FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS SHINE SISTERS?
Shine Sisters is a community project providing women who move to Israel with a “big sister,” offering them the opportunity to connect, support and feel warmly welcome in their new home country. On the flip side, it is also pairing women who have lived in Israel for a certain length of time with a “little sister” and enables them to offer support, guidance and mentorship to another woman on her new Israel journey.
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF SHINE SISTERS?
Our mission is to provide international women who arrive in Israel with a supportive network of women in Israel who want to empower, inspire and support new immigrants with integrating into Israeli society. We aim to alleviate the stress and anxiety which accompanies moving to a new country by offering new women an immediate opportunity to create bonds, receive guidance and feel warmly welcome in their new ‘home away from home’.
Our vision is to be the “big sister” everyone needs when they move to Israel by fostering an inspired network of women who are dedicated to giving back to Israel and feel truly connected with the community and country. Our network will also allow for easier access to basic needs like jobs, apartments, cool opportunities and exclusive resources to get involved with and settled in the local community.
We believe that being warmly welcomed into a supportive community will create long term positive impact for women who are from the diaspora with hopes of building lives in Israel.
WHAT’S A BIG SISTER?
A big sister is someone who wants to share your gifts of knowledge, support and shine towards the women who are beginning their journey in Israel. As we know, moving to Israel can be rough (to say the least). Imagine how amazing it would have been to have a big sister to guide us, listen to us and simply be there as a support system. Well, it’s time to shine, sister!
Big sisters check in with their littles and genuinely care about their experiences and positive development in Israel. A big sister understands that all of our journeys may be different, but that having someone to care and call will make all the difference in the world to a new sister.
WHAT’S A LITTLE SISTER?
A little sister is looking for someone who can “show her the ropes” of living in Israel. Little sisters need help with things big and small, from the best time to show up for Misrad Hapanim to the best bakery with the best croissant to the where to get a haircut. A little sister is in need of guidance, advice and a listening ear.
A little sister is full of courage and hope for her future in this country and all she can offer her new community. She understands that life might be a little easier with a big sister who has her back (in fact, a whole community of big sisters).
HOW ARE MATCHES MADE?
After completing your application, we will match you with a sister based on language, location, interests and specific requests to the best of our ability.
HOW LONG IS THE MATCHING PROCESS?
As this is the initial launch of the project, the matching process will take about 30 days. We will update you throughout the matching process as needed.
WHAT IF YOU CAN’T FIND ME A MATCH?
Matching is an ongoing process, so while we are working to the best of our ability please know that it may require some patience, dear darling. If you’re in urgent need of a big sister, you’re always welcome to reach out to us directly at heyshinesisters@gmail.com. If we can’t find you a match in your location, we will be happy to discuss further options with you.
WHAT IF MY SISTER AND I DON’T GET ALONG?
Sounds like you’re sisters already! Make it work. For the good and the bad, you’re family for the next 6 months. Every challenge is something to learn from.
That being said, we are looking for big sisters who can commit to being a badass role model to whoever her little sister may be. We see it as a journey in learning more about yourself and working towards breaking down the women-on-women judgement we have learned to immediately impose on others.
But - if you see that your sister isn’t sticking to the program, be in touch.
HOW LONG IS THE PROJECT?
The project is a 6-month commitment. Of course, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to continue your relationship with your sister for as long as you want after the project ends.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Shine Sisters is completely free to join!
WHAT DOES SHINE SISTERS ENTAIL? WHAT AM I COMMITTING TO?
Shine Sisters is a two-sided commitment to trust and support one another as women.
Requirements for the project are minimal, and like everything in life, what you choose to put into it - is exactly what you will get out of it.
With that said, it’s a good idea to set some guidelines, and here is what we ask of you:
-
You agree to meet face to face once a month.
-
You check in on each other at least twice a month.
-
We will also organize some fun (optional) events for you. Plus, we’ll provide cool local resources and exclusive discounts, just for you.
The monthly meetings and check-ins are meant for you to discuss any challenges you’ve been experiencing in your life - whether it’s career, boys, or bureaucracy, Your big sister is there to listen, support, and spend time with. Of course, you can choose to meet more than once a month, have fun, and explore Israel and its million opportunities together.
Big Sisters, you will be required to participate in a one 3-hour session mentorship workshop in order to receive the necessary tools to support your little sister the best you can.
Little Sisters, your big sister is not your mom. She is not responsible for doing anything for you, but will surely encourage and support you to do for yourself.
Read more about Shine Sisters requirements here.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Big Sisters:
To be a big sister you must be an Olah Chadasha/Toshav Chozer/Permanent Resident who has lived in Israel for at least 3 years and feels stable and secure living in Israel.
To be a big sister you should have the desire to connect, motivate, empower, uplift and support the personal growth of a woman who has recently moved to Israel.
Being a big sister requires patience, compassion, positive energy and a basic understanding of how Israel works. We know how much easier it would have been with a big sister and we’re here to make the process easier for our new sisters.
Are you an Israeli woman who wants to support our international community? Get in touch with us at heyshinesisters@gmail.com.
Little Sisters:
Anyone can be a little sister, as long as they are seeking guidance in their desire to build a life in Israel and learn from the women who already have some experience doing so.
To be a little sister, you should be open to guidance, connection, support and hoping to feel more rooted in Israel. Your big sister isn’t your mom or your madricha. She wants to support you in living and developing as a woman in Israel and living your best life.
We reserve the right for final decisions regarding admission into the program.
WHERE IS SHINE SISTERS LOCATED?
Shine Sisters is based in Tel Aviv but the project is open to all of Israel. Most community events will be held in Tel Aviv.
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN SHINE SISTERS?
Because it’s fun, you will learn a lot, meet amazing women, and play an active role in making our community stronger. Plus, there will be tons of unique opportunities to learn, lead, laugh - and explore life together in the best country in the world.
Still hesitant? Here’s a few more reasons:
-
Because giving and receiving genuine support is great.
-
Because this project is working to impact long-term positive and social change for the international Israeli community.
-
Because there is always someone to go to happy hour with.
-
Because you can actively work to create the kind of community you want to live in.
-
Because fostering trust and deep connections between women is one of the most powerful experiences there is.
-
Because we’re stronger together.
WHO’S RUNNING THIS PROJECT?
Shine Sisters is being run by School of Shine. School of Shine is a positive women's resource which helps women connect with themselves and their communities. We offer creative tools, positive guidance and exploratory events to help women focus on what's important for living a happy and healthy life in Israel and beyond. We host workshops, happy hours, online programs, festivals and fundraisers. Feel free to join our Facebook group here, or find us on Instagram.
If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@schoolofshine.com.
WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT WILL BE PROVIDED TO ME?
The best kind of support there is, the sisterly kind! And just FYI, we are not a crisis center. Shine Sisters will support and guide every sister towards being the best kind of sister. Should you experience a serious issue or crisis, we are always here to refer you to additional community resources which may better suit your needs.
All sisters are welcome to talk to us about any ideas or challenges that arise within the Shine Sisters project.
I HAVEN’T “OFFICIALLY” MADE ALIYAH YET BUT I’M IN ISRAEL AND I WANT A BIG SISTER.
Cool, and yalla! If you have not yet made Aliyah but want to/plan on it in the future, you are still welcome to join the project as long as you can commit to the 6-month program requirement.
I HAVEN’T “OFFICIALLY” MADE ALIYAH YET AND I’M NOT IN ISRAEL AND I WANT A BIG SISTER.
Right now, we can only accept sisters who are on our holy soil. Feel free to keep us updated on your arrival date!
WHAT IF I'M NOT JEWISH?
Are you a woman? Do you want to help a sister out? Are you living and loving in Israel? That's all that matters to us! So sign right up, gorgeous!
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
Yay! Fill out our big sister application HERE. Little sisters, go HERE. Our Fall 2018 Session Applications are open until October 24, 2018.
Please note the application should take approximately 10 minutes to fill out so get comfy and dive in, darling!
WHY IS THE APPLICATION SO LENGTHY?
Because we take our sisterhood seriously and we are building a network of the most genuine, high quality and heart-centered women around. And more so, we want to know your desires and challenges, and your personal relationship with Israel, so that we can build this project to directly suit your needs.
WHEN DOES SHINE SISTERS BEGIN?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but the next Shine Sister session will not begin until Fall 2018. Applications are accepted until October 24 and the program will begin on November 8.
SHINE SISTERS FALL 2018 TIMELINE
I HAVE A SMALL BUSINESS AND LOTS OF IDEAS. HOW ELSE CAN I GET INVOLVED?
For the ladies with local businesses, we want to support you as best we can. If you’re interested in offering an exclusive discount to the Shine Sister community, please be in touch with more about your business, what you might like to offer, and any related links.
I LOVE THIS PROJECT SO MUCH. HOW ELSE CAN I HELP YOU SISTERS OUT?
We're always looking for helping hands and hearts. Feel free to be in touch if you'd like to get more involved in our community.
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION. WHO SHOULD I ASK?
Darling sister, please email us at heyshinesisters@gmail.com.
