Our Mission

In 1997, Shlomo Raanan established "Ayelet Hashachar", a nonprofit organization working towards creating a united society of religious and non-religious Jews in Israel.

In "Ayelet Hashachar", we see every person for who s/he his, regardless of his or her religious practice or background. We have developed a platform that allows right to meet left and work together to bridge the social gap dividing Israel.

The Israeli public is facing a growing problem. Israeli society is being torn apart by a lack of understanding of what it means to be religious, what it means to be secular, and how all of us belong to the same people. Sadly, the average Israeli often looks at his fellow religious Jew with a measure of contempt and hatred, while on the other hand, the religious Jew cannot be open to the ways of his secular neighbor.

People all over are reaching out in search of meaning and guidance. Brotherly love, respect and acceptance are a few of the main issues we promote in "Ayelet Hashachar", as we are here to fill a need and remind the Jewish people of our common history and roots. We work hard to break the stereotypes on both ends of the spectrum.

Our programs are always catered to the wishes of each community with consideration and respect. Our programs are free of charge and open to the general public. Included in our programs are:

  • Religious and non-religious family relocation.

  • Bar\Bat Mitzvah programs.

  • Shabbatons with leading speakers and intellectuals.

  • Holiday celebrations throughout Israel.

  • Prayer services and Minyanim.

  • Financial support with building of synagogues and furnishing Torah scrolls.

  • Chavruta phone-study sessions for men and women in Israel and globally.

  • Learning centers in Kiryat Tivon, Modiin, Jaffa and Yearah.

  • Educational tours.

  • We are partners in hundreds of communities.

"Ayelet Hashachar" is here for each and every person who wishes to better understand how we all belong together - religious and secular individuals living side by side in unity and acceptance. Help us build a stronger Israel for your own present and your children’s future.

 

Six ways to connect

Phone study, communities, encounters, the High Holidays, synagogues and special projects. In each, religious and secular Israelis meet without giving up who they are.

  • 16,000 participants

    Chavruta

    Religious and secular study partners learn together by phone once a week, matched by a trained staff, free of charge.

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  • Communities and Study Houses

    The Ayelet Hashachar community in the city: an open community, involved in city life. Every resident is invited to join meetings, workshops, holidays and a beit midrash for men and women.

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  • Bridging and Encounters

    Study tours, bar/bat mitzvah programs, talks for teenagers and meetings that let secular Israelis see into the lives of their religious neighbors.

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  • Yom Kippur

    A traditional Israeli Yom Kippur service in communities and kibbutzim, voluntary and open to anyone who wants to pray.

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  • 80 kibbutzim

    Building Synagogues

    Building, renovating and supporting synagogues in kibbutzim, moshavim and young communities.

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  • Special Projects

    Chavruta for the Lonely (in development), Together at Home, the Path of Life in Kiryat Shmona, a tent for prayer and study in Hostages Square, a synagogue in the Settlement Museum and more.

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