the new
BETH ELISHEVA COMMUNITY CENTRE
A Time to Plant
More than thirty years ago, Mrs. Elizabeth Zerner donated her home to serve as the synagogue for the fledgling Jewish community in Thailand. Though she was one of only a few Jewish people here, she lived the words of King Solomon: “For everything there is a time…” She chose to honor the humble Jewish life she enjoyed by planting the seeds for the vibrant community she knew would grow.
A Time To Build
True to her dream, today, Beth Elisheva—“Elizabeth’s Home”—welcomes more than 150 families to weekly Shabbat and holiday services and joyous family celebrations. Our vibrant Hebrew and Day Schools, kosher food offerings and well-used Mikvah have transformed the face of Jewish life in Thailand. Like those who planted for us, we too are ready to build for those who will follow.
I NT RODUCI NG T HE M AG NI FI CENT NEW
Z E R NER CAMP US for JEW ISH LIFE
In the heart of Thailand, our new community center will be a true reflection of the vibrant Bangkok Jewish community. The center will be a prestigious home for year-round services and celebrations, and a point of pride for generations.
The new Beth Elisheva at a glance:
1.8X
LARGER
TRIPLED
SOCIAL HALL
REJUVENATED SANCTUARY
8 NEW
CLASSROOMS
NEW
WOMEN’S MIKVA WITH 3 PREPARATION ROOMS
KOSHER CAFÉ AND MARKET NEW MEN’S MIKVA NEW KEILIM MIKVA
A TIME TO SHARE CURRENTLY: A SMALL, SINGLE-ROOM SANCTUARY Our new sanctuary will be a crown jewel for the local population and for visitors from throughout the world. Spacious and bright, the sanctuary will be a place of community connection and personal reflection well-lit hallways and grand entryways will be built, befitting a House of G-d.
A TIME TO PRESERVE CURRENTLY: WOMEN’S MIKVA WITH ONE DRESSING ROOM Young families, the heartbeat of our community, will take pride in Bangkok’s new state-of-the-art Mikva complex—a women’s mikva with three exquisite dressing rooms, a spacious new men’s mikva and a vessel mikva.
A TIME TO GROW CURRENTLY: A LACK OF CLASSROOM AND LEARNING SPACE Adjacent to the remodeled sanctuary, we will build an educational wing featuring 8 classrooms, a children’s playroom and a library in which to explore the wealth of Jewish heritage. Spacious and secure elevators will provide welcoming access from story to story.
A TIME TO DANCE CURRENTLY: A NONDESCRIPT MULTIPURPOSE ROOM From brit ceremonies to Bar Mitzvahs, Shabbat Kiddush to Passover Seders, our new center will boast a stunning space for community celebrations of all kinds.
A TIME TO REFRESH CURRENTLY: A SMALL KOSHER STORE 10KM AWAY For the estimated 75 kosher-keeping families in Bangkok, a simple tub of Hummus or bottle of shabbat wine requires a significant outing. We are delighted to announce plans for a full-service kosher cafĂŠ and on-site market!
THE PRICE OF GREATNESS IS RESPONSIBILITY Your cherished support of our community makes you a valued partner in building the dream further. Please join us as a
Founding Benefactor in this momentous endeavor to lay down our roots and build the new Beth Elisheva Community Centre.
Rabbi Yosef C. Kantor DIRECTOR