Ascent Annual Report 2017 by Ascent of Safed

TSFAT. SOUL. EXPERIENCE

2018 ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 1 7 - 1 8 REP O R T / 2 0 1 8 - 1 9 O U T L O O K

ASCENT’S NEW BRANDING INITIATIVE Ascent’s success is in bringing people through our doors to learn about their Jewish heritage. Over the last thirty-five years Ascent has expanded our programs enormously from 200 participants in our first year to over 60,000 in 2017. We now have many individual departments, each responsible for a different audience in order to fulfill our mission. These departments are: • Hebrew speaking adults and families • English speaking adults and families • Israel defence and security forces • Educational groups - elementary school through college students, private and public sector organizations • Internet outreach • Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat), Ascent’s guest-house The time had come to utilize a branding strategy that would demonstrate the synergy of all our departments. Staff worked together with professional graphic artists and marketing specialists and reached a consensus on a logo that would coordinate promotion but also highlight Ascent’s mission.

TSFAT. SOUL. EXPERIENCE

The end result graces the cover of this year’s Annual Report – and our new front door! Six colors are used in the new logo, shades that reflect the tones of the natural landscape surrounding Ascent. Five of these colors represent different areas of Ascent’s focus vis-a-vis the public (see logos below). The images of a mountain range and a bird in flight connect to the work of Ascent - facilitating the Jewish soul soaring higher – and to the spectacular and inspiring landscape that enhances our work.

CONTENTS BRANDING INITIATIVE

OUR MISSION

FROM THE DIRECTOR

OVERVIEW

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

PROGRAM REPORTS:

STUDENTS & TRAVELERS

EDUCATIONAL GROUPS

IDF & LONE SOLDIERS

INTERNET OUTREACH

ASCENT LODGE (BAYIT Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;TSFAT) 14

NEWS & UPDATES

THE ASCENT TEAM

OUR PARTNERS

FISCAL REPORT

OUR MISSION: TO AWAKEN JEWS IN ISRAEL AND AROUND THE WORLD TO A JUDAISM THAT IS RELEVANT, PERSONAL AND FULFILLING.

WHY

The cornerstone of what Ascent does is education with love—a love of our fellow Jew, a love of Torah, a love of the Land of Israel. People are attracted to this authenticity. Add to that our dedication to quality programs and professionalism, and that’s the formula that makes Ascent so special.

WHAT

Ascent is a non-profit education and resource center in northern Israel, established in 1983, with a 230 bed campus in Tsfat’s Old Jewish Quarter. We serve young and old with an authentic short but focused interactive and personalized Jewish learning experience.

HOW

Ascent serves the entire spectrum of the Jewish people: IDF soldiers, English speakers, Russian and Ethiopian immigrants, Israelis, high school and college students, families and couples and tour groups from all over the world. Ascent educates and inspires more than 60,000 people a year through day and overnight programs, using a broad range of educational activities and experiences, connecting them to their Jewish heritage, bolstering Jewish identity and instilling Jewish pride.

IMPACT

The ignited sparks of interest and learning that are internalized at Ascent are taken back to communities literally all over the world and passed on to future generations to preserve and create a vibrant Jewish future.

ASCENT TSFAT

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends & Partners, There are two inspirational sayings that come to mind as we go to press with our 2017 Ascent Stability and Growth Annual Report. The first one is, “There is no perfection, only progress.” Jews believe that G-d gives a person seventy, eighty, ninety (and please G-d more) years to live is because we need every single second of that time, all 86,400 seconds of the day, to complete our mission in this world. Without exception, everything in this world is a work in progress. When you look at the big picture, you are simply not going to finish. The Midrash (Kohelet Rabbah 1:13) tells us that a person does not leave this world with (even) half of his (fulfilled) desires in hand. So do not expect perfection because you will not get it. But if you, and especially an organization, stops demanding progress, you’ve lost the ball. But how do you do it? How do we consistently push for progress both in our personal lives and in the organizations we work in, and lead? The answer is in the second saying: “If you think what you thought, and say what you said and do what you did, you will get exactly what you had…” We all know that “if something is not broken, don’t try to fix it.” But if it is apparent to everyone and yourself that you are going in circles and you are not happy with the results, do something different! That has been the catchphrase at Ascent for the last thirty-five years. Rosh Hashanah 5779 in Hebrew letters is ‫תשע׳׳ט‬, which form the acronym ‫תהא שנת עין טובה‬, “May it be a year of a ‘good eye’!” - a blessing to see everything in a positive light, without ever missing an opportunity to do good or make progress. Thank you for being our partner. May you be blessed with a good and sweet year. Sincerely,

Rabbi Shaul Leiter Director

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

OVERVIEW 2017-2018 With the help of a diligent and hardworking staff, Ascent has seen a consistent growth of 10% in all of our primary audiences: Hebrew and English adult & student educational groups, travelers and visitors, Israel defense & security forces, families and internet. The exception is the internationally known Birthright because of a change in their core program. In 2017 Ascent hosted a total of 61,282 participants.

TOTAL ANNUAL PARTICIPANTS 2012-2016

60,000 50,000 40,000

Rabbi Yaacov Leiter, oldest son of Executive Director Rabbi Shaul Leiter, has successfully concluded a three-year transition to become Chief Operating Officer of Ascent. Our management team is now complete after successfully filling three vacant administrative positions in Ascent (see The Ascent Team pg. 17). We wish Rabbi Yaron Mierowsky (new Director of English Programs), Rabbi Noam Wolfin (new Director of Hebrew Programs) and Ms. Michal Yefet (new Catering Manager) great success in the coming years. We began our 36th year, in August 2018, as a nationally and internationally known and respected leader of Jewish identity programs in the north of Israel. Our focus on increasing activity income has also shown fruits (see chart pg. 19). In 2017, 65% of Ascent’s expense budget was covered by income from our own broad range of activities. Rabbi Leiter can now focus on strategy, fundraising, new educational projects and capital campaigns. Utilizing the power of Facebook and taking advantage of Google’s grant for non-profit advertising, 2017 has seen a much larger Ascent presence on the internet that has brought increased numbers of individuals to our websites (see chart on page 13) and from there - to Ascent. We want to thank two staff members who have moved on. Rabbi Eyal Karouchi, longtime director of Ascent’s Hebrew programs, has joined the local city tourism office. Rabbi Yaacov Ben Shabbat, who directed our English programs, has returned to an outreach and teaching position in Texas. We wish them great success. On a sad note, one of Ascent’s long-time beloved auxiliary staff, Reb Zalman Tornek z”l, passed away. He is sorely missed.

30,000 20,000 10,000

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

TYPES OF PARTICIPANTS 2017 57% Educational Groups

12% IDF

31% Students & Travelers

Ascent completed three major projects in 2017. They are the installation of a fire-safety sprinkler system in both Ascent and Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat), refurbishment of the Ascent kitchen and construction of a caretaker’s apartment in Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat). In process are room refurbishment in Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat), a new Hebrew website and the completion of the master architectural plan for Ascent which will include a completely renovated garden, auditorium and new entrances for both Ascent and Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) - and more.

ASCENT TSFAT

IN DEVELOPMENT

Important projects crucial for Ascent’s future development that need to be completed in the immediate future MORTGAGE RELIEF $1.3M Defrayment of Ascent’s mortgage repayments would release much needed funds for expanding and optimizing our activities. ...................................

MASTER ARCHITECTURAL PLAN $64K This will take into account Ascent’s projected growth and include applying for permits for what can be built immediately. ...................................

ROOM RENOVATIONS $25K/ea Renovating 20 rooms in the Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) west wing will make it a more attractive option for IDF groups, Birthright tours and discerning tourists. ...................................

BNEI NOACH SEMINARS $50K A new frontier for Ascent - offering quality seminars in Tsfat for non-Jews wanting to lead a more moral and G-d-centred lifestyle. ...................................

SECURITY SYSTEMS $20K Crucial for the protection of our guests and a time-saving initiative for Front Office staff. ...................................

GARDEN EXHIBIT $10K An attractive exhibit of the history of Tsfat in the Ascent Garden will serve as an educational resource and draw visitors. ...................................

OBSERVATION PORCH $36K An ideally situated and peaceful space with an inspiring view, perfect for privacy, meditation and contemplation for Ascent’s spiritual seekers. ...................................

SCHOOL GROUPS $20K Developing and increasing the number of groups from Israeli schools who visit Tsfat and participate in Ascent’s programs. ...................................

NEW HEBREW WEBSITE $8K Will improve our ability to communicate with our growing online audience and add improved functionality and integrations. ................................... KABBALAONLINE.ORG $10K Funding to allow for expanded and improved content that attracts users from around the world. ................................... WEBSITE INTEGRATION $7K One unified portal to integrate all of Ascent’s websites and simplify access to all of Ascent’s varied international activities.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

ART INSTALLATION $10K Educational and visually attractive, featuring Jewish art and a video exhibit where the artist discusses the Jewish elements and background of his/her work. ............................................... +FUTURE PLANS: • Disabled access • Square of the Kabbalists • Synagogue • New office space • Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) garden development • Auditorium

• Yarchei Kallah events • Tsfat Heritage Center • Tourism film • Refurbishing of all public spaces • Self-guided tours • MASA program 7

PROGRAMS REPORT

STUDENTS & TRAVELERS C R E AT I N G A J E W I S H H O M E A W AY F R O M H O M E

OVERVIEW • Daily inspirational classes • Regularly scheduled tours and hikes in nature around Tsfat • Workshops - meditation, Kabbalah, Chassidut, music, Jewish crafts and more • Shabbat and holiday seminars - inspirational content on themed topics • Programs and activities in Hebrew, English, Russian, Spanish and French. • Jewish multimedia library • Personal counseling Ten percent growth means many more participants in our programs. Our weekend programs are packed. As more students come from Thursday night until Sunday, not only for Shabbat, we have provided more classes and activities for those extra days. There are now four daily English classes, two daily classes in Hebrew and a new weekly class in Russian (see page 16). ASCENT WILL TRAVEL

19,012 DROP-INS 5,200

OFF ASCENT CAMPUS (ISRAEL & ABROAD) 5,500

HEBREW-SPEAKING GUESTS 2,739 ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUESTS 2,250

OVERNIGHT TRAVELERS 3,323

• Increased presence on social media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. • Volunteer Program - encouraging backpackers and tourists to spend time at Ascent learning and helping the community • Increased mid-week activities as a direct result of the Volunteer Program • Focus on continued ‘follow up’ contact with participants through social media and connecting them with Jewish institutions in their respective home locations • “Shvilistim For Free!” - Israeli post-IDF backpackers on the “Israel Trail” (shvil in Hebrew) are received free of charge

We travel to inspire communities in Israel and around the world. In 2017 Ascent reached 5,500 individuals. From a onetime class to a full Shabbat experience, we look forward to meeting you. Please contact info@MyAscent.org. FUTURE PLANS • Scholarship Program - to attract new guests who would otherwise not come to Ascent • University Shabbaton Initiative - weekend retreats for specified universities in Israel • New and improved Ambassador Program 8

MY ASCENT STORY: SHOLOM Hi! I was born in Boston twenty-two years ago. Last summer I came to Ascent, leading a group as the head counselor of a boy’s summer camp - kids from the States. Those few days turned into a few weeks when I decided to help out at Ascent because of how much Ascent had helped me - and then a few ASCENT TSFAT

months - and now I’ve been in Tsfat, and very active at Ascent, for a year. With no intention of leaving. What was it about Ascent that attracted me? It’s the wonderful people from such diverse backgrounds and world-views who connect here in an open and genuine way. They connect to each other and, thanks to Ascent, to a higher spiritual resonance of their soul. Ascent’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and the peace and calm of the surrounding environment, create an opportunity that enabled me, and so many others, to deepen our insight into our higher selves, to learn about our Jewishness and share. I have gained so much from the experience at Ascent and am privileged to be part of the journey of those I meet as they learn about our precious Jewish heritage. Come and join us - Ascent is THE place 2 B!

MY ASCENT STORY: JONATHAN Thirty years ago I was a secular student at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I came, with some friends, to stay at Ascent for a Shabbat. I recently met one of those friends. We agreed that the time at Ascent was a significant, formative experience in our subsequent spiritual development. The enthusiasm for Chassidic thought and lifestyle and the chance to experience these up close, both during the classes and placement for meals with local families, made our stay meaningful and fascinating. We felt the true warmth of Judaism. It’s one thing to learn about it. It’s another thing to be an active participant. Ascent planted the seeds for a lifelong quest to delve deeper into our infinitely rich heritage. This experience has stayed with me for the past thirty years and has continued to be an inspiration in my work as a teacher in a yeshiva. To thank you with words is almost impossible. You have provided something which is intangible - a connection with 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

our Creator and the Jewish people. May you go from strength to strength and continue to inspire all who venture into the true spiritual wealth that you provide.

MY ASCENT STORY: GAFNA Tereza, a tourist from Prague, came to Ascent twenty years ago with the intention of staying at the Ascent hostel on Friday night and continuing her travels the next morning. Her knowledge of Jewish observance was minimal and it was a shock to hear that there was no public transport on Shabbat! So one day turned into three as she began to learn about Jewish life. One of her teachers was Rabbi Zalman Tornek z”l (see page 15) who, after Shabbat, helped Tereza choose a Jewish name, Gafna. As you will read below, a spark was ignited in Gafna’s soul that became stronger over the years. Gafna came back to Tsfat as one of the leaders of her students’ trip to Israel. She took time out to return to Ascent to thank us, with great emotion, for the experience that led to her growth as a proud and educated Jew. In her own words: “I am so glad I had a chance to stop by Ascent to remember my visit there twenty years ago and the time I received my Jewish name. Looking back today, it was a very important moment in my life that together with other tiny moments helped me to get to where I am today - thank G-d - a practicing Jew, a wife and mother to a great Jewish family with two daughters, and on top of that a teacher of Judaism in a Prague Jewish school. I greatly appreciate the kindness and open arms with which you welcomed me back then despite my very scarce experience with practical Jewish life. I will always cherish this memory and it has been a great lesson in my job as a teacher and community worker. Thank you once again and wishing you much success in your very important work.” 9

PROGRAMS REPORT

EDUCATIONAL GROUPS

SHARING THE LIGHT AND WISDOM OF JUDAISM

OVERVIEW • Half- and full-day events • Overnight programs • Bar/Bat Mitzvah • Programs for college students Ascent’s new Birthright program for participants is Tikkun Olam, focusing on a Jew’s responsibility to repair (tikkun) and improve the world (olam) - to contribute and offer assistance wherever and whenever there is a need. The program has been successfully piloted with groups of students at Ascent and at a local college. Hundreds of Birthright students and other group participants take advantage of their “2 free nights” card and return to Ascent after their program has ended, coming to us to fulfill their birthright! FUTURE PLANS • Opening Ascent’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs to Englishspeaking audiences • New marketing initiatives for the Israeli high school system • Marketing Ascent’s new Birthright program • Self-guided tours for groups

31,672 ADULT GROUPS 20,484

ELEMENTARY & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 7,662 COLLEGE STUDENTS 1,241 BAR/BAT MITZVAH 2,285

MY ASCENT STORY: JONAH In the 1980s my mother visited Israel with Young Judaea and came to Tsfat where she participated in the first Young Judaea Shabbat program at Ascent. Her experience at Ascent was profound and changed the direction of her Jewish life in a positive way. She married and I and my siblings also joined Young Judaea. I came to Israel as a leader of a Young Judaea group and became a “second generation” Ascent guest - an experience that was one of the highlights of my trip. I hope there will be a “third generation” in the future.

MY ASCENT STORY: TAL My name is Tal. I am thirteen years old. My friends all celebrated their Bar Mitzvah in a hall. My family came to Ascent. I enjoyed being in Tsfat. It was different and exciting and I learned a lot. It had more meaning than just a fun evening. I hope some of my friends will decide to celebrate at Ascent so I can come back! 10

ASCENT TSFAT

PROGRAMS REPORT

IDF & SECURITY FORCES B O O S T I N G M O R A L E A N D M O T I VAT I O N

OVERVIEW • Jewish Identity Shabbatons for couples, officers and combat soldiers • Weekday educational seminars • Yom Kef – Day of Fun & Learning • Winter & Fall Selichot events • Mechinot Pre-Army Gap-year Training Courses • Beit Hachayal of Tsfat (Home away from home) • Lone Soldiers In Ascent’s 2016 Annual Report we provided a detailed update on the IDF decision to transfer Jewish identity programs from the Rabbinate and the Education Corps to the then newly-formed Jewish Identity and Consciousness Department (AZTY: Anaf Zehut veToda’ah Yehudit), part of the IDF Human Resources Department (AKA - Agaf Koach Adam). In early 2017 this new department, directly under the supervision of IDF Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant General Gadi Eizenkot, reviewed the ninety institutions that offered educational programs for the IDF and dramatically cut the number. Ascent is proud to be among the eight survivors. The AZTY also evaluated and upgraded the professional standards and educational level of the programs they require and asked Ascent to participate in building a new system of educational activities. Rabbi Noam Wolfin, Director of the Israeli Defense & Security Forces programs at Ascent, produced four distinct programs: “The Officer as Leader & Educator,” “Focus on the Family,” “Seventy Years Since the War of Independence” and “Tsfat & Jerusalem as Educational Springboards.” These have been accepted and praised by the AZTY and are promoted internally throughout the IDF. These attractive programs are bringing increasing numbers of IDF groups to our campus. In July 2017, Brigadier General Tzvika Fairaizen was chosen as the new IDF Chief Education Officer, heading the Education Corps. This is the first time that a mitzvah-observant Jew has held this rank and position. His support of Ascent’s work strengthens the already positive relationship we have with the IDF. Ascent, recognized both by the Education Corps and the AZTY, is now the only religious institution, outside of Jerusalem, providing Jewish education and identity programs for the Israeli defense and security forces.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

9,332

SHABBAT PROGRAMS 2,385

SELICHOT PROGRAMS 2,430

DAY PROGRAMS 3,667

LONE SOLDIERS 850

PARTICIPATION BY UNIT/BRIGADE/DIVISION

Intelligence Corps Officers

Home Front Command General Staff Command Communications and Computers Officers Navy Officers

Electronic Warfare Unit Human Resources Officers Sar-El - Unit for IDF Volunteers Cadets’ Officer Training Infantry Brigade IDF Spokesperson’s Division Commanders & Officers Palestinian Liaison Officers

Infantry Brigade

Appointment of Tzvika Fairaizen as IDF Chief Education Officer.

FEEDBACK FROM EVALUATION FORMS Ascent’s IDF evaluation forms, completed by all participants after each program, report a 99% satisfaction rate. Ascent has succeeded in creating a feeling of unity, understanding and cooperation among the IDF participants, regardless of their religious and ethnic backgrounds. “I enjoyed every part of the program. I was introduced to a world of Judaism I never knew.” “This deep experience (of Shabbat at Ascent) leaves me with a strong desire to know and practice more of my Jewish heritage.”

NEW AUDIENCES In 2017 two very important units began attending Ascent’s programs - officers from the IDF main public relations unit (Dover Tzahal - Spokesperson’s Unit) and the legendary Intelligence Corps, Modi’in. The IDF will also be sending Ascent groups of higher-ranking officers and families. The purpose of the family events is to provide tools to strengthen the family unit and promote traditional Jewish values. MECHINOT PRE-ARMY STUDENTS

“The ‘Welcoming Shabbat’ event was enthralling and that feeling continued until havdalah. I am considering becoming mitzvah-observant.” BEIT HACHAYAL The Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) facility is the only guesthouse that is registered and contracted with the IDF to provide both overnight accommodation and educational programs. The IDF has already booked rooms in advance for 2018. Groups may be as large as 200+ soldiers. In order to accommodate these numbers Ascent often uses outside sleeping accommodations. LARGEST IDF SHABBATON

During Shabbat Chanukah 2017 Ascent hosted our largest ever IDF group to date - 230 elite officers from the Modi’in Intelligence Corps. Their commander wrote “My first experience with Ascent was as a new officer, four years ago. The effect of that experience and the positive impression I formed of Ascent remained with me for all those years. It was the natural decision to bring my soldiers here.”

Ascent continues to provide successful programs for the IDF-sponsored Mechinot groups. LONE SOLDIERS Ascent arranged four Shabbatons for lone soldiers in 2017. We saw a 70% increase in the numbers attending since last year (from 500-850). Ascent is able to identify hundreds of lone soldiers when they come to Ascent as part of the IDF groups. They eagerly accept our Shabbat invitations and bring their friends. Soldiers in uniform can stay at Ascent during the week free of charge and many of the lone soldiers become return guests, finding Ascent a welcoming home away from home. Ascent is applying to be recognized as an official Lone Soldier Center. Our discussions with the Association for the Wellbeing of Israeli Soldiers (Ha’agudah Lema’an Hachayal) are progressing in a very positive direction and we hope that the Center will be open in 2018/19. FUTURE PLANS • Increasing the numbers of soldiers • Increasing the quality and quantity of our programs • Creating a Tsfat Heritage Visitors’ Center focused on the security forces as a primary audience

ASCENT TSFAT

PROGRAMS REPORT

INTERNET OUTREACH

SHARING JEWISH WISDOM WITH THE WORLD

OVERVIEW • Managing six websites • Seven weekly emails • Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts • KabbalaOnline shop • Special online projects: “Personal Torah Codes”, “Kaddish” and “Prayers at Local Holy Sites” The KOL shop site has been updated and is now more attractive and user-friendly. We have responded to your feedback! Your Hebrew name and date of birth, as encoded in the Torah, can reveal insights about your personality, strengths and direction in life. Ascent’s Personal Kabbalistic Torah Codes are a unique and meaningful gift. Email SpecialGift@ascentofsafed.com for more information.

MY ASCENT STORY: RACHEL My time at Ascent was one of the most powerful and uplifting experiences of my whole year as part of the Mechina. I would 100% recommend this amazing Shabbaton and the Ascent programs to other Mechinot. I was exposed to a very new and powerful perception of Judaism. I got to see the Kabbalistic side that we don’t usually experience on a day-to-day basis. We met people from all walks of life. The tours, talks and prayers were uplifting - a celebration of Jewish life. Ascent is a place where everyone is warmly welcomed and can feel a sense of belonging. We felt comfortable to ask questions on any topic and the staff was open and honest with their answers. We felt total acceptance.

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

1.26M

Website visitors +14,000 email subscribers

MYASCENT.ORG 42,712

ASCENTOFSAFED.COM 410,703

ASCENT.CO.IL 166,824

KABBALAONLINE -SHOP.COM 212,983

KABBALAONLINE.ORG 428,119

Ascent can arrange for Kaddish to be said, short-term or on a long-term basis, when there is no family member available to do so. Prayers for Divine assistance can be said at local holy sites at any time of the year. Please email prayers@ kabbalaonline.org. FUTURE PLANS • New, more effective Hebrew and English websites • Adding to the team of writers for KOL • Increasing Ascent registration by internet rather than by phone and email FEEDBACK: “I am so impressed with my Torah Code that I wanted to reach out to you and your organization to say ‘Thank you. Great, great job!’” “Your site is essential for me in my work as a Jewish studies teacher.” “Whenever I have a question in Judaism - I know where to go - KabbalaOnline!” “Your kindness and compassion towards me when I was in need of prayers have never been forgotten.”

PROGRAMS REPORT

ASCENT LODGE

(BAYIT B’TSFAT)

C O M F O R TA B L E & F R I E N D LY A C C O M M O D AT I O N S

OVERVIEW • 38 basic standard ensuite rooms • Caretaker’s apartment • Gardens, courtyards and porches • Full-service commercial kitchen • Coffee corner and lounge • Suitable for groups, families, couples and singles • Torah classes every weekend • Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) guests join Ascent programs The Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) building has a fascinating history and a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and forest area - the location of many holy sites connected to the great sages of the Kabbalah.

11,180 ISRAELI COLLEGE STUDENTS 2,355 OVERSEAS COLLEGE STUDENTS 1,269

Total Guests IDF SOLDIERS 4,242

TOURISTS 3,314

Rooms in Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) are very much in demand on weekends and Ascent is investing on increasing our weekday traffic. Today Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) has 50% occupancy. We host groups as well as individual guests every Shabbat and provide a full program over Passover and Sukkot, including tours and children’s entertainment. There is always the option of joining the talks and workshops at the Ascent hostel across the street, at any time. Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) is the only guest-house in Israel registered both as a residential and educational venue for IDF soldiers (Beit Hachayal). Ascent’s guest-house is undergoing upgrading of safety features. A new fire-safety sprinkler system has been installed that fulfills the rigorous demands of the Israeli government and local authority. Architectural plans are nearly complete so that work on refurbishing all thirty-eight rooms and the public spaces at Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) can commence. FUTURE PLANS • Refurbishing the first twenty rooms • Increasing occupancy • Master architectural plan 14

ASCENT TSFAT

NEWS & UPDATES REB ZALMAN TORNEK Z”L

BEQUEST MAKES HUGE IMPACT

NEW BOOK BY RABBI Y. TILLES

Reb Zalman z”l was a self-made scholar of Judaism and accredited sofer (ritual scribe writing mezuzot, tefillin and sifrei Torah). Born in San Francisco in 1931, he eventually moved to Denver in 1974 with his wife Chana z”l, where Reb Zalman z”l opened a Jewish farm, producing kosher dairy products and beef grown for shechitah. They moved to Israel in 1994. From the time that he became Torah-observant, Reb Zalman z”l was known as the Chassidic Cowboy. Friday night dinner at the Tornek’s home was always a highlight for the Ascent guests who were fortunate to be assigned there. He taught a very popular weekly class at Ascent for twenty years and formed strong and deep connections with his students. His vibrant and positive personality and sage words are sorely missed. Reb Zalman z”l passed away at age 86 on the 5th night of Chanukah, 29th Kislev 5778. See Gafna’s story (page 9). ...................................

In 2017, Ascent received our first donation in the form of a bequest. This unexpected gift allowed Ascent to complete some very important projects. Please consider including Ascent in your will. A bequest makes an enormous impact and guarantees continued support for Ascent even after you pass away. Please contact info@MyAscent.org for more details. ...................................

The second volume of Rabbi Tilles’ inspiring and entrancing “Full Moon” stories series has been published. Festivals of the Full Moon - Wondrous Stories for the Jewish Holidays of Kabbala Sages, Chassidic Masters, and Other Jewish Heroes. The reading public is treated to a further selection from over a thousand stories that Rabbi Tilles has sourced, adapted and published over the past twenty-one years. Stories are sent out weekly by email to a readership of over 10,000 and reprinted all over the world in numerous print and online publications to tens of thousands more. To enjoy them yourself, subscribe on kabbalaonline.org. The book is available for purchase on Ascent’s KabbalaOnline-Shop.com and on Amazon. An important component of crafting the book has been Rabbi Tilles telling the stories in Ascent every Saturday night at our Melaveh Malkah (farewell to Shabbat) event. Come join us! Be the sole sponsor of Rabbi Tilles’ third book, to be self-published in 2019, for $10K. For other dedication opportunities please contact editor@ascentofsafed.com. ...................................

BRYNA Z”L

DEDICATE A ROOM

An exceptional opportunity to dedicate a room (or rooms) in Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat) (please see page 14), Ascent’s guesthouse facility. A $25,000 dedication will enable Ascent to refurbish the room and enable you to partner with us in increasing our activities. A plaque will note your valued support and you will receive special privileges for use of the room, enjoying the peace and tranquility of Tsfat and an impressive view from the balcony. Please contact info@MyAscent.org. ...................................

We recently bid fairwell to our dear friend Bryna Franklyn z”l, who graced Ascent with her presence consistently for thirty years! ................................... 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

NEWS & UPDATES BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM GOES INTERNATIONAL

Ascent’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah program is very successful. Many Israeli families come to Tsfat to celebrate Ascent-style and recommend us to their friends. The program includes an inspiring visit to ancient synagogues, gourmet meals and a parade with live music through Tsfat’s Old City. We are now promoting the program in English and welcome you to mark this family milestone with us. For details and a video, visit bar-mitzva-tzfat.com/english. ...................................

NEW CLASS FOR RUSSIAN SPEAKERS

Ascent was one of the pioneers in Tsfat of Jewish education programs for Russian immigrants (1989-2014). A new generation has come forward with an interest in Jewish studies. October 2017 saw the opening of a new weekly class taught by Elena Kuchik. enthusiastic participants have requested “Ask the Rabbi” sessions, Tsfat tours and Ascent’s popular “Brachot Party”. By popular demand, we are expanding our Shabbat programs to this community. ................................... 16

SPECIAL VISITORS AND GUESTS

The Hinam Center for Social Tolerance is a non-political and non-sectarian organization that promotes tolerance and respect within Israeli society through encounters between all its groups and tribes. Ascent hosted two groups in 2017. Hinam brings groups of adults to Ascent for short and long visits to experience the religious Jewish way of life. In previous Ascent Reports, we wrote about Achi Yisraeli - the youth division of Hinam. This is the first time that we have hosted a group of adults. One of the participants was an observant member of the Israeli Knesset, Yehudah Glick. ...................................

TREE OF LIFE DONATION WALL

CROWN OF ASCENT INSTALLATION

“The Crown of Ascent” is a unique artistrendered installation honoring Ascent’s donors who participated in the purchase of the Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat). Created by Kathleen Wasserman, this is displayed in the lobby of Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat). Kathleen specializes in quilted glass art and studied with Paul Stankard, Patty Grey, Roger Thomas, Lisa Voit and others. In the USA she won numerous awards at the Southern California Glass Artists Association (1st place), Pacific Art Glass (three 1st place awards and two 2nd place awards), Glass Craft Expo (1st place, 2nd place and Viewers Choice Award). In Israel she has exhibited at the Allon center (Tsfat) and the Chagall Artists House (Haifa). Kathleen has been approved for membership of the Israeli Artists Association and the General Exhibition. (www.quiltedartglass.com). ...................................

GUIDESTAR Inspired by two of Ascent’s friends, Mr. S. Dunn and Mr. M. Feldman, the “Tree of Life” donation wall is an artist-produced image of a tree. Each leaf will be a dedication to a loved one. Opportunities range from $180 to $1,000. Please contact info@MyAscent.org for more information. ...................................

GuideStar, the world’s largest and most respected source of information on nonprofit organizations granted Ascent its highest Platinum rating. ...................................

ASCENT TSFAT

THE ASCENT TEAM

Thank you to all of our staff, including those not mentioned here, for their dedication to Ascent. We can’t do anything without them, and we bless each of them with great success!

Rabbi Shaul Leiter Director and Co-Founder of Ascent

Rabbi Yaakov Leiter Chief Operating Officer

Simcha Chersky Front Desk Manager

Rabbi Yosef Shapira Chief Financial Officer

Jerrie Shlomo Colish Director of Special Projects

Rabbi Mordechai “Big Mo” Siev Director of Development

Talya Karni Logistics Manager

Rabbi Yerachmiel Tilles, Co-Founder of Ascent Webmaster & Editor of Kabbalaonline.org and AscentofSafed.com

Ayelet Levy Manager of Bookkeeping

Rabbi Noam Wolfin Director of Hebrew & Israel Security Forces Programs

NEW TEAM

MEMBER

Rabbi Yaron Mierowsky Director of English Programs

Talya Shabbat Manager of Ascent Lodge (Bayit b’Tsfat)

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

NEW TEAM

MEMBER

Michal Yefet Catering Manager

Rabbi Eyal Zuchman Director of Educational Groups

OUR PARTNERS

ON BEHALF OF ALL THOSE WHOSE LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED BY THE ASCENT EXPERIENCE, WE THANK OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED FRIENDSHIP, VISION, AND DEDICATION TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE. MAY YOU BE BLESSED! PATRONS Keren Meromim Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield Mr. and Mrs. Chakoff Mr. and Mrs. Dabah Mr. and Mrs. Fischman Mr. and Mrs. Leiter obm Mr. and Mrs. Pikover Mr. and Mrs. Rohr Mr. and Mrs. Tokayer Rae Family (Will) BENEFACTORS Mr. and Mrs. Falic Mr. and Mrs. Fattal Mr. and Mrs. Gaerman Mr. and Mrs. Green Mr. and Mrs. Goudis Mr. and Mrs. Gurevitch Mr. and Mrs. Hutt Mr. Langdon Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mr. and Mrs. Rosenwald Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild Mr. and Mrs. Rutstein Mr. Sater Mrs. Shenkin Mr. and Mrs. Tamman Mr. Tornek Mr. and Mrs. Visco Mr. and Mrs. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Zieleniec

“Ascent is a place where I can bring my family and friends and know, without question, that they will be inspired in their Judaism.” — Richard Allen, President, American Corporate Benefits, Inc.

PARTNERS

Mr. and Mrs. Aronow Mr. and Mrs. Ashkenazi Mr. and Mrs. Beinhaker Mrs. Bierman Mr. and Mrs. Bendahan Ms. Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Boaz Mrs. Boxenbaum Mr. and Mrs. M. Dangoor Mr. and Mrs. D. Dangoor Mrs. Dunner Elbaum Family Mr. Esfandi Mr. Fox Mr. and Mrs. Gertner Mr. Golish (Helping Israel Fund) Mrs. Green Rabbi Green Rabbi and Mrs. Gutnick Mr. and Mrs. Haniford Mr. and Mrs. Hegeman Dr. Herman Mr. and Mrs. Hersham Mr. Horowitz Mr. and Mrs. Hutt Dr. Katzin Mr. and Mrs. Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Khazin

Mr. and Mrs. Last Mr. and Mrs. Miller Mrs. Morris Mr. and Mrs. Munitz Mr. and Mrs. Ner David Mr. and Mrs. Niec Mr. and Mrs. Peck Mr. and Mrs. Penn Mr. and Mrs. Pergament Mr. and Mrs. Pomeranc Dr. and Mrs. Rosen Mr. and Mrs. Roth Mrs. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild Mr. and Mrs. Sable Mr. and Mrs. Salzhauer Mr. and Mrs. Sifen Mr. and Mrs. Sragowicz Mr. and Mrs. Sighinolfi Visco Mr. and Mrs. Smith Steinberg Family Trust and Lady Beryl Mr. and Mrs. Tamman Tornek Family Mr. and Mrs. Van Der Veen Mr. and Mrs. Wachtel Mr. and Mrs. Wagman Mr. Wetanson Mr. Zeloof

“In an increasingly fragmented world where unlimited search confuses many and obfuscates so much...it is critical that we have an open and unambiguous core that we can connect to for plugging into our Jewish heritage and spirituality. That’s what Ascent stands for.” — David Sable, Chairman, VMLY&R

ASCENT TSFAT

2017 EXPENSES

75% Program Expenses

EXPENSES

FISCAL REPORT

2017 2018

PROJECTED

IDF Programs

391,482

430,630

English Programs

467,135

513,849

Hebrew Programs

390,295

429,325

Groups Programs

598,207

658,028

Total Program Expenses

$1,847,119

$2,031,832

Maintenance & Utilities

$350,067

$385,074

238,020

38,444

Total Development & Admin

$276,464

Total Operating Expenses

$2,473,650

$2,693,370

Financing & Interest

71,561

70,000

Mortgage Payments*

91,757

80,000

Capital Improvements

30,026

33,029

14% Operating

Salaries

11% Development (Fundraising)

2017 Program Payables

54,414

Total Other Costs

69% Program Fees & Gov. Subsidies

$193,344

$237,443

70,637

77,701

* Israeli mortgage balance (as of Jan 2018): $774,136

9% Grants

INCOME

22% Donors

OTHER COSTS

2017 FUNDING SOURCES

Travel & Administration

Government Grants Fundraising & Private Grants Program Income

725,583 1,816,359

1,997,995

$2,612,580

$2,075,696

2018 FUNDRAISING GOAL

$855,117

Total Income

Ascent’s basic operating costs are covered by income from government agencies, fees from educational groups, participants’ payments and patrons’ grants. Donations from sponsors and partners subsidize Ascent’s outstanding educational programming so we can keep our prices low while still offering a full

% OF BUDGET FROM PROGRAM-RELATED INCOME 2003-2017

and varied program.

60%

DONORS PROVIDE THE

40%

HEART & SOUL F O R W H AT W E D O AT A S C E N T.

20% 2003

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

2005

2007

2009

2011

2013

2015

2017 19

HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTLY IMPACT OVER

60,000 PEOPLE EVERY YEAR? Thank you for your friendship and support. Please see the 2018-2019 Sponsorship & Partnership Guide.

TSFAT. SOUL. EXPERIENCE

MyAscent.org | FB.com/AscentTzfat

Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Executive Director US: 646-492-0812 | +972-52-677-0140 | +972-4-692-1364 x106 | director@ascentofsafed.com

Rabbi Mordechai Siev, Director of Development US: 516-304-4467 | +972-54-643-7770 | +972-4-692-1364 x129 | siev@ascentofsafed.com Contributions can be made online at myAscent.org/donate or mailed to: ISRAEL: PO Box 296, 2 Ha’Ari Street, Tsfat 1320920, Israel (Non-Profit #58-006-515-9) US: 383 Kingston Ave., Rm 28, Brooklyn, NY 11213 (Tax ID #11-2879462) UK: c/o Ascent, 3 Sunny Gardens Parade, London NW4 1JA (Charity No. 328625) CANADA: c/o Beth Oloth, 32 Brookview Dr., Toronto, ON M6A 2K2 (Charity #891283145RR0001) (check payable to Beth Oloth with “for Ascent” in the note)

AUSTRALIA: c/o Mr. & Mrs. Herszberg, 6 Goathlands St., East S. Kilda VIC 3183, Australia

Thank you to our collaborative and partner organizations:

C R E A T I V E