A HOME FOR OUR REFORM CONGREGATION

Donate to make a dream come true – Build a Reform Synagogue and Community Center in Hod Hasharon, Israel. The only Reform congregation in Hod Hasharon is currently in the middle of a fundraising campaign to establish a permanent home. Kehilat Yonatan was established in 2002. Its spiritual leader, Rabbi Michael Boyden, made Aliyah with his family in 1985 as an expression of his deep commitment to Israel. He was previously a rabbi in Manchester, England and has served as the president of the Israel Council of Progressive Rabbis. Kehilat Yonatan memorializes the name of Yonatan Boyden z"l, the rabbi's son, who fell while on active service in southern Lebanon in 1993. Yonatan was a keen sportsman and an excellent student. As an expression of his deep desire to make a contribution to his country and his people, he volunteered to undertake his military service in an elite parachute regiment. Kehilat Yonatan offers a ray of light to those in search of an open, liberal approach to our Jewish heritage. Our synagogue is egalitarian and family orientated and, among other activities, we hold Sabbath and festival services, Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, conduct weddings, and offer a conversion program. In the context of the congregation's spiritual enrichment program we have established 'The Sharon Region Center for Jewish Studies', which offers lectures and study programs with Israel's foremost teachers and writers in the fields of Jewish and Israeli culture. Kehilat Yonatan does not have a permanent home. Since it was established it has made use of the synagogue in the Mossenson Youth Village. We have now reached the home stretch! City hall has finally granted us a large piece of public land in the center of Hod Hasharon. Members of the congregation have raised half the sum required to erect the building, and architects' plans have already been submitted for approval. The time has now come to make the dream come true! Kehilat Yonatan is all spirit and love focused on providing enrichment through value-centered educational programs. It now needs a permanent home for all its activities. We appeal to those for whom civil rights, equality, free thought, religious pluralism and strengthening an awareness of our Jewish heritage are important values. Be our partners in making a dream come true. Help us build a permanent home! We have divided our project into two phases: For the first phase we need to raise a further $400,000 to erect the building. Following that, we shall raise additional sums to complete the interior of our Center. Kehilat Yonatan is a registered Amutah (charitable organization) holding a certificate of approval from Israel's Charity Commissioners. Tax deductible donations can be made both in Israel and overseas. Donations of over 100,000 NIS will be recognized by a plaque in the new building honoring the donor. In addition, a naming gift can be made for the entire project.