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View the Dedication Ceremony Video Here.
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An exciting new classroom dedication
recently took place at the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem,
thanks to the generosity of Ami and Aliza Weisz. The Weisz family, who
have a long-standing relationship with Mayanot and the Gestetner’s, decided to
honor their commitment to Jewish education by dedicating the new Beit Midrash in
the Mayanot Women’s Learning Program in
memory and honor of their parents.
The
dedication ceremony was a beautiful event that brought together members of the
Weisz family, community members, the Mayanot staff, and students. The new Beit
Midrash is a beautifully renovated space, where women will be connecting to
their Judaism in a very meaningful way, growing in their connection to G-d and
the Land of Israel. The Weisz family also donated new books and other
educational resources to enhance the learning experience of the students.
The
dedication ceremony began with a heartfelt speech from Rabbi Shlomo
Gestetner, dean of the Mayanot Institute and long-standing friend to Ami
and Aliza. He shared, “Today is about Hakarat Hatov, expressing
thanks to Ami and Aliza for their investment, both financial and personal, to
create a beautiful space for the learning of Torah.”
Ami
and Aliza Weisz both spoke about their commitment to education and their
admiration for Mayanot and it’s activities. They explained that their donation
was not just about the physical classroom, but about the impact it would have
on the students who would learn and grow within its walls.
Ami
discussed who the dedication was for, both his parents and Aliza’s father, who
were Holocasut survivors. He shared the bravery of his parents, going through
the Holocaust at only 15 years old. He encouraged the women by saying, “Hashem
gave us a lot of power and all we need to do is share it, all we need to do is
open our heart to other people and the world could be such an amazing place.”
Aliza
told everyone about her father and all that he was able to accomplish in his
life time and how it inspires her throughout her life. His teachings of, “determination
and hard work … if you have a vision be willing to do whatever it takes to make
it happen.”
Rivka
Marga Gestetner also spoke at the dedication ceremony, expressing her gratitude
for the Weisz family's generosity and the positive impact the contribution
would have on the education of the Mayanot women’s program. She shared, “they
do everything to the highest standard, when I am willing to accept something that
I think is good enough the Weisz’s want to make it the most beautiful that it possibly
can be, and we appreciate them both so much”.
The
dedication ceremony included a ribbon-cutting, officially opening the new
classroom and sharing the plaque with the students and community members
present. The excitement and joy on the faces of everyone was evident as they
all shared a wonderful meal together and thanked the Weisz’s for their
wonderful care and generosity.
The Weisz family's dedication to Jewish education and their commitment to the Mayanot Women’s Program is an inspiration to others. Their donation will have a lasting impact on the education of the students who will learn and grow in this Beit Midrash for years to come. It is a beautiful example of how individuals and families can make a difference in the world and leave a positive legacy through their generosity and commitment to Jewish education. We are very appreciative for Ami and Aliza Weisz’s involvement and hope to continue to partner with them for many more inspiring projects in the future.
