Thank you for your interest in being a Shishinim Host Family.
The Shinshinim bring their energy, love of Israel and unique perspectives to our synagogues, religious schools, pre-schools, summer camps, adult programming and other events through educational lessons, presentations, arts and crafts, music and personal connections with community members of all ages.
Our Shinshinim come primarily from our Partnership2Gether region in the Central Galilee. They are selected through a highly competitive process and represent the best of Israel’s diversity.
We are continuously seeking host families to welcome them into our community. Families provide a spare bedroom, meals, and a warm, inclusive home—and in return, build meaningful, lasting relationships.
Each Shinshin lives with a Detroit host family for six months before moving to a second family for the remainder of the year.
If you’re interested in hosting, please review the General Host Family Guidelines and sample Discussion Questions below, then complete the application form.
The application includes questions about Jewish home observances, language, pets, allergies and more. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers—we welcome all types of homes.
After you submit your form, we’ll contact you to meet and discuss the program and the host family role.
For questions, contact Rachel Ruskin at 248‑205‑2534 or ruskin@jewishdetroit.org.
General Host Family Guidelines
- Shinshinim are placed in warm, loving Jewish homes of all kinds.
- Families should have time to spend with the Shinshin; regular shared meals and activities are important.
- Consider your schedule and when you can include the Shinshin as part of your family. While they will be very busy, the host experience is a core part of the program.
- The Shinshin has one day off each week to spend with the family and is generally home during weekday evenings.
- The Shinshin must have a dedicated bedroom not used for other family needs. Ideally, this is a guest room or unused space so no family member is displaced. Additional private space is helpful but not required.
- The Shinshin will have their own car, and all expenses aside from room and board are covered by the program.
- Note: We cannot guarantee which Shinshin you will host.
Discussion Questions
These are examples of questions we may ask during a meeting with prospective host families:
- How would you describe your parenting style?
- Has your entire family agreed to hosting a Shinshin?
- Where would the Shinshin sleep, and what additional space would be available (bathroom, den, etc.)?
- Do you anticipate any major family events in the next year (moving, renovation, birth, divorce, bar/bat mitzvah, job changes, etc.)?
- Have you previously hosted someone long-term? If so, what was the experience like?
- Is an adult typically home in the evenings?
- What concerns, if any, do you have about hosting an Israeli emissary?
- Are there fixed times during the week that it would be important for the Shinshin to be present with your family?
