Over the past year, Almog and Sharon became an important part of Jewish Boca, bringing the spirit of Israel into classrooms, community spaces and everyday moments across South Palm Beach County. 

Now in its fourth year locally, the Shinshinim program brings outstanding Israeli high school graduates to Jewish communities around the world for a year of service before they begin their military service. Hosted by local families, these young emissaries create meaningful educational experiences that help people of all ages build a more personal connection to Israel. 

Almog and Sharon, both from Zichron Yaakov, embraced that mission with warmth, creativity and energy. Through their work in schools, synagogues, agencies and community centers, they engaged nearly 5,000 preschoolers, students, families and seniors. They shared what it was like to grow up in Israel, created thoughtful educational programming and brought Israeli culture to life in ways that felt personal and accessible. 

“The Shinshinim bring Israel to life in a way no lesson or presentation alone can,” said Dana Vizner, chief planning officer at the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. “Through the relationships they build and the personal stories they share, they create lasting connections to Israel across generations and strengthen the fabric of our Jewish Boca community.”  

Around the Federation office, they also became known for transforming the elevator with colorful decorations that marked holidays and special moments. It was a small but memorable reflection of the joy and personality they brought to our community throughout the year. 

Their presence was especially meaningful as Jewish Boca remembered October 7. Almog and Sharon created space for reflection and remembrance while helping the community feel a more personal connection to the people and communities behind the headlines. 

Through their participation in our annual Partnership2Gether program and their work across Jewish Boca, they showed the power of personal relationships in strengthening the bond between Israel and our community. They helped make Israel feel not distant or abstract, but vibrant, complex and deeply connected to our shared Jewish story. 

The true impact of the Shinshinim program is found in the relationships formed along the way: the child who learned a new Hebrew song, the student who asked a thoughtful question and the host family that opened its home and gained two new daughters. 

Almog and Sharon arrived as young emissaries from Israel and leave as educators, role models, friends and beloved members of the Jewish Boca family. 

This is not goodbye. It is l’hitraot, and a reminder that the connection they built between Israel and Boca will continue long after their year of service has ended.