The Jewish Innovation
Mizmor leDavid synagogue has community building, humanitarian, and social projects that we want to expand and make more secure.
1) The first established was the Keren Doris Charitable Fund, which gives food vouchers and money for medications to impoverished, chronically ill, and elderly people in the neighborhood. Otherwise, these people rely on social security (~$500/month) for all their expenses, often not enough to buy the medications they need.
2) The Mizmor le David Organic Farm, next door to the synagogue, was started two and a half years ago and is maintained by contributions. It is a large (4,000 sq. ft), unique, and thriving urban farm enlivening the neighborhood. We grow organic food, teach sustainable agriculture, host volunteers, and compost our community’s kitchen scraps. Last year we were the only Shmitta (Sabbath of the Land) garden in Jerusalem, offering free, hefker (ownerless), organic vegetables for the taking. We also grow non-Shmitta vegetables according to halacha (Jewish law). We host community programs in the garden for synagogue members, student groups, and plan to integrate at-risk youth, the elderly, and adults with disabilities.
3) We are launching the Lehavot Yoga and Wellness Center, to raise money for the shul and to make the regular practice of yoga, chi kong, and krav maga inexpensive and accessible. We hope to have multiple classes each day except Shabbat. Our teachers are seasoned professionals working on a profit-sharing basis with the Synagogue to create a vital congregation and community.
4) In light of recent and ongoing events in and around Jerusalem, Mizmor is concerned with security. Depending on available funds, we will budget an armed guard–at least for friday night when our attendance is over 200 people–as well as security training for 5 members, lights, and cameras. The estimated first year costs for this are $30,000.
The Impact
Mizmor le David is a Jerusalem synagogue community with a commitment to learning, warm welcome, and spirited participation. We pray nusach-sfard with the tunes and tradition of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach. Our services are exceptionally lively and infused with kavana (intention). More than once we have overheard visitors say, “So this is what a synagogue is supposed to be!” Young people and tourists come from near and far to experience our Kabbalat Shabbat davening, which is well known on the Jerusalem student circuit. (Please come and check it out for yourselves–seating not guaranteed!)
Every day we have open and engaging classes in Rav Kook, Gmarrah, and the Zohar .
The Mizmor community is dedicated to Tikun Olam. The three parts of our program have the potential to heal, inspire, and invigorate Jerusalem.
What Will You Do with the Money?
Our goals:
1) Keren Doris Charitable Fund.
a) to double the level we began at 6 years ago, donating 40 x NS 200 (~$50) coupons for medications to impoverished, chronically ill, and elderly people in the neighborhood.
b) to address the root causes of this situation, so many elderly living with so few resources.
2. Mizmor le David Organic Farm
a) to widen the reach and scope of our teaching and encourage the growing and eating of local, organic, sustainable food. Jerusalemites can have available to them, through this program, the tools and technologies to grow a substantial amount of their own food.
b) to integrate at-risk youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities in therapeutic agriculture.
3. Lehavot Yoga and Wellness Center
a) Allow teachers to earn close to what they earn privately.
b) 3rd party insurance
c) Make the space beautiful.
d) Publicity.
e) Yoga and healthy eating classes at the Farm
f) Integrate at-risk youth, elderly, individuals with disabilities.
4. Synagogue security. In light of recent and ongoing events in and around Jerusalem, Mizmor is concerned with security. Depending on available funds, we will budget an armed guard–at least for friday night when our attendance is over 200 people–as well as security training for 5 members, lights, and cameras. The estimated first year costs for this are $30,000.
To receive a tax-deductible US receipt, please mail a check for $250 or more, made out to “CFI” to:
Central Fund of Israel, c/o Marcus Brothers Textiles, 980 6th Ave., attn: Arthur Marcus, New York, NY 10018
Write “Mizmor LeDavid Jewcer” in the memo section of the check.
Please let us know you have donated to our campaign!
