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investing in futures Ascent’s building campaign
safed. a magical pla c e w ay u p h i g h i n t h e m o u n t a i n s of northern Israel. j e w i s h m y s t i c i s m w a s b o rn h e re in a spiritual revolu t i o n 5 0 0 y e a r s ag o . T o d ay, A s c e n t works with the thou s a n d s w h o f l o c k t o t h i s s e m i n a l location, seeking tru t h , p u rp o s e a n d i n n e r p e a c e .
brief history dear friends Imagine a state of the art facility in the heart of the Old City of Safed, the most mystical ancient city in the world. Imagine if we could expand the magnitude and scope of Ascent’s activities, which touch thousands every year. Imagine if we had the facilities to offer even more dynamic and diverse programs. Imagine if the dream we’ve been dreaming together for almost thirty years could finally come true. Amazingly, all of this (and more) is happening right now. Ascent was presented with an opportunity to purchase the adjacent Hotel Tel Aviv for a reduced price. It was an offer we could not refuse. Combined with a renovation of our existing building, we are planning the creation of a magnificent new campus that will further revolutionize our important work. As is well known, Ascent has inspired Jews from all walks of life for almost three decades. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of lives have been affected. But we are not satisfied, and there is much work to be done with a new young generation, with dilemmas and questions all their own, for whom the unique style of Judaism at Ascent resonates. The new center will increase our impact exponentially, and will serve as a model of Jewish outreach that will reverberate throughout Israel and the entire world. We thank you for your generosity, and we can’t possibly move forward without the assistance and support of our friends around the world. Together, we can build a bright Jewish future for all our people.
1983 ASCENT BEGINS OFFERING SHORTTERM PROGRAMS IN SAFED FOR SHORTTERM VISITORS FROM OVERSEAS, TO THE DELIGHT OF MANY.
1984 ASCENT RENTS A SMALL APARTMENT COMPLEX FOR ONGOING ACTIVITIES. LAUNCH OF ‘ASCENT QUARTERLY’.
1986 ASCENT RENTS ITS FIRST FULL-TIME CENTER.
1988 ASCENT BEGINS ITS PROGRAM FOR RUSSIAN JEWS VISITING SAFED.
1990 ASCENT PURCHASES THE HOTEL FRIEDMAN IN THE OLD CITY OF SAFED – ITS CURRENT HOME.
1991 ASCENT BEGINS ITS PROGRAM WORKING WITH RUSSIAN IMMIGRANTS RESIDING IN THE SAFED AREA.
1995 DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, ASCENT LAUNCHES ITS HEBREW LANGUAGE PROGRAM DIVISION FOR ISRAELIS.
1999 ASCENT LAUNCHES THE ASCENTOFSAFED.COM WEBSITE.
2003 ASCENT EXPANDS BY PURCHASING A NEIGHBORING BUILDING.
2004 ASCENT LAUNCHES THE KabbalaOnline.org WEBSITE.
2007 ASCENT BEGINS AN OFFICIAL IDF-SANCTIONED PROGRAM OF EVENTS FOR IDF SOLDIERS TO HELP STRENGTHEN THEIR JEWISH IDENTITY.
2008 ASCENT REACHES MILESTONES OF OVER 55,000 ANNUAL VISITORS AND OVER 1 MILLION WEBSITE HITS.
2010 ASCENT PURCHASES THE Hotel Tel Aviv AND EMBARKS ON AN AMBITIOUS BUILDING CAMPAIGN.
mission through
its
center
in
programs
throughout
far
ascent
east,
safed israel
creates
and and
high
its the
impact
experiences that engage visitors with a vibrant, spiritual judaism. Our programs address the realities of the modern world and resonate with a personal relevance that connects jews of all backgrounds
Warm Regards,
1983 THREE YOUNG AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS REALIZE THERE’S A BIG VOID TO FILL IN ANSWERING THE SEEKERS FLOCKING TO SAFED.
Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Director
with their inner being and their heritage.
programs & services summary
what is ascent? weekend seminars social services & volunteering
classes & lectures weekday seminars ascent tent at israeli music festivals outreach around israel
outreach to backpackers in india programs for IDF soldiers
holiday programs tours & hikes noachide groups personal torah codes
immigrants & youth at risk
one-on-one learning & counseling
taste of yeshiva study program
kabbalaonline.org
ascent by the numbers (2009) 1,300 Attend Hebrew Language Seminars
17,000 Attend organized group activities at Ascent
1,350 Receive holiday
1,100 Attend English
7,500 IDF soldiers attend
650 Attend off-campus
2,350 Attend Holiday
2,650 Participate in Library
5,000 Attend outreach
2,100 Guests at “Open
1,300 Visit our New
1,000,000+
2,650 Guests for weekday
150 Participate in the
20,000+
Language Seminars
Seminars & Special Events Weekends/Shabbats�
stays and/or programs
official IDF programs at Ascent & Media Center programs Immigrant Study Center Teens at Risk program
assistance packages
outreach events in Israel
events in India (5 locations)
Website hits
Email subscribers
news
. t p e D n o nt i e t a c s c A du h ducaE t i F E has D I w IDF ent s The r epartm w parte D n n o e ti nt. ed a n launch with Asce on Part i p t i i nersh in add
safed barber makes a difference Out of
40 or 50 volun10, kes teers who participated For 20 classes, hi ed z in Ascent’s volunteer to the urs organi olo s t F pro D gram this past sumI and r ent fo ew mer, there is one who by Asc r the last f oo r stands out: Ehud the bar ber. Ehud condiers f the joint p fer f du cted a 3 day hair-cutting , o s r w o yea marathon at n will s and a local home for the elderly. Th m a r gram g e center on y pro full da y courses tal was so pleased with him that they asked two-da fundamen him back several times since. s variou n Judaism. mVolunteers spend 3 hours a day in a local a me for the elderl i y, or, they pack sandtopics scent progr lho e y ches r a A a he iev b wi at the local soup kitche ts at l T o e “ o b r n h u n. The g t of the com ewis been for younres s tegral day their J a the in h y e are t n fre e a a to r par ticipate l arkAscent activi celeb ekends are neficia s they embin e ldiers tie b e s o and w s cla sse e s. F sa ent. Th p of ID e. soldier A grou kend at Asc army servic e l e fficia on cent w their o t of
ponen
accla plann imed safed c i study ng new ful enter l-time progr a m For y
testimonials “This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life…It has helped me mature spiritually and connect more to the Jewish people…I am positive that this summer will stay with me for the rest of my life.”
ears, to Ascen college students to have be e stays. W f Safed for wee kends an n coming ith dema nd incre d short-te sive Jew asing fo rm ish Stud r a more ies prog ing “Tas extenr a m, Asce te of Ye nt is dev shiva,” opportun e a more ity in Sa full-time lopfed. study
“You do holy work! I personally am not a believer, but it is important that every person, especially in Israel, without regard to how close they are to religion, have this weekend experience!” — IDF Submarine Unit cadet
— A., Sweden
“This Shabbat was the most important event in my whole officer training course.” — IDF Cadet
“If you ask me, what was the single most important thing that impacted me this year, I without hesitation would answer: ASCENT… the people, the place, the programs... have opened a new window. Thank you!” — M., Israel
e m o h e m o c o t l e e a c r a A pl dia to is of thousands of yinoluyntgo s ma ear, ten the far east, lity Each y o t to: in l spiritua e
ascent t o host birthrig h for 30 we t groups ekends in 2010
and trav t Israelis freedom h year, Ascen g n i k e c e a s e t , d a n re o Indi time. A are the d s o o m a g r og iting and a iate pr elis vis l a fi r f s a I 0 s and it th 7,00 . m – wi e h t st year t e e hom gr tents la h c come a e s r i t l e u a o r s e I ats fiv d retre en the n h e w k e , e n The es w ect w organiz reconn Ascent ere they can ff who the sta wh d n d a e f s a e i S dd avel bu their tr
In a huge vo te of confiden ce in Ascent’s progra ms, Birthrig ht Israel officials hav e confirmed that they will send gro ups to Ascen t for an unprecedente d thirty wee k en ds this coming year. “The positiv e responses from our past groups prompted us to explore the possibii bility of sen ding more groups to Ascent,” ex p lains the Birthright Is raeli coordin ator
build r e t t e b e w o ng... s
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s y u b d e f a s f o t n asce ! l e t o h r o o d t x page 8 n e o n y r o ll st Fu
p r o g r a m g r o w t h 1984 -2010 60,000
2008 Number of annual visitors reaches 50,000 before the global financial crisis
40,000
1993 Number of annual visitors reaches 7,000 before the outbreak of the Intifada
1984 First full year: 284 participants
30,000 20,000 10,000
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
Hotel Tel Aviv rooms
SITE plan
ascent new west facade
a new ascent new combined campus: ascent & the Hotel Tel Aviv
building plans RENOVATED ASCENT + Hotel Tel Aviv =
Hotel Tel Aviv
Imagine Ascent is bursting at the seams. With a growing demand for both accommodations and programming for groups and individuals in Tsfat’s Old City, Ascent has been on the lookout for a larger property for years. Recently, the price of the Hotel Tel Aviv was dramatically reduced. With 44 rooms, 1.8 dunam of land, including 0.8 dunam of gardens, and a 1,700 square meter building, the hotel, which is adjacent to Ascent, is the ideal location. The property will be used both as a hostel and as a hotel to accommodate groups and individuals, freeing up a larger part of Ascent’s current facility for presentation and gathering space. The plan will enable us to:
• • • • •
Host guests for longer stays in better quality rooms Increase program participation by 300% Accommodate families and more diverse groups Accommodate multiple groups at the same time Generate income to support Ascent’s programs
ascent
building campaign your share in the holy land
imagine owning a piece of the Land of Israel. Ascent is offering you an exclusive opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of owning a piece of the Land of Israel. Dedicate a hotel room as part of our Building Campaign, and you’ll receive a deed to a portion of the land, and time in the newly renovated hotel. Ascent and Hotel Tel Aviv stand at the edge of the Old City of Tsfat, within paces of all of Tsfat’s holy sites and the Artist’s Quarter. Perched on the edge of a cliff, the hotel looks out over the mountains of the Galilee, which can be seen from scenic porches and many rooms. Breathtaking views, spectacular sunsets, and the serenity of Northern Israel make it the perfect
A unique, amazing opportunity to own a piece of Israel View from Ascent & the Hotel Tel Aviv
setting in which to refresh your spirits, and reconnect to the land of our prophets. What could be better? You’ll be a partner with Ascent, impacting tens of thousands of lives every year, you’ll own a piece of the Land, and you’ll have the best vacation spot in the world. Contact us to learn more about this amazing opportunity.
$26,000 for your room in Tsfat • • • • •
Annual one-week stay Includes Shabbat with all meals, and full room service 2 to 4 people per room Dedication plaque Renewable after 30 years
Non-transferable except to immediate family No rollover of days from year to year No guarantee you will stay in the room you dedicated. Certain blackout periods apply
annual operating budget Expenses Activities Income Government Funding
$1,526,000 530,000
Expenses by Program Groups 26%
Individuals 44%
36,000 IDF 23%
ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
10
$960,000 Russian 7%
invest in futures
Dedications Honor your family or the memory of a loved one by dedicating a room in our new state of the art campus that will host tens of thousands of guests every year.
Please see the enclosed Dedication Opportunities, or contact us for details.
b u i l d i n g c a m pa i g n Purchase of the Hotel Tel Aviv
$2,420,000
Improvements to the Hotel Tel Aviv
600,000
Renovations to the Ascent Building
900,000
building campaign
grand total
$3,920,000
$4,880,000
11
a new ascent
Make your investment today ascent’s building campaign Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Executive Director +972-52-677-0140 | +972-4-692-1364 x106 director@ascentofsafed.com
Please contact us for more information, letters of recommendation, audited financial statements, and wire details at assistant@ascent.co.il. Checks may be mailed to the following addresses: Israel: 2 Ari St., PO Box 296, Safed, ISRAEL +972-4-692-1364 x106 Non-profit# 580065159 USA: 383 Kingston Ave., Rm. 28, Brooklyn, NY 11213, Tax ID# 11-2879462 Canada: c/o Mizrachi Canada, 296 Wilson Ave., Toronto ON M3H 1S8 (Please make the check payable to Mizrachi, and include a note that the funds are for Ascent.) Great Britain: F/O Ascent, 3 Sunny Gardens Parade, London NW4 1JA, UK Charity# 328625
ASCENT is recognized as an educational service provider by the Israeli Ministries of the Interior, Education and Defense, and is endorsed by rabbis and educators around the world. Ascent is a registered non-profit organization in Israel, United States, the U.K. and Canada (through Mizrachi Canada).