In August 2024, we arrived in this wonderful place — the Milwaukee Jewish community. Although we came after a long and intense process of applying, training, and preparing to be ShinShinim* in an American Jewish community — living independently with unfamiliar host families, learning how to represent Israel in countless ways — we still didn’t know exactly what to expect.
But now, a year later, we can say with absolute certainty: Our year of service in Milwaukee has been the most meaningful, enriching and unforgettable year of our lives.
When we received the phone call telling us we were going to spend a year in Milwaukee, we had so many emotions at once. On one hand, we were excited — we knew how amazing this year could be: all the new people we’d meet, the endless opportunities to share our beloved country, and all the new things we’d learn. We understood how important this role is and how deeply we wanted to represent Israel to the world.
On the other hand, we had never even heard of Milwaukee. And Wisconsin (before knowing cheese curds!) didn’t seem quite as exciting as some of the other possible locations.
However, from the moment we landed, we fell in love.
There are so many things we’ve come to love about Milwaukee, but without a doubt, our favorite part of this year has been the people — especially the members of the Milwaukee Jewish community.
First, our amazing host families: the Barolskys, Shtulbergs, Zarems and Grange-Isaacsons. Each of you welcomed us into your homes and hearts. You showed us around, supported us through happy and difficult times, and truly made us feel like part of your families. We were nervous about living with strangers for a whole year, but you made it feel like home. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience — and we know you’ll be part of our lives forever.
We’re also grateful to everyone we worked with this year: The little ones at Gan Ami, the incredible students at MJDS, high schoolers at Nicolet, children at all five congregations we visited (Shalom, Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun, Beth Israel Ner Tamid, Sinai, and Emanu-El of Waukesha), students at Hillel Milwaukee, BBYO, Camp Interlaken and our friends at Chai Point. It was amazing to spend time with all of you, from the age of 3 to 90.
We came to speak, share, and teach about Israel from our own authentic stories and eyes —showing the Israel we know and love, not just from history books or the news, but from real life: our life. But throughout this journey, we learned just as much as we taught.
We learned how to live far from home, how to connect with strangers who became like family, how to survive a Wisconsin winter (still learning, honestly), how to communicate professionally and countless life skills we’ll carry forever.
Not every moment was about fun or celebration. Some days required reflection, mourning, and remembrance. We had the honor of helping lead community events for Oct. 7, Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day). It was moving to see so many people come together for these powerful moments — as well as on joyful occasions like Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). These gatherings were a true reminder of the strength, unity, and heart of this community.
Yom Ha’atzmaut was a very special day for us here. We will never forget the community event, the carnival at Milwaukee Jewish Day School, and the Israel-shaped cake at MJDS which we helped make and was bigger than Amit!
There were so many amazing moments in this year, beyond just volunteering all over the community: We went to Bucks, Brewers and Admirals games to get the full American experience!
It’s hard to sum up such an extraordinary year. A year that made us fall in love with a place, and people who we never expected to know. A year of growth, of discovery, of connection. A year where we truly got to represent Israel not just as a country, but as a living, breathing, personal experience.
We are proud and grateful beyond words. Thank you, Milwaukee, for giving us a home away from home.
Special thank you to Susie Rosengarten and Noa Gerassi, our supervisors, for all the support and love they gave us during this year. We love you!
We can’t wait to visit again!!
Love,
Amit & Maya
2024–25 Milwaukee ShinShins
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What’s a shin shin?
A shin shin is a young emissary, who comes to Milwaukee from Israel for a year to spend a year abroad, often just before service in the army, volunteering all over the Jewish community, engaging, planning activities and events to show Israel from their own authentic story. The Shin Shin program is funded and organized locally by Milwaukee Jewish Federation in cooperation with the Jewish Agency for Israel.
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