Community Shlichim

Shlichim: Our Israeli Emissaries

The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana participated for many years in the Community Shlichim program offered by our partner The Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).

The Shlichim are selected for the program in Israel because they are idealist and dedicated to bringing the culture and experience of Israel to the U.S. They give up to two years of service.

While they are with us, they become part of the local Jewish family as they work with every age group. From K'Ton Ton to Adult Friendship Club along with area religious schools, Shlichim enrich Jewish cultural, educational, and social activities.

Our Shlichim work with our professional and volunteer leaders to plant the seeds of a secure Jewish future by implementing programs that are designed to increase Jewish awareness, knowledge, and pride, and to promote an understanding of Israel and its ideals.

Timeline: Our Community Shlichim

2018-2019

Eitan Torz

Be'er Sheva

2018

2016-2017

Shay Shmoul

Haifa

2016

2015-2016

Maya Koren (Boer)

Ness Ziona

2015

2014-2015

Roi Yair

Jerusalem

2014

Update, December 2018:
Hi Everyone! I can’t believe it has been 3.5 years since I left Northwest Indiana. It still feels like it was just yesterday.
So, what have I been up to? I wish I had some exciting stories, but mainly just school. I started my degree in Law and Cognitive Science shortly after the shlichut, and I should be mostly done with it by March. So far both subjects have been really interesting, and I truly enjoyed life as a student. After completing my academic duties I have a couple of months off, and in September I’ll start an internship as a clerk for Justice Noam Solberg of the Israeli supreme court which should be really interesting.
Outside of school, I try to make the most of the little free time that I have and travel as much as I can. Last year during summer break, I hiked most of the Israel National Trail, which goes from the northern tip of Israel all the way down to Eilat in the south and is about a thousand kilometers long (of which I hiked about two thirds!). This year I got to spend some time in the Alps hiking in France and Switzerland and visiting a friend in Austria. Hopefully I can do something similar in the time between school and my internship.
Other than that, I live in a really nice apartment in Jerusalem with two good friends. If any of you are in the area, you are more than welcome to join us for some coffee on the balcony or a Shabbat dinner which we host every now and then!

2013-2014

Mor Rintzler

2014

2012-2013

Omri Markovich

2012

2011-2012

Naomi Taubin (Shimon)

Jerusalem

2011

2018

Update, February 2018:
Hi everyone! It’s amazing how time flies! Six years have passed since my Shlichut, can you believe it?
So what’s new? Three years ago I got married with Yoav and we live in Jerusalem in Katamon neighborhood (you’re all very welcome!). I finished my M.B.A in Hebrew University and lately started to work in Jerusalem Municipality in the Education department.
I’m working in a new and very exciting program name “Mechadash” (“From Scratch”, in Hebrew). As part of this program I am working with elementary school principals and teachers in Jerusalem to help them make schools more Innovative, creative and make learning full of joy and fun to both students and staff.
But what is more important is that a new member has joined our family – Baby Yair, who’s now 10 months old! We are having a great time being parents and enjoying every minute together.
Last summer we visited in Munster and we are thinking already about our next visit. Until that happens – feel free to contact me when you are coming to visit in the Holy Land.
XOXO
Naomi, Yoav and Yair