For the past 7 years, Kavod Charter School has been welcoming interns from Israel as part of a year of service program called Shinshinim (Shinshinim is a Hebrew abbreviation for “year of service”). This program brings Israeli culture and the Hebrew language to San Diego through young Israeli ambassadors who apply to the rigorous internship program.
Shinshinim interns volunteer at Kavod during the school year, and continue their service in the summer around San Diego. Acceptance into the Shinshinim program grants a 1 year deferment of mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces, meaning that only the best and brightest are chosen for the program.
For the 2024-25 school year, we are welcoming four new Shinshinim interns to Kavod Charter School:
Neta Laytter
Neta is 18 years old and from Kiryat Tivon, a town in the north of Israel near Haifa. Before arriving in San Diego, Neta was majoring in Physics, Algorithmics, Electronics, Bio-medicine engineering and Philosophy. Neta enjoys playing electric guitar and volleyball, and he was an active member in the Israeli Scouts since 8th grade. During his senior year, Neta was a coordinator of their scouts tribe.
Neta shares why he was interested in joining the Shinshinim program: “After being in the Israeli Scouts and volunteering, it just felt like a good chance to share Israeli culture and make a difference. Plus, I really wanted to spend my gap year doing something meaningful, and building relationships in a community abroad seemed like the perfect fit for me. I’m looking forward to creating meaningful connections with people from the community here, and I look forward to exploring San Diego and other places in the USA.”
Neta loves to bring Israel’s culture in a way that’s fun and relatable to Kavod explorers, whether it’s through stories, activities, or teaching them Hebrew, sharing “I enjoy the opportunity to be more at eye level for the kids since the age gap between us isn’t as big as with the teachers.” During camp with the 6th graders, Neta shared that he enjoyed getting to know a new age group that he hasn’t worked with before. Neta currently works with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade students for Hebrew lessons, and with the TK, K & first grade students for Hebrew music. After school, you can find Neta at the Hebrew Science Club on Thursdays with the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders.
What makes Kavod Charter School so special? Neta believes it’s because Kavod blends a strong focus on Hebrew language and Israeli culture. The kids get the special opportunity to be exposed to different cultures from a young age. Welcome Neta!
Shani Hagai
Shani Hagai is 18 years old and from Kadima, Israel. In school, Shani studied physics and computer science and enjoys drawing, watching movies and participating in Scouts. During her time at Kavod, Shani works with the younger students in Kindergarten and first grade and enjoys her time with students at Art Club.
Having the opportunity to teach students about the little things that make Israel a beautiful country like Israeli foods and Israeli inventions is what Shani is excited to share with Kavod students. Shani pursued the Shinshinim Program because she wanted to connect the Israeli community with the American community. Welcome Shani!
Neta Shablin
Neta Shablin is 18 years old and comes to Kavod Charter School from Yeshuv Lapid. In school, Neta double majored in physics and biology, and enjoyed playing sports, cooking and baking (if anyone is looking for a yummy recipe – reach out to Neta!). She enjoys the Russian language because her family immigrated from Russia and she can speak, read and write in Russian. While in Israel, Neta had the opportunity to be a counselor in the Scouts and enjoyed participating in a program that prepares students for the army called “Kosher Kravi.” Since moving to San Diego, Neta continues to train in preparation for joining the army as a combat soldier.
At Kavod, Neta teaches Hebrew to 7th and 8th graders, Flex lessons to 4th graders, art classes to 1st, 3rd-5th graders and Global Studies to 5th graders. Every morning Neta enjoys the songs and fun when the school gates open to welcome Kavod explorers. What makes Kavod so special? Neta thinks it’s the exposure to the Hebrew language, and introducing the explorers to a different and unique culture.
Neta always knew she wanted to volunteer and do something meaningful, and she is thrilled to share her knowledge and love for Israel with the Jewish community in San Diego. She looks forward to exploring San Diego and the amazing views. She can’t wait to keep strengthening her connection with the Jewish community and meet new people. Welcome Neta!
Yuval Gal
Yuval Gal is 18 years old from Kiryat Tivon. During school, Yuval majored in physics, sociology and psychology. She enjoys hiking and dancing (she’s leading the Kavod Dance Club!), and she was in the Scouts movement.
Yuval shares what interested her in applying for the Shinshinim program: “I see the importance in sending young adults that will bring Israel to the world, in the way we see the country and the life there through our eyes, specifically in these complicated days.” At Kavod, Yuval is working with 5th and 6th grades in Hebrew classes, 3rd grade in global studies, Israeli flex with 5th grade, and with kindergarten in Art and Hebrew.
Last month, the Shinshinim interns attended the 6th grade field trip to the YMCA camp. Yuval shares that it was fun to build relationships with the kids, especially since she works with this group of students during the school day. Yuval knows firsthand that Kavod is a gem, and shares: “Kavod is such a special school because of the will to connect the explorers to Israel as much as they can, and I hope our presence here helps to do so.” Welcome Yuval!
Interested in hosting a Shinshinim for 3-4 months? The Shinshinim are extremely independent, having their own phone, car, doing their own laundry and supporting themselves. Opening your home to a Shinshinim intern gives your family the chance to grow their perspective and learn about the world. If you are a Kavod family interested in hosting for a few months, please email HaMorah Ronit at Ronit@kavodcharter.org
Is your child ready to join us at Kavod Charter School? We welcome ambitious TK-8th graders to learn modern Hebrew and become global citizens in our tuition-free public school. Spots available in certain grades for the 2024-25 school year. Enrolling now for 2025-26!
About Kavod
Kavod is a tuition-free public charter school in San Diego committed to growing the next generation of bilingual, globally aware leaders who will make the world a more respectful place. We offer modern Hebrew and Spanish to diverse TK-8th graders alongside a rigorous curriculum, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, and enriching electives. As a small, non-religious elementary and middle school, we are consistently ranked as a top 10% charter school in California and the nation. Kavod means respect – we believe respect makes a world of difference. Enroll with Kavod today!
