Join Jenna in creating waves of hope across Israeli society

Hi, my name is Jenna Sheinberg, and I am having my Bat Mitzvah on March 30, 2026 in

Tel Aviv, Israel.

For my Bat Mitzvah project I chose to work with an organization that is really important

to me. The organization is called “HaGal Sheli” which translates to “My Wave” in

English. I chose this organization because it relates to me in two important ways; my

love for surfing and my strong connection to Israel. I am Israeli and have family and

friends who live there. I go almost every year, and it’s a special place to me. It is my

hope to bring awareness to this organization and the important work they are doing, and

to help raise money to support their programs.

On August 20, 2024 I moved from New york to the Dominican Republic. Before moving

here I had never been into surfing or water sports. When I heard we were moving here I

instantly knew I wanted to become a surfer. Shortly after moving, we connected with

Soul Surfers DR, a local surf academy and foundation committed to empowering youth

through the transformative power of surfing. The moment I got in the water with them, I

knew this was what I wanted to do.

Surfing has brought me such joy. It has made me more aware of myself than I have

ever had been. I have been able to apply the breathing techniques I have learned in the

water and in training class to help me push through struggles, relieve stress, and feel

calm whenever I need it (in and out of the water). The coaching and training with Soul

Surfers has done so much for me.

While researching about HaGal Sheli, I have felt connected to the personal stories and

videos on their website and social media. Their program, “Tools From the Waves” is a

“trauma therapy program that uses surfing as a therapeutic method, by combining

physical activity with structured emotional processing, enabling participants to work

through trauma in a way that significantly reduces the risk of developing post-traumatic

stress disorder (PTSD).”

Since October 7th, they expanded their programs as a response to address the trauma

among war victims. Their participants include released hostages, survivors of the Nova

Festival and other parties, displaced communities from the Gaza Envelope and

Northern Israel, security forces, and army reservists.

Here’s how I would like to ask for your help.

Starting on Sunday February 22nd (which is exactly 36 days before my Bat Mitzvah), for

every day I commit to surfing and training, I am asking you to consider sponsoring me

for 50 cents or $1 each day...or you can choose a total amount that feels meaningful to

you. In Jewish tradition, the number 36 represents double “chai,” which means life. Choosing

36 days is my way of honoring life and hoping to bring healing and strength to others

through this project.

I will continue to focus on my surf training daily in a variety of ways. This includes:

surfing alone, lessons with coaches, video analysis, pop up practice, surf skating, gym

training, pool training, meditating, learning from surf friends, and more. Please consider

sponsoring me as I raise funds for HaGal Sheli’s surf therapy program.

My family and I will share some updates through email, messages and social media.

You can make a donation directly to HaGal Sheli using this link for my Bat Mitzvah

project. Every dollar raised will go directly to the organization.

Thank you for your support. If you have any questions please let us know.

Jenna