and skills from camp.”

What’s on your “Canadian bucket list”?

Idan: “Go to a professional Hockey game and work at a summer camp.”

What’s your favourite Jewish holiday and why?

Idan: “My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover because it’s my birthday and I love the story of the Exodus from Egypt.”

Does your name have a special meaning/ significance? 

Idan: “My name has a special meaning, Idan in English is ‘era of time.’ My twin brother is named Dor and the meaning of his name is ‘generation’ so both of our names have connection to ‘time.'”

Do you have any hidden talents? 

Idan: “Dancing.”

Anything else? 

Idan: “I hope camp will be a significant experience for my year of service and that each one of us, campers and stuff will have fun.”