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On a recent Wednesday evening, the two were among those who shared their post-Israel feelings at a focus group sponsored by Tzavta, a nascent network aimed at keeping those who have had meaningful Israel experiences connected to each other and the Jewish state.

A project of the San Francisco Israel Center — launched last year to build lasting connections between Bay Area Jews and Israel — the budding Tzavta (Hebrew for "together") is at this point a bit like a giant bowl of falafel paste waiting to be shaped into balls.

What sort of programming will ultimately be offered by the project, which is housed in the S.F.-based Jewish Community Federation building, depends on the participants.

"I see it as being totally different from anything that exists," said Julie Gaines Golde, Tzavta coordinator. The network will "in an authentic, not corny way, really bring in aspects of Israeli culture and society that people who spent time there love and miss."

Golde, who has been to Israel five times for work, travel, study and vacation, knows what it's like to long for Israel.

"The thing I miss most is that my Jewish life there was integrated into my life," she said. "I didn't have to think about being Jewish. I didn't have to do anything to be Jewish. I just woke up every day and it was there."

Like Shcop, Golde also misses the openness of Israel, the way residents speak their minds and open their hearts and homes to strangers.

"Everyone talks about Israeli society being forward, pushy and aggressive," Golde said. "I didn't find it that way. I found it very real in a way American society isn't."

As they pondered the future of the Tzavta community — which is supported by a one-year grant from the Helen and Sanford Diller Young Adult Leadership Development Program Fund — participants in the recent focus group offered varying visions for how to recreate the aspects of Israel they love most.

Some said they would like to get together to practice Hebrew or talk Israeli politics and culture.

Others liked the idea of an informal cafe-like setting where they could keep in touch with Israel through their taste buds, Israeli publications and maybe even an online hookup with access to the latest Israeli news. Still others said they simply wanted to be around Israelis again.

Golde points to an upcoming event that could help scratch that particular itch.

Thursday, May 22, in honor of Israel Independence Day, Tzavta will co-sponsor a concert by Noa, a popular Israeli singer-songwriter of Yemenite descent who will appear at Nob Hill Masonic Center with guitarist Gil Dor.

Such cultural events, Golde noted, tend to draw large numbers of Israelis. In addition, she believes they could help her group achieve its goal of casting a wide net over those already involved with the Jewish community and those not yet involved.

Though aimed primarily at those in their 20s and 30s, her group, she stressed, is open to anyone who yearns for Israel, is curious about Israel or nurtures a desire to plug into Jewish life. Those interested can call (415) 278-0630.

"We want to hook people into the Jewish community," Golde said, "and to use Israel as that hook."