Summer 2018 is getting closer! In the mean time, we’d like to introduce you to Roni – 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 Roni below!
Tell us a little bit about yourself…
Roni: “I live in a small village in the center of Israel, called Tel-mind. 10 minutes from Natanya, 30 minutes from Tel-Aviv.”
Where’s one place in Israel everyone should visit?
Roni: “Everyone should visit the Dead-sea. Unbelievable view and experience!”
Where are you working in Toronto and what’s the best part of your job?
Roni: “I’m working in Associated Kamin school and Beit-Rayim synagogue. The best part is all the informal small opportunities I got lucky to have-to create new relationships and to know so many interesting and amazing people every day.”
What are your hobbies?
Roni: “I really love to dance. I’ve been dancing for more than 14 years, doing different types of dance. Also I love to listen to music, almost all types of music, at every opportunity I have!”
What has surprised you about living in Toronto?
Roni: “I was surprised by how beautiful and special life in the big city is, all the fun and the huge buildings while in the same area there are forests a minute from the city. The combination of the big city with the nature and the open space is incredible!”
What has it been like living with your host families?
Roni: “Living with my host family was one of the things I wanted the most. It’s been a very interesting and enriching experience, I feel so lucky to have had this. To be a part of 3 new families and to learn from them from each day has been amazing.”
Have you ever been to or worked at a camp before? (If yes) What was your favourite part of the experience?
Roni: “When I was 16, I went to a summer camp called Shomria, in Liberty NY, for 5 week. This was one of the greatest experience I ever had In my life. I was part of the staff and the thing I loved the most is definitely Friday’s nights!!! The dancing and singing everyone together. The special feeling when Shabbat is coming is great.”
What’s your favourite food that you’ve tried in Canada?
Roni: “My favourite food that I’ve tried in Canada, (and we don’t have it in Israel) is chicken pie! My host family knows that I full in love with it! So delicious.”
What Israeli food do you miss the most?
Roni: “I miss Israeli salad. It is very different then the salad here-just tiny pieces of Vegetable, olive oil, lemon and that’s all-perfect.”
What are you most looking forward to about coming to camp this summer?
Roni: “I am looking forward to knowing the great Camp George community! To share stories and to get to know you all also. I’m looking forward to having the best summer together.”
What is your favourite English word?
Roni: “My favorite English word is “literally”! It’s just very fun to say it! When I say it I feel that I sounds a real Canadian.”
What’s on your “Canadian bucket list”?
Roni: “On my Canadian Bucket List is always trying new things! To say YES to each opportunity I have! I’m trying to walk outside and enjoy the amazing views and get to know Toronto as much as I can.”
What is your favourite Jewish holiday and why?
Roni:
“My favorite Jewish holiday is Purim. I love the energy of the holiday. Everyone is happy celebrating. It’s such a colourful and exciting holiday!”
Does your name have a special meaning?
Roni: “My parents called me Roni because “Ron” means happiness. And the letter “I” in the end that make it Roni means – my happiness . My parents told me they felt such happiness when I came to the world, so they decided together to call me Roni.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
Roni: “I don’t really have a special hidden talent , but when I was young I was an actor on an Israeli TV show called “The ran quadruplets” for 2 seasons. I was 7 years old in the first season and 11 at the second. It was so fun!!! I was lucky to have this experience.”
Anything else?
Roni: “I’m the eldest in my family and I have two little sisters.”
