From the day we first arrived at the Moshav with R' Shlomo more than 20 years ago, we were dreaming of and praying and planning for the establishment of a world center for R' Shlomo's teachings -- a Jewish educational, spiritual center/yeshiva and a Shabbos retreat/resort, where people from all over the world could come and experience the joy and depth of R' Shlomo's leaning, davening and celebrating.
A small part of this dream was immediately implemented with the establishment of Midreshet Modi'im in the early years of the Moshav. In 1977 we began hosting youth groups from all over the world for one day programs, mostly during the summers, when high school and college students would arrive in Israel. We did not have the space or facilities to house and feed groups for overnight or Shabbat programs. Nor did we have the buildings to provide space for classes or concerts during the cold and rainy Israeli winters. In spite of all these limitations, the programs were extremely successful, and internationally acclaimed. In 1989, at the beginning of the wave of Arab terrorism called the "intifada", youth group tourism virtually came to a halt, and the Midrasha ceased to function.
This year, shortly before Pesach, Ariel Sharon, the Israeli Minister of National Infrastructure, and a friend to R' Shlomo, approved a proposal presented by Midreshet Modi'im for the establishment of an Educational Center in memory of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ZTs"L at Moshav Meor Modi'im, R' Shlomo's home in Israel. At a meeting that included representatives of the Ministry of National Infrastructure, the Israel Lands Authority, the Moshav's steering committee, the Modi'im neighborhood council, and the Jewish Agency, agreement was reached to change the zoning of approximately 40 dunam (about 10 acres of land) on the moshav, and designate this land as the site of the new Bayit Chadash Educational Center. Government architects, economists and other officials were assigned to work closely with our amuta (non-profit organization) and the administration of the Moshav to begin planning and construction of the Center. Partial funding was promised to supplement funds that we would raise.
Truly a miracle!
OVERVIEW:
The entire project has been divided into three stages:
1) Repairing the existing facilities and immediate reopening
of Midrasha for one-day programs.
2) Expanding and renovating the existing facilities and
enlarging the staff to accommodate larger and longer groups.
as well as overnight and Shabbat programs over the course of 1997-1998.
3) Construction of the Educational Center's new buildings, as
approved by the Israeli Govemment's Ministry of National Infrastructure.
In view of the limited time frame for the first stage, we decided to borrow $3000 to cover the costs of repairing the existing facilities to the extent that they could become immediately operational for this summer's groups. The amuta's seven permanent members volunteered to present a series of concerts, the proceeds of which would be used to repay the loans. This stage has already been accomplished , and we have been promised some groups this summer through the Jewish Agency's youth group programs.
This report will concentrate on the second stage. An outline of the final stage, as proposed to the Israel Government, will be presented at the end of this document.
Project Summary:
Midreshet Me'or Modi'im, also known as the Bayit Chadash World
Educational Center, requires $247,000 in order to renovate and enlarge
existing structures, make building improvements and
establish a core educational and cultural program for 1997-1998.
During the coming year, Midreshet Me'or Modi'im proposes to offer educational and cultural programs for North American, European and Israeli youth and adults which will focus on the theme of "Am Israel Echad" in the spirit of the teachings of its teacher and founder, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ZTs"L.
In preparation for this program activity, Midreshet Me'or Modi'im will renovate several existing facilities, including the community Synagogue, dining room, kitchen and bathrooms, and acquire temporary housing structures, and construct a small outdoor stage and seating area for concerts and performances.
A) Mission Statement
Midreshet Me'or Modi'im is an educational and cultural center located
at Mevo Modi'im, halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, which offers
Jewish spiritual and cultural programs for groups of visiting youth and
adults. The Midrasha aspires to increase understanding and acceptance
between Jews of all traditions and backgrounds and to convey the love,
joy and light of Judaism as propounded by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ZTs"L,
Moshav Me'or Modi'im's teacher and founder.
B) Background and Past Achievements
As the founder and spiritual leader of Moshav Me'or Modi'im, Rabbi
Carlebach maintained a home, and taught there for the last twenty years
of his life. From 1977 to 1989 Midreshet Me'or Modi'im successfully
conducted programs in cooperation with the Noar V'Chatutz Department
of the Jewish Agency. During these twelve years, hundreds of young
people attended workshops and concerts at Me'or Modi'im. The Torah
Culture Department of the Ministry of Education recognized and certified
this program as a Jewish Educational Youth Center. However, for a
variety of reasons, the Midrasha suspended operations. The passing of
Rabbi Carlebach in 1995 catalyzed the Midrasha to reestablish its
program in order to fulfill his vision of a strong and united Jewish people.
C) Goals
1. To increase understanding and acceptance between Jews of all
traditions and backgrounds by sharing with them the love, joy and
light of Judaism through short term seminars for Israeli and
overseas high school students and adults.
2. To carry on teaching the wisdom and Torah of Reb Shlomo.
3. To offer a unique educational and cultural experience combining
classes and touring with music, song and storytelling in the style of
Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, ZTs"L.
D) Objectives
1. To renovate and enlarge, during 1997, the existing physical facilities
of the Midrasha including the synagogue, kitchen, cafeteria and
bathrooms; and acquire furniture and supplies.
2. To develop the educational curriculum and program of the Midrasha and to offer fifty to seventy-five weekday and Shabbat educational and cultural programs during the1997-1998 academic year.
3. To engage in planning, organization and fund raising for the establishment of the expanded center.
E) Methods and Program Description
1. A specific plan of renovation has been approved by the Board of
Directors. The plan includes: repair and overhaul of the synagogue,
classrooms, kitchen, bathrooms and cafeteria, to make the facility
suitable for conducting seminars and workshops. The Midrasha will
acquire kitchen equipment as well as housing units, cots and
mattresses. in order to provide short-term housing for visitors. A
request for proposals and prices has been published and released
to the public. Upon awarding of contracts, the facility renovation
will be supervised by Reuven Gilmore, a member of the Board of the
Directors. See attached description and budget.
2. To develop the educational curriculum and program of the Midrasha and to offer fifty to seventy-five week-day and Shabbat educational and cultural programs during the 1997-1998 academic year. The Midrasha will organize a curriculum of educational and cultural activities focusing on the concept of "Am Israel Echad". Four different educational programs will be developed based on the length of time that each group will be hosted. The program models will include:
I) Half Day Program: 4-5 hours
a. Welcome (light snack, and orientation)
b. short walking tour of ancient Maccabean and Byzantine ruins.
c. Discussion groups (see attached list)
d. Lunch or Dinner
e. Full concert of Reb Shlomo Carlebach's music lasting 1 to 2 hours.
II) Full Day Program (approximately 8 hours)
This program will expand the half-day program with a longer
tour, discussion groups, study, two meals and a concert.
III. Concert (1 - 2 1/2 hours)
A concert featuring Reb Shlomo's spiritual vision as expressed
in his music and stories.
IV. Shabbat Program
A full- length weekend with tours, discussion groups, text study,
home hospitality, prayer and a concert.
See attachment 1 detailing programs and discussion topics.
Faculty members will include: Ben Zion Solomon, Rabbi Zusha Fruman, Rabbi Avraham Aryeh Trugman, Rabbi Ya'akov Shames, Michael Golomb, Mordechai Levy, Leah Golomb, Rachel Trugman, Emunah Witt, Dina Solomon, Zahava Gilmore and others.
Location:
Mevo Modi'im in the area zoned for tourism and recreation
(Gush 5600) according to the designation of the Modi'im zoning council.
Administration and Management
Midreshet Me'or Modi'im: The Bayit Chadash World Educational
Center is a registered amuta (non-profit organization) in the
State of Israel. The amuta is comprised of an eight-member
Board of Directors and a four member executive committee.
The Board has responsibility for financial and organizational
oversight for the Midrasha and its projects. The Board employs
an executive director who is responsible for fulfilling the Board's mandate.
Advertising and Promotion
The Midrasha is contacting educational organizations, youth groups,
scouting organizations and tour operators to interest them in
participation. The Midrasha will also develop an agreement for
the provision of educational and cultural programs to the Jewish
Agency and its departments. An attractive brochure with prices
and details of program options will be widely distributed in Israel and abroad.
F) Implementation Plan Through September 1998
September-October 1997
Receive bids on renovation work November-December 1997
1. Conduct renovations, repair, purchase furniture etc.
2. Develop educational program, conduct marketing
campaign to receive visitors.
January-February 1998
Begin seminars: Five per month March-June 1998
Continue seminars increase to seven to ten month.
July-September 1998
1. Increase seminars to maximum of 15 per month.
2. Planning for the expanded center.
G) 1997-1998 Budget (In U.S.A. Dollars)
Renovations 100,000
Administrative Manager 25,000
Educational Coordinator 22,000
Secretary (1/2) 12,000
Teachers (3) 20,000
Janitorial Services 6,000
Musicians (4) 14,000
Subtotal Personnel Costs 99,000
Contracted Services 5,000
Computer 4,000-
Advertising/Promotion 7,000
Printing 2,000
Contingencies/Miscellaneous 5,000
Food and preparation 15,000
Overhead 10,000-
Program Subtotal 147,000
Total with Renovations and Program 247,000
Proposed Funding Sources 1997-1998
Ministry of Education
Jewish Agency
Private Donors and Foundations
Participant Revenue
Total Projected Funds 247,000
Attachment 1: Renovation Plan
Kitchen:
1. Replacement of all windows and bars.
2. Interior painting, plastering.
3. Replace kitchen door with double metal door.
4. Replace side door with double metal door.
5. Plumbing: Replace 150 liter solar water heater.
6. Electricity: recommendation and price quote to be provided by proposed
contractor.
7. Sewage system: clean, repair and replace pipes.
Dining Room
1. Interior and exterior painting of the entire building. plaster, painting and
repairs.
2. Roof repairs.
3 Foundation work.
4. Entry wall.
5. Replace floor with 3Ox3Ocm tiles.
6. Replace all windows, bars and frames.
7. Electrical work based on contractor's recommendations.
8. Air-conditioning system.
9. Addition of ceiling acoustical tiles.
Lavatories
1. Replace floors.
2. Painting to include entry area and doors.
3. Replace windows and screens.
Dormitories
Placement of a prefabricated second story on the kitchen/dining
room building with12 rooms would provide space for sleeping a
maximum of 60 people in two separate wings with a separate
entrance to each wing. One would be for men and the other for
women. This would create the possibility to run Shabbatonim or
two day seminars.
Each wing would have a shower room and toilets.
Synagogue
Enlargement to about double the size
Total Estimated Cost: $100,000
Price quotes have been requested from area contractors.
Attachment 2: Seminar Programs
In-depth Torah Study
Weekly Torah portion - Chassidic insights
Talmud and Midrash
Jewish mysticism and meditation.
Healing and alternative medicine including: reflexology, herbal
medicine, shiatsu massage.
Jewish approaches to healing and alternative medicine.
Special Commandments related to the Land of Israel.
Exercise Program: basketball, soccer, baseball, acting, mime,
dance, Yoga, Karate, tai chi.
Illustrative Conference Themes:
Israel and the Nations: Contemporary ethical and moral issues.
Men and Women in Judaism: Roles, relationships
The Holocaust, Exile and Redemption in Jewish History
Assimilation
Jewish Holidays and the Cycle of the Year
In the Footsteps of the Maccabees
Hasidism: Past and Present
Attachment 3
Outline of Proposal for New Construction of
BAYIT CHADASH WORLD CENTER
A NEW EDUCATIONAL AND TOURIST CENTER
A village style educational and tourist campus with the objective of promoting unity and Jewish values in the hearts of Israel in the way of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach ZTs"L, through music, stories and Torah learning. The way of R' Shlomo is based on open minds, patience and dialogue.
PROGRAM OUTLINE
Following is a rough translation of the proposal outline that was
presented and approved in principle by the Israel Government Ministry
of National Infrastructure.
Site and Location:
Approximately 40 Dunams (10 Acres) within the assigned boundaries
of the Yishuv Mevo Modi'im in the eastern part of the settlement
along Route 443. Approximately halfway between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.
The Campus will accommodate about 500 people at once including
administrators, teachers, students and visitors.
Housing:
Dormitories to accommodate about 200-230 students in 70 rooms.
Apartments for staff and their families - about 30-40 apartments.
Motel style rooms to accommodate up to 200 people in about 100 rooms.
Educational buildings
Beit Midrash for 120 students
6 classrooms for 40 students
8 classrooms for 20 students
20 offices and teachers rooms
Archive
Multimedia library
Recording studio
Lecture hall/Auditorium
Services
Maintenance
Laundry facilities
Kitchen
Dining room
Public Areas
Multipurpose sports field
Supermarket
Club house
Concert Hall
Indoor space to seat 500 people with the possibility to open
out into an amphitheater that
would bring the capacity up to 1500 people.
Rehearsal rooms.
Dressing rooms
Exhibition room
Administration building
Reception
Offices
Cashier
Administration
Health Center
Swimming pool
Gymnasium
Treatment rooms
Donations should be made payable to:
MIDRESHET ME'OR MODI'M
Attn. BenZion Solomon
D.N. HAMERCAZ 73122
ISRAEL
For U.S.A. tax deductable donations (IRS No. 13-6104086), make checks out to:
P.E.F. ISRAEL ENDOWMENT FUNDS INC.
317 Madison Avenue, Suite 607
New York, N.Y. 10017
Please join us in bringing R' Shlomo's dream into reality.