The Message of Breslov Chassidus
Rebbe Nachman's influence in today's Jewish world continues to spread and grow. Throughout the Jewish world, you can find all types of people that feel a strong affiliation to the Breslov Movement. The unique ability of the Rebbe's teachings to explain the deepest secrets of Torah wisdom in a way comprehensible to the simplest people continues to inspire Jews from all sorts of backgrounds and levels of observance, Ashkenazim and Sephardim alike.
Some of the main teachings of Rebbe Nachman include:
- Finding happiness and G-d in every situation
- Building faith in G-d, His Tzaddikim (righteous teachers) and in ourselves
- Learning to find the good points in yourself and in others
- Setting aside a time to speak to G-d in your own language-just like you were conversing with your closest friend.
- Know! A person must pass on a very narrow bridge. The most important thing is not to be afraid.
Why Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef?
With Breslov growing worldwide, it should be no surprise to find that here too in Ramat Bet Shemesh Alef, Israel, the resurgent interest in Breslov teachings has blossomed. Situated in the central belt between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef is one of the largest and fastest growing English-speaking communities in Israel. More and more people making Aliya to Israel have chosen Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef as their new home. Many new synagogues have sprouted up in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef to support the growing population. However, there still is no permanent Breslov Shul.
A diverse community where faith in coming together is everything!
Our community is quite unique in that it blends English-speakers (mostly Americans) with native Israelis. Within our community you will find all types of people, even some direct descendants of Rebbe Nachman himself!
For years we have taken the initiative with organized events appealing to a wide spectrum of interests far beyond the immediate shul membership. We have had group Shabbos meals, run a weekly malava malka and given classes about Breslov Chassidus. We have hosted many guests including Rav Nachman Burstein Shlita, Rav Nassan Maimon Shlita, Rav Chaim Kramer Shlita, and Rav Moshe Bienenstock Shlita among many others. Yosef Karduner and Menachem Herman are some of the musicians that have perfomed at our events.
Breslov Ramat Bet Shemesh Alef: A Building Project with a Lofty Vision
Over the years, our growing congregation has moved from one temporary dwelling to another. We are convinced that it is essential to build a permanent shul and that the time is now. It will serve the community as a "Mikdash Me'At", a holy sanctuary, for Torah Study, prayer, and other service of HaShem according to the path and teachings of our holy Rebbe.
Our community originally started in one apartment and then moved to another apartment. Currently we rent a space in a classroom in a public school. We have limited access to this shared facility which greatly stifles the scope of our activities. We are rapidly outgrowing this present facility since our community is young and vibrant with so much potential to grow. Virtually all the leading Rabbonim of Breslov and the Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef community have given us their blessings and encouragement, but we also need your support.
It is explained in Likutei Halachos (from Rav Noson Z"l, main disciple of the Rebbe -laws of morning blessings 5, 94) that giving charity for the building of a synagogue has eternal value and is the highest level of charity. The new building will have far reaching positive effects on all the members of the community and the entire town.
We are currently raising funds to finance the construction of a modern synagogue & community center. The Beit Shemesh City Council has granted our congregation permission to build a spacious 2600 sq. ft. structure on top of an existing single-floor structure on Nachal Lachish Street. Nachal Lachish has the special feature of lying close to the geographical center of Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef.
A Worldwide Community Effort
Each family in our community has pledged a contribution toward the building expenses, however, we are not a financially wealthy community. Outside donations are fundamental in helping us to raise the total required funds.
We are calling upon the generosity of the wider public for help in raising the remaining balance of the $300,000 to complete the building. Light, economically-priced building materials will enable us to attain a beautiful, structurally-sound edifice without any compromise of quality. For a price of only $300,000 the entire shul can be finished, including furnishings and interiors. Your help will enable us to realize our dream of a multi-faceted facility to serve the entire community and its surroundings. The building of the synagogue will provide great opportunities for the men and women of our community with an ever-growing circle of young people and toddlers—to enjoy and take advantage of many cultural and religious activities in our new permanent home.
Build a Torah center in Israel, brick by brick!
Donate one brick for $36
Put a note in
A raffle entry to win a round trip ticket from anywhere in the world to Israel (4 tickets will be given away)
Raffle to be held at shul building dedication
