The Center for Israel Engagement at The Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey (JFNNJ) has welcomed two new shlichot: Aya Adut and Shoval Magal. The shlichot will divide their time between the Kaplen JCC, the Israel Scouts in Fairlawn and Tenafly, the Wayne YMCA and JFNNJ in Paramus. The shlichot are excited to meet different people with whom they can share experiences, stories and a sense of Israeli culture.
“In order to build a lifelong connection with Israel, it is necessary for people to learn and connect with Israelis on a personal level. Jewish Federation’s shlichot program enables people to foster this connection without leaving our community in Northern New Jersey,” said JFNNJ Chief Executive Officer Jason Shames.
Aya Adut is 22 years old and from Tel Aviv. Throughout high school she was very active in Tzofim, the Israeli scouts movement, where she served as both an instructor and a division head. She studied film and psychology prior to serving for three years in the IDF as an officer in the education corps, where she worked with lone soldiers from all over the world teaching Hebrew. Aya will be leading the scouts group in Fair Lawn, as well as working at the YMCA and Jewish Federation.
Shoval Magal is 25 years old and was born and raised on a moshav in Israel. Shoval is a general tour guide and leads birthright groups as well. She served in the IDF for two years as an education guide for a combat engineering battalion. Most recently she has worked as a swim instructor and as a division head for close to 350 Israeli scouts. Shoval will be leading the scouts group in Tenafly, working at the Kaplan JCC and also at Jewish Federation.
“One of Jewish Federation’s priorities is to deepen the connection between Israel and Northern New Jersey. Our shlichot program does this, bringing Israel to our community in an authentic and meaningful way. Aya and Shoval are here to share their stories as young Israelis, to facilitate dynamic Israel programs and to forge personal connections with people who might otherwise not be so connected to the Jewish state,” commented Ethan Behling, director of The Center for Israel Engagement at JFNNJ.
Having been in the U.S. for a little over a month, Aya and Shoval are still adjusting to life in America. They are living in Englewood and are touched by the outpouring of kindness and warmth displayed by the community.
“Everyone has been extremely welcoming, constantly inviting us and buying us gifts for our apartment,” expressed Shoval. Both Aya and Shoval are grateful for the hospitality.
Thus far most of their interactions have been with members of the local communities who already have a strong sense of Jewish identity and feel a tremendous commitment to the state of Israel. Aya and Shoval believe once they venture into surrounding communities where Israeli culture and tradition are not as prevalent they will have an even greater influence. They are especially excited to focus on the scouts who have the potential to become leaders themselves.
Upon applying for this shlichut, both Aya and Shoval didn’t expect to be chosen, as the process is long and challenging. Needless to say, both were overjoyed when selected. They are excited to meet new people from different backgrounds and develop meaningful connections.
“We want to make our shlichut more personal,” explained Aya. They aspire to connect people to Israel and their Jewish identity in a variety of ways. “We are all one nation even though we live in different cultures,” said Shoval.
On a personal level, during their stay in America, Aya and Shoval want to learn more about life here in the States. When asked what has been the biggest adjustment thus far, they both agreed it is driving in New Jersey. They are a dynamic duo who together and independently look forward to infusing Israeli life into communities throughout Northern New Jersey. If you would like to meet Aya and Shoval, or invite them to an event where Israeli education would be fitting, please contact Ethan Behling at [email protected].
By Andrea Nissel
