Ascent 2015 Annual Report

‫ב”ה‬

annualreport 2 0 15 REP ORT / 2 0 1 6 OU T LO O K

Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery

FROM THE DIRECTOR

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 Safed’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 50,000 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.

Dear Friends & Supporters, Thank you for taking the time to review Ascent’s 2015 Annual Report. The purpose of the Report is to share with you what we have achieved together in the past year, and what our plans are for the immediate future.

When looking around at the chaos and suffering we see in the world, there is a temptation to give up. We can’t solve all the world’s problems. We are small.

What difference can we possibly make?

There are those who make statements and resolutions with resounding global significance. They mean well, and these declarations are important in setting the tone and values for humanity.

But there is another way to change the world, with seemingly small but practical actions that actually create immediate change. And though these changes seem small and insignificant, precisely because they are personal they have a profound and lasting impact. And when you add impact after impact, person after person, the effect radiates exponentially through the individuals directly affected to their families, friends and communities.

Such is the change we are affecting and witnessing at Ascent. Each soul, each individual, that comes through our doors is precious. Each is cared for and catered to with sincerity and dynamic programming to meet their needs. Each is given what they need in order to experience his or her ascent – to rise to realize their full Jewish potential. And when each of these ascents are considered collectively, we find ourselves responsible for impacting the destiny of over 50,000 souls each year – plus the families, friends and communities they return to.

Thank you for being our partner in this amazing journey. May your generosity be repaid manifold with abundant material and spiritual blessings in your own life.

We look forward to continuing to ascend together, individually and collectively.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Shaul Leiter Director

contents OVERVIEW 4 PROGRAMS REPORT

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STUDENTS & TRAVELERS

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EDUCATIONAL GROUPS

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IDF SOLDIERS

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LONE SOLDIERS

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INTERNET OUTREACH

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NEWS 12

ACHI YISRAEL

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FOCUS ON FAMILIES

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BIRTHRIGHT@ASCENT

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SPECIAL VISITORS

THE ASCENT TEAM

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PARTNERS 18 FISCAL REPORT

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OVERVIEW

overview A CHALLENGING YEAR 2015 was a very difficult year, not just for Ascent but for many of the audiences we work with within Israel.

The security situation saw a decline in both Israeli and overseas tourism of almost 25%. Schools in particular were hesitant to travel.

Even the IDF was affected. 2015 was an election year in Israel. Because soldiers are forbidden to go for educational programs five months before elections, Ascent had no soldier groups at all January-April.

Despite these difficulties, Ascent held its market share in almost all cases.

Where there was a decline, we held at 5%. Not only were we not discouraged, Ascent initiated several new activities, including Jewish and Druze teenagers participating in kashrus workshops, 3,000 parents and children on a Chanukah candle lantern tour, and nuclear Chinese families visiting a Safed Jewish day school to learn about Jewish education. Ascent is spreading! As our reputation grows so does the demand for quality and innovative Jewish identity programs also increase.

2015 ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW Campus Programs 2015 saw the initiation of a new, exciting program as word of Ascent’s programs spread among Chabad rabbis (Shluchim) on Israel’s college campuses. Students from 15 Chabad On Campus Israel centers came to Ascent for Shabbatons for over 30 programs. We also became the Chabad On Campus provider for 2 local Safed campuses, Safed Medical School and Safed College. For these

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students Ascent is a home away from home, providing hospitality, a listening ear and Jewish content.

Family Programs In 2015 Ascent placed a greater emphasis on family programs (see page 14), which also grew and developed by word of mouth. Our Bar/Bat program doubled over the last year, with 20 Bar and Bat Mitzvah groups celebrating their events with Ascent! 7,000 individuals came for Ascent’s Chanukah family tours instead of the hundreds that we expected, due in large part to word of mouth. Family programs for the IDF are in great demand, to help alleviate the stress of army service on families.

Officers with their spouses and children come to Ascent for 2 days of rest and relaxation and workshops on improving the quality of Jewish family life.

Care for the individual Ascent understands that our success is because we care about the individual.

We have put much effort into analyzing who comes to Ascent, feedback to our current programs and accommodation and what new programs our guests would like. The use of questionnaires to gather this information enables us to provide more powerful programs for groups and individuals in the year and years to come. You can see moving

stories in all departments that reflect this. One exciting technique Ascent has developed to attract mainstream, not yet observant young people (one of our core audiences) is to invite rising Jewish musicians for long weekends as program hosts. Not just concerts, but special meals and social events attract overflow crowds to Ascent for the opportunity to meet the people they have seen or heard on the social networks. Ascent pushes every button to help strengthen the Jewish identity of our over 50,000 participants annually.

LOOKING AHEAD New Strategic Partnerships Working with new organizations not only helps increase our numbers and the quality of our programs but also brings in new audiences and broadens our scope. This year new organizations we have begun to work with include the Ministry of Social Welfare to provide programs with the disabled, the Hinam Center for Social Tolerance to teach Jewish identity to mixed groups of Jewish and Druze teenagers, Chabad on Campus Israel to provide weekend seminars for students and the Safed Municipality Tourism Department to offer tours for the public visiting Safed.

Of the major projects mentioned in our 2014 Annual Report, the Kabbalist Square Project is waiting for final approval from the municipality, the master architectural plan is nearing completion be”H, and access for the handicapped is waiting for the completion of the master architectural plan.

Every descent is just for the greater Ascent that will follow!

ASCENT

OVERVIEW

51,640 people participated in Ascent’s programs in 2015.

We had more than one million visitors on our websites!

NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS

DEMOGRAPHICS

2012-2015

2015 PARTICIPANTS

60,000 50,000

29% Students & Travelers

40,000

32% Student Groups

30,000

9% IDF Soldiers 30% Educational Groups

20,000 10,000

2012

2013

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

2014

2015

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PROGRAMS REPORT

students&travelers C R E AT I N G A J E W I S H H O M E AWAY F R O M H O M E

14,218 INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANTS PARTICIPANTS’ AGE & NATIVE LANGUAGE STUDENTS & TRAVELERS: ENGLISH DEPT.

45+ 10% 35-44 30%

PARTICIPANTS’ AGE & NATIVE LANGUAGE STUDENTS & TRAVELERS: HEBREW DEPT.

English 80% 18-24 35%

25-34 30%

Spanish 6% Russian 5% French 6%

2015 REPORT:

Our audience has shifted to include the people we want to reach the most; younger people and more not yet observant people. All in all 2015 has brought many new faces to Ascent, while some regulars keep coming back.

In the English department, Ms. Leah Leiter, Rabbi Leiter’s young daughter,

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35-44 35%

25-34 40%

Hebrew 85% Russian 5% French 5% Other 5%

Other 3%

Chabad On Campus, who bring us new visitors all year long.

OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS:

• Daily inspirational classes based on Chassidut and Kabbala.

• Meditations • Hikes and Tours • Varied workshops • Shabbat and Holiday hospitality with inspirational content on special topics.

• Jewish multimedia library • Personal counseling

45+ 18-24 15% 10%

2016 ACTION PLAN: as of August 1st had temporarily taken over from Rabbi Eli Neiditch who has moved to Tel Aviv. Ascent thanks Eli and his wife Sarah for 3 years of giving their heart and soul to Ascent. Leah is able to give more attention to young people, especially students from abroad who are studying for a year in Israel. Ascent’s volunteer Community Service Program, initiated by Sarah Naiditch, is continuing with full force!

The past year has seen an increase in interaction between visitors and staff members, not just teachers but cooks and cleaners too. We also have new connections like Sar-El and

Ascent’s campus and quality staff allow us to reach out to many more young people. Our goal for next year is to increase the number of visitors especially for weekdays. We intend to significantly expand our efforts and investments in advertising. Ascent’s staff is going to do regular short online classes for mass distribution.

This will give people a taste of Ascent so that they will be tempted to visit.

For the English department we are searching for a talented couple to replace the head of the English Department. The ideal couple will push the English speaking program ahead with new ideas for content and for increasing our audience.

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PROGRAMS REPORT

CHABAD ON CAMPUS: 423 STUDENTS @ ASCENT Thanks to the philanthropy of Mr. Levi Leviev and Mr. Yitschak Mirilashvili, Chabad On Campus now has presence on every single campus in Israel, with a dedicated couple on each campus devoted to the wellbeing and Judaism of the students. Our new co-operation with Chabad On Campus in Israel has been very successful and has given us access to 1000s of young students. This past year our program for Hebrew speaking individuals hosted 30 groups of students from throughout Israel, with their Shluchim, for high impact, 2-3 day long seminars. Amidst the confusion of hectic college life that is the reality for thousands of students in Israel, these intimate groups enjoy a getaway in the peaceful quiet of the holy city of Safed. The impact is phenomenal. Many students have come back to Ascent on their own. Despite the short duration of their visits students have made concrete changes as a result: • 2 women began learning at a local yeshivah for women • 3 young men began wearing tzitzit • 20 Students upgraded their Shabbat observance, and much more!

Israelinks: Chabad on Campus USA brought us three large groups for extended ten-day visits.

Students enjoyed a packed program, giving them the true feel of Safed, Israel. They returned home to their families and communities much stronger in their Judaism.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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PROGRAMS REPORT

educationalgroups SHARING THE LIGHT AND WISDOM OF JUDAISM

31,497 EDUCATIONAL TOURISM PARTICIPANTS TYPES OF PROGRAMS EDUCATIONAL GROUPS

44% Educationl Groups 13,840 32% Student Groups 10,192 21% Birthright 3% Groups Bar Mitzvah 6,480 985

AUDIENCES INCLUDE:

• Taglit-Birthright • Israeli high school students • Bar and Bat Mitzvah groups • College students (overseas) • Unaffiliated students studying in Israeli universities • Adult groups • Corporate outings

2015 REPORT:

Unfortunately there has been a national decline in tourism which has affected Ascent as well so we had fewer tourists from abroad and less Birthright groups. But, G-d willing, we are ready for next year to increase!

NEW: CHANUKAH TOURS A new exciting program this year was our Chanukah Menorah tours, which

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went viral and attracted thousands.

These began with a workshop explaining Chanukah, and continued with candlelighting and a night tour of Safed . Children held lanterns and lit up the street!

NEW: BAR/BAT MITZVAH PROGRAM Although we saw an overall decline in numbers of educational groups, we had a sharp increase in Bar/Bat Mitzvah groups, doubling last year’s total. Families spend a day at Ascent for a highly interactive program that typically includes a meal, a musical parade, a tour of ancient synagogues, culminating with laying tefillin (for boys) and reading from the Torah.

Some opt for a visit to the Scribal Arts Exhibition Hall to learn about the writing of Tefillin and other sacred

texts. If you are planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, please let Ascent assist you!

2016 ACTION PLAN:

Great expansions and improvements are planned for the coming year.

In the Birthright department we will begin providing an additional program, which, thank G-d, has been approved by Birthright,. This will enable us, (G-d willing), to host many more groups (See page 18). We will begin providing culinary tours of Safed. Most exciting we have just won a tender with the Ministry of Housing and the Municipality of Safed, making Ascent the sole provider for guided tours of the Old City. We will provide tours once a week in winter and during peak season almost every day.

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PROGRAMS REPORT

idfsoldiers B O O S T I N G T H E M O R A L E A N D M O T I VAT I O N O F O U R WA R R I O R S

3,910 OFFICERS & COMBAT SOLDIERS LENGTH OF STAY IDF PROGRAMS

Weekend Retreats (Shabbat) 1,891 Weekday Visitors 2,019

Ascent continues to be the largest provider for educational Shabbats for the IDF, ten years running.

2015 REPORT:

One Shabbos, an officer wore a yarmulke all day though he was not religious. At the end of the Shabbos he gave Rabbi Wolfin a big hug, telling him this was the first Shabbos he ever kept. He shared that the atmosphere at Ascent inspired him to put on a yarmulke and keep Shabbat.

At the end of the same Shabbos, a young woman officer of the same group approached Rabbi Wolfin with tears in her eyes and said, “Thank you very much, it was very special. I grew up religious but then left Torah

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

observance, as a teenager, now I want to resume keeping Shabbat.”

From a previously anti-religion officer: “Everyone who knows me knows I’m very stubborn about my ideas and my ideas are not about Torah and mitzvot. This Shabbat something changed. From the moment you sat next to me I thought you were going to talk about Torah and mitzvot, but you spoke to us for an hour and a half just showing interest in our lives with no ulterior motives. After that conversation something happened to me. I realized there is something totally new about Torah and mitzvot.”

There is a highly educated senior woman officer who comes with many of the groups of officers. The minute she arrives she starts looking for

books about Chassidut, every time she leaves she says she’s been trying to keep Shabbat for a long time but only manages to in Ascent.

2016 ACTION PLAN: The Educational Shabbat IDF program is going to expand. We will be given more topics to expound on, which will enable us to bring more soldiers, not just officers.

The Education Department of the IDF has begun a heritage program in which every soldier visits a museum twice a year. Ascent is developing a museum which will allow us to host many more soldiers. Also see page 19 for other new IDF programs.

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PROGRAMS REPORT

lonesoldiers M O R A L E & C O M M U N I T Y F O R S O L D I E R S W I T H O U T FA M I LY +44%

360 LONE SOLDIERS FROM 20 COUNTRIES

“Ascent was for me the beacon of light I knew existed but didn’t know how to find.

Now that I’ve found Ascent I would like to be a liaison bringing Lone Soldiers to Ascent.”

– LONE SOLDIER FROM AUSTRALIA

The recent growth and influence of Birthright on young adults from abroad has caused a sharp increase in the number and diversity of lone soldiers serving in the IDF. This makes them an ideal audience for our outreach activities. Every year roughly 1,000 new lone soldiers join the IDF. At any given time there are over 3,000 lone soldiers serving, 1.5% of annual IDF uptake. That’s a lot of young men and women who are very far away from their families and communities.

They risk their lives to protect Israel and the Jewish people with almost no support system. The death of the lone soldier Max Steinberg has increased and improved our focus on lone soldiers. Ascent’s Shabbatons for Lone Soldiers boost their morale,

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providing them with a new sense of community. The Shabbatons are together with non-army students from abroad because they are of similar age and background, each group has much to contribute to the other.

Ascent continues to give lone soldiers free lodging when they have days off, furthering opportunities for outreach and support.

They said they are taking light and inspiration to the army and they will be good ambassadors bringing many more lone soldiers to Ascent. In general, the Lone Soldiers department saw much growth in 2015. This was due to word of mouth and to our discovering lone soldiers within the regular army groups that come to Ascent.

2015 REPORT:

2016 ACTION PLAN:

The Chanukah Shabbaton was a smashing success. There was a large turnout and the soldiers were truly inspired. Ascent distributed gloves and earmuffs and other personal items that soldiers don’t get from their unit. A number of soldiers came back to Ascent as a result of this Shabbaton.

We are looking forward to much growth in 2016. We intend to develop various connections that will enable us to expand our program and reach more lone soldiers. We will also invest in developing relationships with lone soldiers that come as part of regular groups.

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PROGRAMS REPORT

internetoutreach SHARING JEWISH WISDOM WITH THE WORLD

OVER one million VISITORS OUR SITES: AscentofSafed.com: Content site featuring articles on Safed history, stories, weekly parsha thoughts and more myAscent.org: Program info and reservations LiveKabbalah.com: Interactive online study KabbalaOnline.org: Teachings from the wellsprings of Kabbalah & Chassidus KabbalaOnline-Shop.com: E-commerce store SOSIDF.COM: Dedicated to Ascent IDF programs Ascent.co.il: Online community reaching out to past and future Ascent Hebrew-speaking guests

WEBSITE TRAFFIC: 1,128,500

EMAIL SUBSCRIBERS:

13,000+

UNIQUE VISITS IN 2015

LiveKabbalah.com 12,000 MyAscent.org 17,000

KabbalaOnline-Shop.com 101,000 Ascent.co.il 126,000

AscentOfSafed.com 334,000

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

KabbalaOnline.org 537,000

“I started with Kabbalah Basics and really loved it! Rabbi Cohen is an amazing Kabballah teacher. He explains even the deepest ideas in a clear and inspiring way. For so long I wanted to learn the teachings of Kabbalah and looked for a teacher. I finally found what I was looking for!.”

– JESSICA POMERANZ

“I started observing Shabbat after studying about it on KabbalaOnline. org, and we also recently started Melava Malka (the Saturday night meal). I have cultivated a new awareness of different states of consciousness for the stages of the Shaharit (morning prayers) because of what I learned here. You have helped me and my family immensely.”

– ANONYMOUS (VERMONT)

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NEWS

new project : achi yisraeli PROMOTING TOLERANCE IN ISRAELI SOCIETY

Our amazing relationship with the Hinam Center started quite by chance.

A stranger passed by Ascent and came in to ask whether we would be willing to host a group of 10 people for a month free of charge. We got to know the stranger, Yaron Kenner, director of the Hinam Center, a man driven to increase tolerance in Israel, and saw in his suggestion an amazing opportunity for outreach.

The Hinam center is an organization that was founded to promote peaceful acceptance of the “other” in Israeli society. Their flagship program, “Achi Yisrael”, or “My Israeli Brother” brought together 10 individuals from diverse backgrounds; religious, settler, Arab, Druze, secular, Ethiopian, new olim, etc. The group volunteered

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to live together for four months to learn and respect different cultures, spending a month each in various communities. The program began at Ascent, where the group lived on site for a month. It was a great privilege and tremendously powerful that Ascent, in the quiet and holy city of Safed, was the first community these young people lived in, participating in classes and activities, spending Shabbat meals with local host families and learning positive things about the orthodox community. This made our outreach endeavors even more effective. Following the great success of the program it will be repeated, G-d willing, with two groups.

“When I arrived at Ascent I didn’t have a positive impression of Haredim and even less of Chabad. I didn’t understand why they engaged in what seemed to me as religious coercion.

At Ascent I realized that they don’t force anyone to do anything against their will. They facilitate a connection between people and their Creator.”

– YOUNG MAN FROM RAMAT AVIV (SPEAKING TO ISRAELI PRESIDENT REUVEN RIVLIN)

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President of Israel, the Honorable Mr. Reuven Rivlin, showed his support by hosting the first Achi Yisraeli group in his office.

ASCENT

NEWS

new initiative : focus on family BRINGING THE JEWISH EXPERIENCE HOME

In 2015 all departments of Ascent placed great emphasis on reaching out to families. When the family is involved as a whole the Jewish impact is exponentially greater.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah: These groups include entire extended families, sometimes four generations.

IDF Families: For the first time this year Ascent hosted reserve officers for Shabbat Educational Seminars together with their wives and children.

Army service is tough on family life and this was a golden opportunity to strengthen family relationships with Judaism.

Weekend Seminars: The central theme for a number of weekend programs for Hebrew speakers was family relationships. In fact Ascent played a

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

very central part in establishing several new Jewish families.

A Match Made at Ascent (again): A highly intellectual computer programmer, who was not such a believer but was interested in spiritual growth, visited Ascent a number of times. At that time, he had a relationship with a woman. She was very anti-religious and not interested in anything that inspired him. He was trying to convince her to visit Ascent with him but she was not willing to come. They reached a crisis in their relationship. Rabbi Karouchi tried to counsel them, but ultimately advised the man to get out of this relationship because it was detrimental for him and only caused him frustration.

Afterwards, the man met another woman who was a proper partner for him, who had a lot more feeling and

respect for Judaism and for him. What was important to him was important to her. She was willing to come with him to Ascent. He proposed on the Ascent balcony, and they got married with Rabbi Karouchi’s guidance.Mazal-Tov! Chinese Families: A group of Chinese visitors, interested in the Noahide Laws (Torah laws for non-Jews), came for week long seminar at Ascent, to learn about educating children from a Jewish perspective. They showed sincere interest and thoroughly enjoyed the course. More groups expected!

Chanukah Tours: Highly popular and effective evening tours were geared mainly to families, throughout Chanukah. Almost 7,000 participants enjoyed, were inspired by, and were given spiritual strength for the long dark winter.

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NEWS

spotlight : birthright@ascent HIGH IMPACT PROGRAM REACHING THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS

Ascent’s “Ancient Wisdom, Modern Dilemas” interactive workshop presents young visitors from abroad with authentic Torah study experience and its relevance to their lives. It is a highenergy program that leaves students thirsty for more.

In addition to the thousands of inspired students, here are a few anecdotes: 17 Bar Mitzvahs Rabbi Amichai Cohen noticed during one workshop that the groups, and most importantly their guide, were very taken by the program. At the end he suggested that they celebrate their Bar Mitzvas. He took out a Torah scroll and read from the Torah with them, and then many of the boys wanted to put on Tefillin. They became very emotional.

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Switched On this Chanukah A Birthright group from Australia, here on Chanukah, accompanied by Birthrigh CEO, Gideon Mark, was so inspired that they asked to light the Menorah here even though that wasn’t part of the schedule.

One of the youth lit the menorah and they became very enthused, and sang and danced with fervor. The guy who lit the menorah was inspired to stay on in Israel and is now learning in Mayanot, a Yeshivah in Jerusalem for beginners.

STUDENT FEEDBACK:

“INCREDIBLE SPEAKING MIXED WITH GREAT LOGIC. COMPELLING” “THE SPIRITUAL EDUCATION AND GRAVITY WAS UNBELIEVABLE...

THE BOOKS, THE DOCUMENTARIES, EVERYTHING.” “I FELT MORE CONNECTED AS A JEW THAN EVER BEFORE, AND I’M PROUD OF THAT.” “I LOVED TSFAT. I WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KABBALAH.” “I’VE BEEN IN TSFAT FOR LESS THAN AN HOUR AND I FEEL SO CONNECTED ALREADY.” “I APPRECIATED THE DISCUSSION AND THE RABBI’S OPEN- MINDED INTELLECTUAL OUTLOOK.” “THIS IS DEFINITELY THE BEGINNING OF MY LEARNING OF THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF BEING JEWISH.”

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NEWS

spotlight : stories A SMALL SELECTION OF ANECDOTES FROM LIFE @ ASCENT

THE SEEKER

FINDING SHABBAT

GENERATIONAL IMPACT

Simcha is a tall gangly 23 year old post army Israeli who fell into Ascent on his way to India. Instead of 3 days, he spent 3 weeks and instead of his original purpose to go to India to find divinity, when he left his purpose was to see his friends and to spread Judaism. Instead of going with prayer beads, he went with a pair of Tefillin that he put on every day, and a long list of Chabad houses to visit.

Leslie was in China for a month as a social networking expert and stopped in Thailand for a week on her way home. After three weeks at the Bangkok Chabad House where she found out she was Jewish, she came back to Israel, to Ascent, to learn how to act like a Jewish person. After eight consecutive Shabbat weekends, she thought that she was ready to do it on her own. And she was.

Twice a year Ascent has a Shabbos program for staff so they can not only see what happens in Ascent on our busiest day, but they can also benefit from going to the classes, workshops and tours. The husband of one of the newer receptionists approached Rabbi Leiter and asked to speak to him privately. They found a corner away from all the hubbub (Ascent has 50 regular employees and each family is between 5 and 10 members. There were a lot of people there!).

He took off his striemel and said, “do you recognize me?” Rabbi Leiter actually thought he looked a bit familiar. Then he started speaking in English. “My name was Scott. I ate at your Shabbos table 30 years ago. I was not observant then. Now I am the father and grandfather of 20 souls. All thanks to Ascent.”

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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NEWS

special : visitors ASCENT’S SUCCESS GETTING THE ATTENTION OF LEADING FIGURES

5 A meeting at Ascent to discuss icreasing and improving tourism in Tsfat, attended by MK Menachem Moses, Deputy Tourism Minister, Ilan Schochet, Mayor of Tsfat, and other Tsfat city officials.

5 The Chief Rabbi of Tzfat and the Upper Galilee, Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, speaks to a group of students at Ascent. Rabbi Eliyahu enjoys meeting and addressing students and IDF soldiers who visit Ascent.

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5 General Ram Rothberg, Commander and Chief of the Israeli Navy visited Ascent with his top officers as part of a seminar. The program also included a tour and a musical presentation.

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NEWS

special : visitors

‫סב"ד‬

‫ו' אדר ב' תשע"ו‬ Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Rabbi Shaul Leiter Director Ascent of Safed Ha’ari 2 Dear Rabbi Leiter, I take this opportunity to praise your phenomenal work, which I know firsthand.

Ascent has a tremendous impact on Jewish identity among Israeli citizens and Jews from around the world. I am honored when I am asked to speak at Ascent, whether to Birthright groups, IDF groups or youth groups.

Tsfat, one of the 4 holiest cities in Israel, has potential for great impact on Jewish souls. Ascent harnesses this potential. In a generation where Jewish identity desperately needs strengthening, Ascent steps forward and spreads the light of Judaism touching thousands.

May Heaven bless you and all those who aid your holy work.

May you and all the Ascent staff go from strength to strength until the day when “Knowledge of the L-rd will fill the land, like water fills the sea,” with the imminent redemption.

,‫בכבוד רב ובברכה‬

Shmuel Eliyahu Chief Rabbi of Safed and Upper Galilee Israel

5 A letter of appreciation from the Chief Rabbi of Safed.

p.o.b. 1189 Safed Fax: 04-6921311 :'‫ פקס‬Tel: 04-6972438 ,6971633 :‫ טלפון‬.‫ צפת‬1189 .‫ד‬.‫ ת‬68 ‫רח' הפלמ"ח‬ Email: md8282@gmail.com :‫דואר אלקטרוני‬

5 A letter of appreciation from the Mayor of Safed.

Ascent also held an official visit in the office of the President of Israel Mr. Reuven Rivlin (see photo on page 12).

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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future : plans

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REFURBISHING BAYIT B’SAFED

TAGLIT BIRTHRIGHT EXPANSION

Ascent’s recently acquired next door hotel property now has a new name: Bayit B’Safed. This year’s plan is to finalize the refurbishing plans and in particular to complete at least one of the hotel rooms as a model for future construction.

Refurbishing = MORE GROUPS!

Taglit Birthright is one of Ascent’s most effective programs. A new experiential workshop is in the works for college students on the responsibility an individual has to those around him and to the society at large. What is the obligation and where are the limits. Ascent hopes this new program will attract an additional 3,000 participants in the coming two years at least. We have already signed up one new organization, Mayanot Israel.

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future : plans

IDF SELICHOT PROGRAM

IDF ONE DAY “KAIF” PROGRAM

The IDF Selichot Program is a joint project of Ascent’s Groups and IDF Departments. Selichot, prayers that help the Jewish people prepare for the High Holidays is one of the most powerful Ascent’s Jewish activities. Combining a workshop on tshuvah, explanations about the prayers and visits to Safed’s holiest sites starting at midnight and ending with the blowing of the shofar at dawn changes the lives of hundreds of Ascent participants annually. For the coming year we have already received permission from the IDF to be the main venue for Selichot in Israel’s north.

Ascent’s Groups Department is also working on a mega campaign for civilians. Ascent hopes to host over 2,000 participants for September 2016.

Ascent is launching a new one day program for combat soldiers stationed along the northern borders of Israel. The IDF moved its training bases to the Negev. With half of our audience now very far away the IDF opened a new market for Ascent.

There are over 50 bases within an hour drive of Safed. Ascent will create a fantastic fast-moving day of seminars and war games. Rest, relaxation and good food with an inspiring dose of Judaism for 3,000 Israel’s finest each year.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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OUR TEAM

theascentteam

SIMCHA CHERSKY, Front Desk Manager. Her warmth and smile greets many of Ascent’s guests when they first walk in. She is the “matchmaker” between Ascent Shabbat guests and Tsfat families.

RABBI SHAUL LEITER, co-founder and Executive Director of Ascent, is a beloved teacher and spiritual guide with an uncanny ability to communicate profound spiritual subjects to students of all backgrounds.

EYAL KAROUCHI, Director of Hebrew Speaking Programs. A former silversmith, IDF paratrooper and manager for three years of a “spiritual resort” in the Far East, Eyal brings his unique life experiences, high energy, and enthusiasm to our many Hebrew speaking participants.

YAACOV LEITER, Operations Manager. Always smiling and willing to help, Yaacov oversees the daily operations of Ascent and ensures that everything runs smoothly.

LEAH LEITER, Temporary Head of English Speaking Programs, was born into a household that lives Ascent. Last year she finished her degree in special education.

While studying she worked as a counselor and director of extra-curricular activities in a girls’ high school. Leah has just joined our staff benefiting us with her young blood, and is able to attract more young people to Ascent.

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AYELET LEVY, Manager of Bookkeeping Department,has been a trusted staff member for 11 years.

She is in charge of Ascent’s day to day accounting and bookkeeping, as well as for Ascent’s financial reporting to various government agencies.

Meticulous the the very last agura, our annual financial statement (Duch Shanati) is also her handiwork. She is married to Yaakov and the dedicated mother of eleven children.

ASCENT

OUR TEAM ASCENT WISHES TO USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ALL OF OUR STAFF NOT MENTIONED HERE FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO ASCENT. WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU, AND WE BLESS EACH OF YOU WITH GREAT SUCCESS!

TALYA SHABBAT, Ha Bayit B’Safed Manager, has worked at Ascent for 16 years in all departments. She was asked to manage the newly acquired Ha Bayit B’Safed. She considers Ascent her first home, which is reflected in her treatment of all guests, treating them like her own family.

RABBI YOSEF SHAPIRA, Chief Financial Officer. Originally from England, Rabbi Shapira spent 20 years in management in the food import/ export industry. He has brought his managerial expertise and efficiency to Ascent when he joined the Ascent team back in 2005.

RABBI MORDECHAI “BIG MO” SIEV, Director of Development, captivates audiences and warms hearts at Ascent with his humble wit, and inspires with a unique, down-toearth, highly personal teaching style.

RABBI YERACHMIEL TILLES, co-founder of Ascent, webmaster and the editor of KabbalaOnline.org, is a gifted teacher, author, and master storyteller who transports audiences to other-worldly realms.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

RABBI NOAM WOLFIN, Director of IDF and Police Programs, served in the IDF as a commander in the secret intelligence department on the Northern borders. Besides for his work at Ascent He does life coaching and lectures on marriage relationships and self awareness.

His interpersonal skills are a great asset when working with soldiers.

MICHAL YEFET, Logistics Manager, joined Ascent a year and a half ago breathing freshness into Ascent. She had 9 years previous experience as an office manager, working on many diverse projects. Her experience and talents showed through very quickly. Ascent received a total facelift, new curtains, flowers all over the building, new beds, a renovated kitchen, a gourmet chef. Her job is to make sure Ascent is clean and aesthetic and to ensure everything technical runs smoothly, and she does that in the best way possible.

EYAL ZUCHMAN, Director of Educational Groups, creates and facilitates exciting, custom-designed educational experiences for groups and families from Israel and around the world.

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A S C E N T PA R T N E R S

ourpartners ON BEHALF OF ALL WHOSE LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED BY THE ASCENT EXPERIENCE, WE THANK OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED FRIENDSHIP, SUPPORT, VISION AND DEDICATION TO THE JEWISH PEOPLE. MAY YOU BE BLESSED!

Mr. and Mrs. Aronow Mr. and Mrs. Ashkenazi Mr. and Mrs. Beinhaker Mrs. Bierman Mr. and Mrs. Boxenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Bradfield Mr. and Mrs. Chakoff Mr. and Mrs. Dabah Mr. and Mrs. Falic Mr. and Mrs. Fattal Mr. and Mrs. Fischman Mr. and Mrs. Goudis Mr. and Mrs. Green Mr. and Mrs. Gurevitch Mr. and Mrs. Hersham Mr. and Mrs. Hutt Mr. and Mrs. Khazin Mr. Langdon Mr. and Mrs. Lee Mr. and Mrs. Niec Mr. and Mrs. Peck Mr. and Mrs. Pikover

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Mr. and Mrs. Pomeranc Mr. and Mrs. Rohr Mr. and Mrs. Rosenwald Mrs. Roth Mr. and Mrs. Rothschild Mr. and Mrs. Sable Mr. and Mrs. Salzhauer Mr. and Mrs. Sater Mr. and Mrs. Shenkin Mr. and Mrs. Sifen Mr. and Mrs. Sighinolfi Visco Mr. and Mrs. Smith The Steinberg Family Trust Mr. and Mrs Tamman The Tornek Family Mr. and Mrs Van Der Veen Mr. and Mrs. Wachtel Mr. and Mrs. Wagman Mr. and Mrs. Weiss Mr. Wetanson Mr. Zeloof Mr. and Mrs. Zieleniec

ASCENT

FISCAL REPORT

budget2015-2016 2015 2016 EXPENSES

PROJECTED

2015 EXPENSE BREAKDOWN

72% Program Expenses

22% Operating Costs

IDF Programs

352,863

380,000

English Programs

335,789

400,000

Hebrew Programs

378,389

420,000

Groups Programs

478,097

500,000

$1,545,138

$1,700,000

Capital Improvements

105,000

210,000

Financing & Interest (Mortage)

205,000

220,000

Maintenace

59,033

60,000

Utilities

27,198

30,000

152,141

165,000

$548,372

$685,000

Salaries

95,397

115,000

Administration

29,294

25,000

Travel

25,000

25,000

Total Development Costs

$149,691

$165,000

Total Expenses

$2,243,201

$2,550,000

1,267,398

1,350,000

Government Grants

133,782

155,000

Private Grants

200,000

200,000

Fundraising

600,892

850,000

$2,202,072

$1,700,000

Total Program Expenses

Administration Total Operating Costs

2015 FUNDING SOURCES

58% Programs Income

18% Grants 24% Fundraising

INCOME

6% Development (Fundraising)

Programs Income

Total Income

2016 FUNDRAISING GOAL

$850,000

CURRENT LIABILITIES Mortgage

$1,061,698

Private Loans

152,152

Cheques Payable

$87,011

Accounts Payable

$68,754 Total

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

$1,369,615

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Become an Ascent Partner and Invest in a Strong Jewish Future.

Thank you to our collaborative and partner organizations:

INSTITUTE OF JEWISH STUDIES

Israel Ministry of Education

IDF Education Corps

Israel Defense Force

THE SHUL of Bal Harbor

ACHI YISRAELI

TSFAT RABBINATE

Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery

myAscent.org Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Executive Director US: 646-492-0812 | +972-52-677-0140 | +972-4-692-1364 x103 | director@ascentofsafed.com

Rabbi Mordechai Siev, Director of Development US: 516-343-1674 | +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: 2 Ari Street, Tsfat, Israel 13102 US: 383 Kingston Ave., Rm 28, Brooklyn, NY 11213 UK: F/O Ascent, 3 Sunny Gardens Parade, London NW4 1JA CANADA: C/O Beth Oloth, 32 Brookview Dr., Toronto, ON M6A 2K2 (cheque 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