The Mayanot Blog

Tuesday night, the 19th of Kislev (December 17th, 2019) at the Hilton Hotel, was an amazing evening of celebration and inspiration. The groundbreaking Mayanot Leadership Gala, ‘Owning the Jewish Future’ hosted over 600 guests, donors, supporters and alumni. All in celebration of over twenty years of Mayanot’s achievements and the leaders it has produced. Each in their own way making a huge impact on the Jewish world. 
Guests came away feeling the 'support' of the Mayanot family and the enormity of the mission and vision of Mayanot, with five branches impacting thousands of people.
Guests at the event were greeted by Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, Dean of Mayanot, and Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, Executive Director.  Jeff Cohen, chairman of the board, opened the evening with greetings, while each of the alumni highlighted the effect Mayanot has had in their lives and how it has helped them today.
Mr. Hart and Simona Hasten were featured as the Guests of Honor. In their response to receiving t…

Mayanot is excited to share the progress on the main floor of the new World center.  Our team is opening up the floor to create the main steps for the entry way. Construction has been underway for three months and we are making amazing head way. 



The video below, shows our building team working on the elevator shaft and ensuring  the safety and longevity of all the elements that will make up the elevator functionality. 

We are looking forward to continuing to share the progress as it unfolds.  Thank you for all your support and contribution to this groundbreaking initiative,  and all we do at Mayanot to create future Jewish leaders. 

Written by current student, Jake G., from New Jersey. 
Growing up, I was always the only Jew in class. As a secular Jew going to public school in a Catholic town, I had no connection to any Jewish community and always felt like an outsider. Anti-semitism was a daily reality. The word “Jew” was spoken as a venomous slur. Embarrassed of my Jewish identity - a label that I did not ask for -  I retreated. I felt that religion was simply old-fashioned tribalism designed to divide us into groups. I assimilated, called myself an atheist, and explored Eastern-philosophy to satisfy my craving for spirituality.
Holiday time was especially difficult, as it seemed that theentire United States was at a party that I was not invited to. I recall the mayor of my town dressing up as Santa Claus, riding a firetruck into the town center, and giving out small gifts to all the children. I knew that I didn’t belong. The few Reform Jewish families nearby were all putting up “Hanukkah bushes”, which felt like…

Via chabadwestwood

Sharing a beautiful article by alumna and shlucha class of 2008, Zeldie Cunin. People often ask me about life as a religious Jew. I tell them, "I don't view myself as religious, or even as orthodox. " I mean, at least not in the well-known definitions of those terms. And oh do I believe that!

When I was a student studying in Israel, we had a teacher who would tell us constantly that Judaism is not a religion. I didn't really get it. What about all those nuances like lighting candles on time before Shabbat? Separating the milk and meat, plus all the details that go along with that? What about the holidays, and being sure to pray at the right time of day? I didn't get it. I really didn't.

Until I learned about relationships. I studied how the relationship with my Creator is synonymous to a relationship with a parent, a master or boss, a sibling, and possibly most importantly to a spouse. And as I grow into each of those roles and find the beauty …

The building team at Mayanot has been working very hard on the renovations of the New World Center and we have made much progress. Below are some photos and video of the basement and first two floors. Not only do we want to share our physical progress with the entire Mayanot family, but also the overall vision for the building, which we know you will appreciate, as well. 


OUR VISION
To answer the challenges facing us today and prepare for the challenges of the future, Mayanot has created a World Center of operations located in the heart of Jerusalem. Mayanot’s new World Center is a five story, 3,500 square meters (37,674sq. ft.)  building with an open-air rooftop garden.  "The Word Center will allow Mayanot to enhance and expand its current programs and also provide a home for a palette of new programs, including:
1)The Beit Midrash Program - Jewish Literacy and serious textual study, essential to Jewish continuity and leadership, will be the core curricula for the Mayanot Beit Midr…

Join us as we embark on a new chapter in Jewish heritage, education and activism. This year’s Mayanot Gala Dinner will be celebrating today's leaders and honoring some of the most influential people in the Jewish world.To make your reservation, click here.



B”H
Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies
Cordially invites you to attend
The Mayanot Leadership Gala
Tuesday, December 17th, 2019
19th of Kislev, 5780

Hilton New York
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York City

Cocktails: Five Thirty, Dinner: Seven o’clock
Formal Attire, RSVP
$600 per person,
$1,000 per couple,
$360 young professional (under 30)

Guest Speaker
Joseph Telushkin , World Renowned Author

Honoring:
Hasten Family, Legacy Award
Cross River, Philanthropy Award
Exigent Capital Group, Eliezer Brender, Eric Davis & Simcha Mann, Builders of Zion Award - פרס בוני ציון

Presentations:
Mr. Steven C. Witkoff receiving the inaugural
‘Andrew Witkoff Memorial Humanitarian Leadership Award’
Miri Birk, Jewish Leadership Award
Dr. Rabiel Amirian, Maimonides…