Bnei Akiva Shlichim

What is a Shaliach?

As a Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada Shaliach, you’ll become an integral part of a mission to inspire and educate Jewish youth. Through immersive programming, community engagement, and meaningful relationships

Why Be a Shaliach?

Being a Shaliach with Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada is more than a position it’s a calling. You’ll have the unique opportunity to:

  • Shape the next generation of Jewish leaders.
  • Foster a deep connection between Chutz La’aretz and Israel.
  • Develop lifelong relationships with local communities.
  • Be part of a dynamic, global network of passionate educators and leaders.
  • Strengthen your own personal growth, leadership skills, and sense of Jewish identity.

Are You the Right Fit?

We’re looking for people who:

  • Are deeply connected to Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada’s values of Religious Zionism, Torah, and Am Yisrael.
  • Have strong leadership skills and a passion for education.
  • Can communicate effectively and build relationships within communities and schools.
  • Are ready to integrate yourself in a new community for the next two to four years.
  • We are looking for leaders who have experience with formal and informal education.

The Shlichut Experience

What Does Shlichut Look Like?

Video showcasing daily life as a Shaliach or an interactive gallery with photos from various shlichim around the world.

The Journey to Becoming a Shaliach

Becoming a Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada Shaliach is a rewarding journey. Here’s what the process looks like:

Submit Your Application
Initial Interview:

Discuss your background and motivations.

Placement:

We'll match you with a community and role that fits your talent.

Training Program:

Participate in our pre-shlichut educational sessions.

Shlichut Begins:

Embark on your mission and make an impact!

Meet Our Current Shlichim

Detroit Shlichim:
Eitan and Rivka Lichtman

Eitan and Rivka come on shlichut from Beit Shemesh. Eitan spent time learning in Yeshivat Keren B’Yavneh and Yeshivat Har Bracha. He has a degree in computer science from Ariel University and a teaching certificate from Michlelet David Yellin. Rivka did a double major in education and Tanach and also received a teaching certificate. They also participated in the Shalhevet shlichut training program. They have both worked formally as teachers in Israel and informal education through camps and shul programming. Rivka even did a year on shlichut in Great Neck working in North Shore Hebrew Academy and running….BNEI AKIVA! Funnily enough, though they both grew up in Beit Shemesh, did many of the same things, and even went to the same camps, they had never met until they were set up by two of their friends. They love traveling around Israel with their children and cooking food from different cultures.

Lower Merion Shlichm:
Baruch and Noa Kempinski

Baruch and Noa come on shlichut from Yerushalayim. Baruch has degrees in Torah Shebe’al peh and History and learned in Yeshivat Kiryat Shemonei and in Rav Rimon’s Kollel. He has taught in Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi and Chorev High School. Noa has master's degrees in teaching Torah Shebeal Peh and Jewish Philosophy from Jerusalem College. She also has a BA in Hebrew Language and Tanach. She has taught middle school and high school at Ulpanat Talia and has worked as a mechanechet as well as informally. Both Noa and Baruch have worked for BNEI AKIVA in Israel training madrichim and creating programming for Bnei Akiva seminars. Baruch and Noa love music and dancing with their kids. Fun Fact: they met after Baruch went on a date with Noa’s cousin. They realized it was not a match but thankfully, Noa's cousin set up Baruch with Noa a week later!

Toronto Shlichim:
Benji and Nechama Berger

Benji and Nechama come to shlichut from Yatir. Benji learned at Yeshivat Shavei Chevron. He has both a bachelor's degree and a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Bar Ilan University as well as a teaching certificate. He has taught at various places and worked as the Director of Amishav, the BNEI AKIVA program that assists new olim in integrating into Israeli society. Nechama did national service working with the elderly and has worked in informal educational programming for various midrashot, summer camps, and Bnei Akiva in both Israel and America. They love dancing with their kids to Just Dance and DJ Raphi videos!

Montreal Shlichim:
Elinoy and Moshe Chen

Elinoy and Moshe come from Moshav Yatir. Moshe studied in Yeshivat Otniel and then started his army service where he became a commander. Moshe studied engineering and works as a contractor. He also runs training programs and leadership seminars with Chardei youth to prepare them for army service. Moshe helped to start a new BNEI AKIVA snif when he was a teen. Elinoy has a BA in Special education and Art therapy and also did training in therapeutic gardening. Elinoy worked as the programming Director for all the Yishuvim in Harei Chevron and was responsible for all of their educational and cultural events and programming. Elinoy is a talented baker. Both Moshe and Elinoy share a love of books. Cute story: They met when Moshe finished hiking Shvil Yisrael. A mutual friend introduced him to Eliny so he could advise her, as she was about to start Shvil Yisrael. They were married shortly after.

Atlanta Shlichim:
Liel and Roni

Liel and Roni got married a few months before going on shlichut. Liel grew up in Haifa and Roni grew up in Hosheya. They met in the army while in the Nativ program, working with and teaching soldiers going through the conversion process. After their service concluded, they joined a program in Eilat where they provided activities and support for families that were evacuees due to the war. Liel and Roni wanted to start their life together, contributing to Am Yisrael meaningfully.

Houston Shlichim:
Odeya and Harel Maman

Harel and Odeya come from Kitryat Melachi. Odaya learned in midrasha and has a degree in Psychology. She has worked in many creative educational areas including being a Director of special needs programming for BNEI AKIVA in Israel. Odeya previously spent a year on shlichut in Montreal. Harel learned in yeshiva in Itamar. He is pursuing a degree in Agronomy at Hebrew University. He has taught various subjects as well as used his passion for agriculture and outside endeavors as a way to connect to students both in and outside the classroom. Harel and Odeya met in 11th grade at a BNEI AKIVA camp and have been together since then. They share a love of hiking. Odeya likes to bake and Harel likes to do woodworking.

Cleveland Shlichim:
Nechama and Betzalel Hazen

Nechama and Betzalel come from Pnei Kedem, a small Yishuv in Mizrach Gush Etzion. They have 3 children; Roi, Rotem, and Einav Nechama worked in informal education for many years in various jobs. Most recently at the Gush Etzion Recreational Center as a leadership and project coordinator in the youth division. Betzalel worked in non-profit fundraising while finishing his business degree. Betzalel and Nechama both come from American families who made Aliyah and are proud to be raised in Israel. They love to go on tiyulim, especially in the Golan and Kineret.

Boston Shlichim:
Yedidya and Shira Meuchas

Yedidya is a teacher and educator, passionate about Tanach and a musician at heart. Shira is a project manager and community coordinator, who loves connecting people, meaningful conversations and good food. We’re super excited for this next chapter in Boston! The idea of going on shlichut has been growing in us for years. We truly believe that meaningful personal connections are a key part of the broader bond between Israel and the Jewish world. During the war, we received so much support from the international community — it reminded us how deeply we’re all part of one story. We’re really looking forward to meeting the Boston community, connecting with the amazing teens there, and learning from them too.

Chicago Shlichim:
Itai and Shira Jacobs

Itai and Shira Jacobs are super excited to be joining the Chicago community this coming summer as shlichim. Shira will be working for Bnei Akiva and teaching at Ida Crown and Itai is joining the Yeshiva University Torah Mitzion Kollel. The Jacobs are moving from Jerusalem with their adorable 2 boys Roi' (3 years) and Gilad (4 months). Itai is a Social worker in the mental health field and this past year has been going back and forth to reserves duty in the IDF. Shira is a Tanach teacher and a Mechanechet in a girls middle school in Jerusalem. Itai made Aliya from South Africa at 18 years old and Shira has done Shlichut in Houston and has worked on a few programmes for global Jewry.

Seattle Shlichim:
Yonatan and Eliana Himelstein

Yonaton and Eliana Himelstein are form Alon Shevut, Israel. Eliana is a nurse and midwife at Shaarei Tzedek Hospital, and Yonaton is the Head of Informal studies at Yeshivat Har Etzion High School. They have three adorable children: Yair (5), Ziv (3), and baby Rotem (4 months) They are thrilled to be coming to Seattle and can not wait to meet the community.

Los Angeles Shlichim:
Etan and Ayala Taragin

Etan and Ayala are coming on shlichut from the City of David. Etan grew up in Hashmonaim. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and History, a Master's degree in American Jewry, and a teaching certificate. He has taught in various educational settings, and in recent years has been teaching at a Mechina and leading youth groups from abroad as a director and tour guide. Ayala grew up in Gush Katif and later moved to Ashdod. She completed her national service in a Garin Torani. She holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Social Work, and for the past six years has been working with foster families. Etan and Ayala got married during the war, and B"H, they recently had a sweet baby girl. They’re very excited about there upcoming shlichut, After hundreds of day's in reserves to embark on a new journey. Getting to know new communities, building and strengthening connections between different Jewish communities both in Israel and around the world, working with youth, and being a part of something meaningful that can change lives.

Dallas Shlichim:
Ophir & Yeeli Zamir

We’re excited to welcome Ophir and Yeeli Zamir as the new shlichim to the Dallas community! Originally from Revava in the Shomron, Ophir and Yeeli are passionate about building meaningful connections and creating warm, welcoming spaces for others. Together with their son, Dagan, they are looking forward to bringing their energy, warmth, and love for Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Torat Yisrael to Dallas. Hosting is one of their favorite things to do, and they can’t wait to open their home and hearts to the community. We can’t wait to see the incredible impact they’ll make in Dallas this year!

Frequently Asked Questions

We are looking for a 2 to 4 year commitment.

We are looking for people with teaching experience ( formally and informally)and experience working with youth.

Strong support is essential to successful shlichut. We will support you from the interview process, placement and throughout your entire shlichut. Both professionally and emotionally. Through supplied educational materials, logistics support, training sessions, weekend retreats with other shlichim and visits to your communities.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you’re passionate about inspiring the next generation and strengthening Jewish communities, apply today to become a Bnei Akiva of the US and Canada Shaliach.

Apply Now

Contact Form

Contact Devorah Start Director of Shlichim by email at [email protected] or phone +972 58-681-0945