Shy: I arrived in August 2019 as a Shaliach (Israeli emissary) from the Jewish Agency For Israel to the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia to work in engaging the local community with all that is related to Israel education and engagement. My term will be for 2-3 years, so I have a year or two left. I have been working in the world of Shlichut for 14 years now in different capacities, mostly in Jewish summer camps.
Shy: As a Federation Shaliach, I first and foremost work for the Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia, with the different organizations in the Jewish community of Northern Virginia and The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.
In a pre-COVID world, I would work mostly from the Pozez JCC, meeting the community, combining Israel-related content into programs of the different departments of the J, creating online and social media content, meeting members of the community. Some days I would go to a congregation to lead a program or an experience to the adults or teens. Some of my work includes creating collaborations with other organizations in the community, such as Moishe House or the Den Collective.
Since the pandemic, I continued doing the same things, only from home and online. My weekly sessions, including sessions for congregations and collaborations have been online. The Den Vibes, a monthly musical Havdalah event that I am a part of, has also gone virtual. Everything just moved online. It made us all have to adjust ourselves – and a lot came out of it, including some collaborations with different JAFI (Jewish Agency For Israel) Shlichim from North America.
Unlike most other areas, the Shlichim in the DMV are lucky to have a Mishlachat – a cohort of Shlichim working together – with a strong connection to The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington. It feels good knowing that you are a part of a greater organization, as well as a close group working together all year long.
Since the pandemic, I have continued doing the same things, only from home and online. My weekly sessions, including sessions for congregations and collaborations have all been online. The Federation launched an amazing program called Life:Online. It’s a new virtual education program, where people can join our community shlichim for a variety of learning opportunities. Everything from arts and crafts to Jewish philosophy, cooking to Shabbat rituals, and more – all via Zoom! the Den Vibes, a monthly musical Havdalah event that I am a part of, has also gone virtual.
Everything just moved online. It made us all have to adjust ourselves – and a lot came out of it, including some collaborations with different JAFI (Jewish Agency For Israel) Shlichim from North America.
Shy: A dream DC day for me would include starting the morning a bit late and going on a short hike in the nature trails of Northern Virginia (where I live) with my friends, having lunch at Oh Mama in Rockville. Oh Mama is an Israeli restaurant that makes me feel like I am back home in Jerusalem from the moment I walk in – the smells, the Israeli music, the design, the Hebrew, and the food (oh, the food!). Then I would continue with a walk around DC, seeing the monuments and having dinner and drinks somewhere in the city. To finish the day, I would find a Sofar Sounds concert – intimate, surprising, inspiring and fun. It will have to include a Metro ride, which I love, as I get to see all different types of people, feel the city, and enjoy the ride.
Shy: At the end of a long week, I like having a Shabbat dinner (even if a small symbolic one) with my girlfriend, going on walks, working out, watching TV, and playing music. Being a singer-songwriter, the weekend is pretty much the only time I have to give my music some time.
Shy: I try to live life fulfilling my dreams, so some of my bucket list has been checked –
Some of the things I would still love to do, some are crazy dreams. The list includes performing on Broadway, traveling to Hawaii, becoming a professional consultant (for organizations or individuals), buying a house, owning a sports car, driving a motorcycle, completing my education book I’ve been working on and leading lectures about the topic to different professionals.
Shy: I would love to live somewhere simple – maybe on a farm, working with my hands, with animals, riding horses, and focusing on the here and now. I feel like having an experience like that can make me appreciate myself and my abilities more. It can help me focus on what’s important and build character.
Shy: They bring a variety of personalities, and create a fun-loving atmosphere.
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