International Report

The stories that propel Aish... toward our 40th year and beyond.

Inside: Prime Markets Core Aish Classics

Pictured: Original glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly, in the atrium of the Aish World Center / Dan Family of Canada Building. The Jerusalem Post called it "one of the most significant works of glass art to be permanently exhibited in Jerusalem." The sculpture, entitled "Fire and Water," represents the talmudic story of Akiva, from which Aish HaTorah gets its name. About Aish 2

The Aish story begins with one man who, in the face of others’ doubts, built a movement to connect to their heritage and to each other. Forty years later, Aish is the story of thousands of dedicated people – , lay leaders and students – taking responsibility to solve the spiritual and physical challenges facing the Jewish people. Aish is the story of millions of Jews connecting with the passion of Jewish life. It is the story of young professionals exploring their roots, their land, and the wisdom of ancient books. It is the story of college students overcoming anti- sentiment on campus and standing proud for their people. And Aish is the story of parents infusing their homes with Jewish values for the next generation. built Aish’s first 40 years, and we are now moving boldly forward into the next 40 years. Our objective is to introduce strategic projects that ensure long-term stability for the organization, while fostering an exciting new era of expansion that impacts Jews Aish is our story. throughout the world. The Aish story is told through Facebook photos of visits to the Aish Center at the Please join us. in Jerusalem. It is told through meaningful, timely articles and films on Aish.com. It is told through inspiring sessions held everywhere from living rooms to board rooms, and at 30 Aish centers on 6 continents. These stories emerge from our commitment to take responsibility, each in our unique way, for the future of the Jewish people. Into the future, these stories deepen as we sit around the table with our children and grandchildren, sharing warmth and wisdom in unparalleled connection. Rabbi Noah Weinberg Aish is a story like the Jewish people themselves – exciting, innovative, eternal. Founder of Aish HaTorah 1930-2009 It is fueled by a diverse group of dedicated partners who give of their time, expertise and money, contributing to our goal of nothing less than a Jewish renaissance. Aish annual Figures for 2012 participants Branches Unique Participants Programs Unique Participants Jerusalem Unique Participants 3 U.K. 30,000 Project Chazon (U.S.) 29,000 Israeli Outreach 10,650 New York – Connections 7,100 Hasbara Fellowships 20,600 Aish Events 8,900 Toronto 4,000 Project Inspire 8,000 Student Groups 3,560 Los Angeles 3,100 Campus Programs 7,000 Discovery-Israel 3,140 New York – Manhattan 3,000 Discovery USA 1,100 Western Wall 2,380 Experience Denver 1,500 JWRP (affiliate) 900 Fellowships 1,920 Tel Aviv 1,000 Bliss Seminars 300 Essentials 1,480 Mexico City 1,000 Justifi 100 ELC & Missions 1,100 Boston 1,000 Total: 67,000 Outreach Training 760 Philadelphia 800 Project Chazon 350 South Florida 700 Digital Subscribers 260 Johannesburg 700 Aish.com 274,000* Jewel 150 Australia 610 Aish.co.il (Hebrew) 82,000 Eyaht 80 St. Louis 570 AishLatino (Spanish) 29,000 Cleveland 550 Total: 34,730 AishAudio 25,000 Detroit 500 Aish.fr (French) 1,000 Washington 500 SUMMARY HonestReporting 139,000 Chile 500 (affiliate) Aish Branches 58,050 Brazil 350 FreeMiddleEast.com 36,000 Programs 67,000 Costa Rica 320 Kiruv.com 35,000 Digital 621,000 Minnesota 250 Total: 621,000 Jerusalem 34,730 Total: 58,050 *plus 10 million visits Annual Total 780,780

Young professionals at Aish event in London Aish Campus Prime Markets On the front lines 4 Students – energetic, educated and collectively inspired to turn their dreams into reality – have always served as the prime manpower of the great social movements. That is why Aish has undertaken a major campus initiative – establishing 9 branches servicing North American universities, giving us direct access to 300,000 Jewish students. NW6 Birthright “Brings Israel Home”

Hundreds of thousands of young Jews have visited Israel on Birthright. Yet the challenge has always been to engage them afterward – to ensure that the impact doesn’t dissipate, but grows. Now, Aish New York has broken through with an amazing online innovation called Bring Israel Home. We set up a “virtual gaming platform” for our 10 Birthright busloads (400 students) to compete against each other in Jewish and Israel-related challenges. The grand prize was a spectacular reunion weekend in New York along with the Israeli soldiers who accompanied them on their trip. The success rate is astounding: Our most recent group had 100% participation – staying connected to Israel, to , and to each other. In recognition of this success, the Reform movement is now asking Aish to follow up with 40 Lisa’s Story busloads of their Birthright students. In 2011, my husband Seth and I went to lead the Aish Campus initiative at Indiana Aish is trailblazing the use of new media to reach the new generation. University. Our goal was to implement Aish’s movement-building philosophy by recruiting and building student leaders, while becoming a hub of Jewish life on campus.

We’re amazed at how Aish has caught on. Today our Shabbat meals average 80 students. I love hosting and connecting with so many students. This semester, 35 students signed up for weekly one-on-one Torah study sessions – on everything from “Essentials of Judaism” to “Exploration of the Talmud.”

Thank God, we continue to beat our metrics. This summer alone, Aish at Indiana University is sending 15 students to Israel for full-time learning programs, and another 40 students to Israel on Birthright and second-stage 2.0 trips.

As for the Jewish energy on campus, we can see the tide turning in our favor. Go Hoosiers! Lisa Cook Aish Campus – Indiana University Aish Birthright group on the rooftop of the Aish World Center (In the background: and the Mount of Olives) Young Professionals Prime Markets 5 Igniting the next Young professionals are often the AISH STATS generation Jewish community’s “missing demographic,” MORI, England’s largest independent research company, typically at a low ebb of affiliation. Yet Aish surveyed 1,400 graduates of Aish UK’s 3-week Israel trip, prioritizes this vital market, since it is the stage when finding that: young Jews are choosing partners and setting lifetime directions. 97% have married Jewish partners, compared to the 50% national average Even more, young professionals have the maturity, resources and freedom to take responsibility and become leaders of Aish’s 69% are continuing their Jewish studies burgeoning social movement to restore Jewish values and pride. 60% are actively involved in the Jewish community Aish is creating a number of innovative strategies to ignite young professionals with 10% are pursuing careers in Jewish leadership the fire of Torah – ensuring a future of healthy Jewish families, and educated leaders taking responsibility for the Jewish people.

NW6 In 2012, Aish UK forged unique strategic partnerships with two major synagogues in the Hampstead neighborhood of London, a hub for young Jewish professionals. Two Aish Rabbis, Moshe Mayerfeld and Shlomo Stilerman, moved into the area. With the benefit of established synagogue facilities, Aish is providing young professionals with attractive Shabbat programming, learning opportunities, and social events. Utilizing these existing communal frameworks has proven a visionary and cost-effective method. Aish UK is now applying the same model to Jewish day schools – sending educators to impart Aish’s unique, highly-engaging content.

Yitz’s Story

In Los Angeles, we conceived of Morry’s Fireplace as a modern and comfortable place that would become a hub for young Jewish professionals. We built the Fireplace just a few storefronts down from Aish LA’s main center – and stocked it with food, sofas, and of course a fireplace.

The formula worked. Hundreds of Jewish singles now meet at Morry’s for social events, Shabbat and holiday experiences, and dynamic self-development seminars. “Aish” means “fire” and we have created a warm, vibrant community that brings Jews together and ignites Jewish pride. Rabbi Yitz Jacobs Aish Los Angeles Aish UK young professionals meeting with Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain Women Prime Markets In partnership with Aish and 62 other Instilling Jewish organizations throughout the world, the Jewish 6 Women's Renaissance Project (JWRP) continues to JWRP Participants values at home experience incredible growth, bringing over 2,500 women to 1200 Israel, featuring classes at the Aish World Center / Dan Family of sold out in 10 days Canada Building. 900 800 This 9-day subsidized trip is a high-impact dose of learning and touring amidst the 600 Gaza War that informs, inspires and builds a deep bond of sisterhood – empowering today's Jewish woman. 300 But that's just the beginning. The ultimate success of these trips depends on 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 follow-up, where in dozens of cities around the world, these women tap into a broad network of peers and mentors from Aish and other partnering organizations – and then undertake responsibility for inspiring themselves, their families, and the broader Jewish community. This exciting social movement is gaining traction, and 2012 featured the first annual JWRP Leadership Conference. Together, we are activating thousands of women and making a lasting impact on Jewish homes and the Jewish world. All streams of Judaism come together at Aish’s Chayil – the Cleveland Jewish Women’s Movement Lauren’s Story Follow-up surveys conducted one year Along with 200 women, I had the privilege of visiting Israel with Aish Cleveland and JWRP. The trip after a JWRP trip showed that: was indescribable in its intellectual and emotional impact. Though we came from a wide variety 89% of participants increased their Jewish study of backgrounds and beliefs, for 9 days we shared the passion of Jewish wisdom and Jewish living. 83% of participants increased financial support By the end of the trip, we yearned to take our new-found inspiration home, to strengthen to their local Jewish community Jewish values in our homes and community, and to connect Jewish women of all backgrounds. 97% of participants encouraged family and friends to visit Israel We knew that for great things to happen in Jewish life, it would fall upon us women to take responsibility and make it happen.

We named our organization Aish’s Chayil and held our kick-off event at a local restaurant. It was an amazing success that brought together over 100 women from all streams of Jewish life. One woman from the Jewish Federation said: “I’ve been involved for decades and have never before seen such a breaking down of barriers, with all types of Jews coming together to bond and to grow together Jewishly.”

We now meet monthly to socialize, bake challah, engage in community service projects, and hear powerful speakers. In doing so, we have a framework to welcome energetic and idealistic Jewish women into our ever-widening circle.

Aish’s Chayil is now expanding into a Sunday program for teens – another way we can affect families in a meaningful, value-driven way. In Cleveland, the Jewish movement is truly happening! La u r e n S o n k i n JWRP participants on the roof of the Aish World Center, overlooking the Western Wall Executives Prime Markets

Torah study and “Learning with ELC for over 15 years has 7 spiritual retreats Executive Learning been key to my personal growth. No one Our busy world leaves precious little time for personal else offers such an incredible combination of custom-made learning, convenience, and spiritual development. Yet hundreds of busy executives and the best teachers in the Jewish world.” around the world prioritize a weekly study session in their office with an Aish rabbi – bringing “Jewish clarity” to an often chaotic business environment. Dr. Stuart Hytman Real estate investor, Toronto In the corridors of Silicon Valley, Mexico City, London and Wall Street, Aish International Board Member Torah wisdom is enhancing lives.

“ELC is always intellectually stimulating and Retreat to Israel spiritually uplifting. The private study sessions with Aish Rabbis allow me to discover the In Jerusalem, Aish produces spiritual retreats for visiting individuals, families and small depth and beauty of Judaism – at my own groups, enabling them to immerse in the unparalleled experience of private study with level and pace.” Jerusalem’s top educators - while overlooking the Western Wall. Louis Mayberg Whether for a day, a week, or a month, these retreats are game-changers for those Co-Founder of ProShares LLC ready to invest some vacation time in developing themselves personally and spiritually, Aish International Board Member while achieving a quantum leap in their Hebrew/Jewish textual skills. This impact extends not only to participants, but also to their families, friends, colleagues, and communities to which they return. Alon’s Story

Sample schedule: I was one of Aish’s first students back in 1974 and later became the founder of Aish 9:00 Judaism & the Afterlife Rabbi Asher Resnick Detroit. Rabbi Weinberg zt”l always emphasized that Torah study in Jerusalem is 10:00 Wonders of Rabbi Motty Berger incomparable to anywhere else. 11:00 God & Science Dr. Gerald Schroeder 12:00 Jewish Ethics Rabbi Gavriel Friedman This year, we at Aish Detroit decided to give five of our long-standing partners a Jewish experience that would go beyond what could be achieved at home.

With all the logistics handled by Aish Jerusalem, we custom-designed a one-week immersive Torah study experience.

We arrived at the Aish Center each morning at 9 a.m. and nobody wanted to leave till 9 p.m. The brilliant teachers gave everything they had and our participants soaked it right up, asking question after question and challenging them every step of the way.

Our people received individual attention and felt connected to the inner sanctum. Studying in a room directly overlooking the Western Wall didn’t hurt, either.

It’s incredible to see what can be achieved when people are fully focused. Our participants returned to Detroit as true partners, with a whole new level of commitment and enthusiasm for Judaism and for Aish. Rabbi Alon Tolwin Aish Detroit Aish tour guide extraordinaire Rabbi Ken Spiro (left) with the group from Aish Detroit Western Wall Jerusalem Core Millions of Jews from all walks of 8 Experience life visit the Western Wall. Some approach with confidence; others hang back, wondering what it all means. For some the Wall is just another Location & archeological site. For others it is too overwhelming to inspiration fully appreciate. This is, tragically, often an opportunity lost. To address this urgent need, Aish conceived of the Western Wall Experience – a “must-see” destination which communicates the spiritual and strategic importance of Jerusalem, inspires a vision of Jewish destiny, and strengthens Jewish identity. At the centerpiece is the Kirk Douglas Theater, where visitors view a giant-screen The Explorium presentation on the power and relevance of the Western Wall. Using cutting-edge technology, visitors are actually inserted into the film, making it a truly personalized This is just the beginning. Aish is now collaborating with a team of world-class museum experience for each tour group. designers to develop one of Israel’s premier tourist attractions: The Western Wall Explorium. Next stop is Aish’s magnificent rooftop panorama, seven stories above the Western This 50-minute experience is a tour guide’s dream come true. Using highly-interactive Wall Plaza, where visitors not only hear about their Jewish heritage, but experience it technology, visitors will be transported back 4,000 years to the time of Abraham, to explore directly with their senses. As the dramatic program concludes, the epic saga of the Jewish people – “the greatest story ever told.” visitors exit the Aish building directly onto the . Visitors will then journey back to today, amidst a tapestry of ideas and inspiration that Foreign dignitaries, celebrities, and a broad spectrum of tourists places each Jew at the forefront of Jewish destiny. all include the Aish World Center in their Jerusalem itinerary. Visitors – projected at 300,000 annually – will be encouraged to sign up for Aish.com and attend follow-up programs in their hometowns. Photo: Kirk Douglas and Rabbi Noah Weinberg celebrating Aish is now launching a major fundraising initiative for the construction of the Kirk Douglas Theater at the Aish World Center / Explorium, and construction is slated to begin in the near future. Dan Family of Canada Building in Jerusalem. Kirk says he "entered into a partnership with Aish" to ensure that when visitors to the Western Wall are inspired to ask life’s most Seth’s Story important questions, Aish is there to provide inspiring answers. We recently presented the Western Wall Experience to a group of Israelis studying to become tour guides. This was Aish hosts Jeannette Kagame, a unique and influential mix of young and old, men and First Lady of Rwanda women, Jews and Muslims.

After our presentation, the course director – an old-time tour guide with decades of experience – stood up and said:

“The Israeli government has to see this. I have never seen anything so well-crafted... This message must be heard by everyone.”

Then, as they turned to leave, one of the Muslim students stopped me and said: “This is the way it should be.” Seth Clyman Director of Guest Services, Aish World Center Visitors in the Kirk Douglas Theater Aish Israel Jerusalem Core In Israel today, socio-political trends are leading 9 Reaching out millions of Jews to search with open, questioning to Israelis hearts about their history and heritage. At the same time, there are many misconceptions and barriers. With decades of programming experience, and the nation’s preeminent facility facing the Western Wall, Aish is uniquely positioned to connect secular Israelis with Torah ideals that are so close, and yet so far. Initial success has exceeded all expectations. Everyone from IDF officers to hi-tech CEOs, from college students to kibbutz families, are converging on the Aish Center to partake of programming that presents Judaism in new and inspiring ways.

Last year, Aish Israel

• reached 2,500 Israelis with our Chanukah Program • reached 4,500 Israelis with our High Holiday Program • hosted hundreds of Israeli police officers to celebrate their children’s’ Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and for police graduation ceremonies • Aish Tel Aviv, in addition to our beachfront center, opened a new location in the prestigious Azrieli Tower. We are witnessing first-hand the thirst in Israeli society for authentic, meaningful, relevant Jewish education. 30% of our participants request follow-up programming – and Aish is there to deliver it from the heart of Jerusalem. Efi’s Story

A young woman from Rishon came to the Aish Center, along Next year, Aish Israel with 2,500 other Israelis, for our famed Chanukah program. • aims to deliver programming for 30,000 people at our Center facing the Western Wall We began with music – spiritual, moving and inspiring. • will be launching a Teudat Zehut (“National Identity”) program in Israeli high schools Performance artists then broke down barriers with a • will be adapting for the Israeli market the successful U.S. programs of Project Inspire and Project Chazon dramatic Chanukah story that brought the audience to tears of joy and laughter. Aish Israel is forging a new wave of Jewish unity – breaking down barriers and building bridges between religious and secular Israelis. A family then stepped up to light the menorah and a hush fell over the crowd. As they began to slowly sing the blessing “L’hadlik ner shel Chanukah,” something profound touched that young woman. She told me:

“I’ve traveled around the world – the Far East, Europe, South America – and whenever I see another Jew, I feel a sense of connection. But until experiencing the Aish program, I’d never before felt this way in Israel – that sense of unity, of being part of the Jewish nation. For me, something has now changed. Efi Bibi Aish student and Tel Aviv media personality

On the Aish rooftop, IDF soldiers learn about the significance of the Western Wall Essentials & Jerusalem Core For thousands of Jews, the first steps Aish introductory students 10 of coming closer to their heritage takes place WISDOM FOR Jewel at Aish branches around the world. Gain tools to clarify their life goals For those fortunate enough to visit Jerusalem, Aish’s An inspiring introductory program provides a quantum leap in LIVING Explore the mystical and rational underpinnings of Judaism connecting them to the wisdom and relevance of Judaism. start IS AISH’S CORE Connect to the depth and beauty of Jewish life Explore the Land of Israel Essentials COMPETENCY Develop life-long bonds with peers and mentors Essentials is reaching new milestones of growth at its new, highly- NOBODY DOES accessible location in the Aish World Center / Fahari Family classroom. Since relocating, Essentials has increased three-fold – from 500 unique annual participants to 1,500. IT BETTER Beyond this, Essentials has become a key resource for other Jewish organizations who utilize Essentials classes and teachers for their educational component. Whether dropping in for an hour, a day or a few weeks, Aish Essentials provides students with the excitement and inspiration that sparks a lifetime of Jewish learning and commitment.

Jewel Adam Greenberg (right) at Aish Jerusalem with The influence of the Jewish woman runs through his brother, visiting on a Birthright trip our national story like a powerful chain connecting one generation to the next. Adam’s Story Jewel, our one-month introductory program, is where I always felt proud to be Jewish, but I didn’t know why. So when I left college and entered university and professional women ages 19-30 can attain the working world, I wanted to explore Judaism as a personal choice, rather than something a foundation in , Hebrew, holidays, from my parents. prayer, self-fulfillment and more. I heard about Essentials and it sounded like just what I was looking for – a low-pressure Jewel generates an energy that informs life choices, flowing back into the home, campus and environment where I could ask tons of questions and get a fresh perspective. workplace – and bringing the light of Judaism to future generations. My month at Essentials was incredible. The rabbis showed me how Judaism is profoundly In 2012, registration at Jewel increased 66% over the previous year – giving Jewish women the relevant to today’s world. I made great new friends and explored exciting new places – both tools to thrive in the 21st century. in Israel and inside myself.

After Essentials, I decided to stay for Aish’s pre-Intermediate course, to learn more nuts and bolts of Judaism. In only five weeks I developed a whole new understanding and commitment for what it means to live as a Jew. It’s as though I’d re-paved a foundation for life.

When I returned to New York, my local rabbi had me speak about my experiences in front of the entire congregation during Shabbat services.

It feels so good to be connected to my heritage, and to have the confidence to share the beauty of Judaism with others. Thanks, Aish!

With windows overlooking the Western Wall, Rabbi Yom Tov Glaser Adam Greenberg teaches his popular “Practical Spirituality” class at Essentials Leadership Jerusalem Core Aish has been described as a “billion-dollar 11 Development asset to the Jewish community.” Empowering young One of our premier accomplishments is developing Jews to take hundreds of Jewish leaders – rabbis, educators, administrators – who are undertaking leadership roles in over 100 Jewish responsibility communities around the world. In England alone, 140 Aish alumni have dedicated their professional careers to improving Jewish life.

Rabbinic Ordination Eyaht’s new five-story facility in Jerusalem

The nucleus of our manpower development is the Rabbinical Program in EYAHT Jerusalem, which turns raw talent into effective leaders who infuse new programs For women interested in a quality Jewish education taught by a gifted and dedicated staff, no and communities with the potent Aish brand. school can rival Eyaht, Aish HaTorah's women’s college founded by Rebbetzin Denah Weinberg. As a frontline outreach facility, Aish Jerusalem is like a “spiritual teaching hospital” – providing Due to demand, Eyaht is in the completion stage of a new five-story campus building in our rabbinic students with hands-on opportunities to put into practice the lessons learned Jerusalem. The facility accommodates 350 students, and features a state-of-the-art lecture hall in the classroom. and rooftop panorama of Jerusalem. Underlying every part of the training process is our goal of awakening the latent idealism This is a real game-changer, finally giving Eyaht a beautiful campus to mirror within students, and empowering them to dedicate their lives to helping the Jewish people. its outstanding program. Eyaht continues to inspire the next generation of young women from around the world – to build beautiful Jewish homes and become leaders of the Jewish community. Aish alumni are: Responsible Mitch’s Story Rabbi Mitch Goldstein (back row, with necktie) Dynamic Idealistic hosting an Aish event for AEPi fraternity. On my first trip to Israel with Aish’s Jerusalem Fellowships, Driven Caring I clearly remember the penetrating words of Rabbi Moshe Mayerfeld of Aish UK: Organized Creative “You can’t rely on anyone else to do it. If you want a Jewish future for your children, you must take responsibility, and take it now.”

In 2012, Aish graduates stepped into Those words had a profound affect on me. I spent the next seven years learning at leadership roles on four continents: Aish Jerusalem and graduated the Rabbinical Program in 2006. R’ Ari Green Kiruv Programming in Modiin, Israel R’ Avi Schwartz Aish Birmingham (UK) As I stepped into my first position at University of California in Santa Barbara, I felt the R’ Avner Engel JAM – Kiruv in Los Angeles same excitement, drive and passion as I’d felt years ago from my own rabbi – except this R’ Danny Wolfe Aish @ SUNY Albany time the tables were turned and now I was the rabbi. R’ Doron Lazarus Front-line Outreach in Philadelphia R’ Elchonon Schoff Associate Rosh Kollel of LINK Los Angeles Five years later, in 2012, I watched my own UC Santa Barbara student, David Hoffman, R’ Etiel Goldwicht Aish Israel graduate from Aish’s Rabbinical Program. At age 30, I’ve already witnessed three R’ Mordechai Teller Aish LA R’ Ori Murray Aish Manchester (UK) generations of Aish rabbis – out in the field and multiplying our impact on the Jewish R’ Shea Berkowitz Front-line Outreach in USA world. R’ Yaakov Tzvi Kirshbaum Campus Kiruv in Austin, Texas R’ Yanki Schor Aish @ SUNY Albany Rabbi Mitch Goldstein R’ Yigal Meirovich Front-line Outreach in Chile Project Inspire, Toronto R’ Yisrael Majeski Kiruv Programming in Los Angeles Jerusalem Jerusalem Core Aish Events has 12 Events Aish holds some of the most valuable real estate in Jerusalem, enabling us to maximize this • hosted over 50,000 people Spectacular lifecycle location not only in terms of educational programming, • conducted 300 lifecycle events celebrations but also for our many donors. • facilitated 30 new relationships with major donors Aish donors are “partners” in every sense of the word. By hosting donors’ weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other events in our stunning Aish World Center / Dan Family of Canada Building, we have the opportunity to demonstrate how truly valuable that partnership is. Hospitality and guest services have always been an Aish tradition. Hosting events at the Aish World Center gives our donors the opportunity to share life changing moments with their families and friends. So many people are being inspired in so many different ways. One man, a French Jew, was drifting away from Judaism and on the verge of assimilating. Years later, after becoming engaged to a Jewish woman, he was in Israel looking for a location for his wedding. He visited the Aish World Center and was overwhelmed by the sense of energy and optimism. He held the wedding ceremony at Aish, and today is a valued Aish partner, passionate about helping the Jewish people. . Wedding on the Weinberg Rooftop overlooking the Western Wall. Israel's When it comes to once-in-a-lifetime events, Aish is fast becoming the destination of choice most popular newspaper, Yediot Ahronot as one of the top 20 most beautiful sites in Israel. for Jews from across the spectrum looking for an incomparable, first-class, memorable experience. , selected the Aish World Center Yehuda’s Story As the son of Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt”l, I grew up in the Aish HaTorah family, amongst great people whose love and loyalty for the Jewish people was unparalleled. From a young age, I knew that my father was a magnificent gift: a leader who acted with extraordinary vision, strength, courage, wisdom and love.

That special Aish spirit – to strengthen Jewish values by connecting Jews to Judaism – has always defined my heart and my life.

My father used to say: “Aish HaTorah has done so much for the Jewish people, but we still have a long way to go.”

Today, with our amazing facility across from the Kotel, the Almighty has given us an unprecedented opportunity to expand our vision moving forward. We need to harness the core energy that drives Aish and inspire others to build proud Jewish homes, families and communities.

In doing so, we can make a formidable impact on the world at large.

I pray that I can foreshadow my father’s footsteps, to be even a small inspiration to those I meet. This was his final request of me: to work with dedication and unity, so that with the help of the Almighty, we will get the job done! Rabbi Yehuda Weinberg Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrates the bris of his grandson at the Aish World Center. Right: Shira Plotkin, Director of Aish Events. Aish Classics Aish.com Reader Survey Aish.com is one of the largest Judaism 13 Educating and websites in the world, reaching the masses with • 75% say that Aish.com has led them to increased high-caliber, creative content that addresses the synagogue attendance and/or Jewish affiliation inspiring millions pivotal life issues relevant to every Jew – relationships, • 86% say that Aish.com has inspired them to more career, and personal growth. And when something online Torah study significant happens in the world, Aish.com is there with timely, 374,276 compelling insights filtered through the lens of Jewish wisdom. 355,040 330,551 Aish.com’s mix of 20,000 articles and videos features some the best 283,747 304,969 writers and speakers in the Jewish world. Our presentation of Judaism as 250,667 rational and upbeat is a paradigm shift – a complete revamping of people’s prior perception of Torah as “antiquated and irrational.” Ynet, the number one 177,397 127,740 source for Israeli news, hailed Aish.com as “Judaism that speaks to everyone.” 105,446 70,609 80,066 A few examples of our global reach: Rabbis of all denominations frequently 44,409 23,301 cite Aish.com from the pulpit. Teachers at both Jewish and public schools use our 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Holocaust section as their high school curriculum. At the synagogue in Aish Internet Unique Email Subscribers Mumbai, India, Aish.com articles are distributed and used as the basis for discussion at Shabbat services. With technical sophistication, sleek graphic design, social media integration, and multi-language offerings, Aish is registering over a million user sessions every month... and impacting Jews everywhere.

Key Facts • Nearly 400,000 people receive Aish content emails • Aish has 100,000 Facebook friends • Affiliate sites in Hebrew, Spanish and French are leading websites in their respective languages Karina’s Story • Aish.com’s Western Wall camera has drawn 33 million visitors I was born and raised in the small town of Chop in • Our “Ask the Rabbi” service answers thousands of readers’ questions western Ukraine. My mother always told me that I’m Jewish, • Our viral videos “Google Exodus” and “Rosh Hashanah Rock Anthem” each registered 2.5 million but I knew next-to-nothing about it, and there were no other Jews in town. views, featured in the Washington Post, NBC’s Today Show and Jewish film festivals A friend at university subscribed me to Aish.com. At first I read it out of curiosity. Then I found the Lori Palatnik videos, speaking about the importance of the Jewish home, respecting your parents, and seeing God in your life.

I now read Aish.com every day – in the morning before classes, again in the afternoon, and once more at bedtime.

In 2011 I visited Israel with JWRP, and in 2013 I became engaged to a wonderful Jewish man, who will join me in building a home filled with beautiful Jewish things like kosher and Shabbat.

Aish.com has had such a huge influence in connecting me to the Judaism I never knew! Karina Grigorjeva Hasbara Aish Classics Increasingly, universities today are 600 14 Fellowships bastions of the most virulent anti-Israel and anti- Participants in including partnership Hasbara Fellowships with the Semitic activities. Binyan program Pro-Israel In 2001, the Israel Foreign Ministry articulated a challenge: 315 “Israel is losing the PR battle on campus. Aish are the education 225 245 215 200 190 activism on 180 180 175 experts. Come up with a program and we’ll be your partners.” 85 campus The result was Hasbara Fellowships, which brings North American college 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 students to Israel for an intensive 2-week training program in pro-Israel activism. To date, over 2,000 students from 250 campuses are Hasbara Fellows, making it the largest network of trained student-leaders in North America. In 2012, Hasbara Fellowships deepened its partnership with the “Binyan” program of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, giving us powerful credibility and a larger budget to dramatically increase the numbers of students. But it doesn’t stop there. Hasbara Fellowships has on-the-ground regional coordinators across North America, guiding our Fellows to implement grassroots pro-Israel campaigns on 80 college campuses.

This year • Hasbara Fellows organized over 400 pro-Israel events on 90 campuses across North America. • Hasbara Fellows organized “Israel Peace Week” on 78 campuses. David’s Story • Over 100 events were co-sponsored by non-Jewish organizations, thanks to the Hasbara My school, UC Berkeley, is so steeped in anti-Israel sentiment that in 2012, the U.S. Fellowships “Milstein Coalition Building Grant.” Department of Education investigated whether Jewish students on our campus are victims of a “pervasive hostile environment.”

I was thrilled to be selected as a Hasbara Fellow. In Israel, we toured strategic sites, met with top journalists and politicians, and got infused with the passion of pro-Israel advocacy. We had training workshops in the nuts and bolts of activism, we engaged in debates and role-playing sessions, and we learned media and marketing skills.

Then it was back to Berkeley to put it all into practice. With Hasbara Fellowships guiding me – providing information, campaigns, speakers, funding, and motivation – I’ve implemented campus initiatives like Israel Peace Week and a social media campaign highlighting Israel’s efforts in the peace process. I also organized a prominent liberal Congressman to speak on campus about his support for Israel – a great way to directly engage the political majority at my school.

My goal is to reach the 99% of students who don’t know enough about Israel to form an educated opinion. Thanks to Hasbara Fellowships, we’re getting there! David Sverdlov Project Inspire Aish Classics

Aish is determined to open the door for each 15 Empowering Jew to explore Judaism at his/her own pace. more Jews to The success of our mission requires not only a team of professional outreach experts, but also a grassroots movement reach out that energizes the entire community and brings Jewish outreach into vogue. Since its founding in 2006, Project Inspire has guided individuals, families and synagogues around North America to take up the mission – spawning tens of thousands of meaningful interactions with less-affiliated neighbors, friends and co-workers. One woman has inspired a dozen people to accept Shabbos observance, while another has brought more than 100 women to learn in Israel. After attending a Project Inspire event several years ago, the “Traveling Chassidim” now visit communities across North America, sharing the beauty of Shabbos with Jews of all backgrounds. Highly respected rabbis in America have At the Project Inspire Convention: concluded that the most effective way to do Ephraim Berger with “synagogue inreach” – i.e. to keep their members Chief Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau inspired – is to get them involved in outreach. By seeing the incredible affect that one Shabbat dinner can have on a less-affiliated Jew, children and adults alike gain greater appreciation for their own Judaism. With laypeople volunteering much of the work, the entire enterprise is highly cost-effective. Outreach communities in , Queens, the Five Towns, Monsey, Teaneck and Toronto exist Ephraim’s Story with little overhead. I’m an attorney and family man who always tries to reach out to our fellow Jews, especially Our “Easy Outreach Packages” combine an inspirational message with Rosh Hashanah honey, those who may not have been exposed to the beauty and joys of Judaism. I’ve been Chanukah candles or Purim treats. Significantly, the per-unit cost of producing such items decreases involved with Project Inspire almost since its inception, and find it an invaluable resource as more people get involved. for outreach efforts. Project Inspire exemplifies the self-generating spirit of grassroots empowerment so central to the Here in my neighborhood of Kew Gardens Hills, we organized a “Shabbat of Unity” Aish mission. with the cooperation of virtually every shul in the area – bringing together Jews from various backgrounds for an unforgettable Shabbat of friendship, warmth, prayer and Key Facts meals, climaxed by an emotional Havdalah ceremony and concert. The camaraderie, • The 2012 Project Inspire Annual Conference sold out shared Jewish bond, great food and song, and pure joy of the Shabbat forged long- at 1,100 people, energizing them to transmit their lasting relationships. Jewish enthusiasm to others. Another project that’s a great source of pride is the so-called “Shabbos Queens” – a group • 50,000+ people have seen our Tisha B’Av films of local women who bake challahs and other Shabbat treats, and distribute them to promoting outreach. Jewish businesspeople at the Queens Center Mall. • 7,500 people have attended Project Inspire Training We are grateful to Project Inspire for providing the tools, structure and support to maximize Seminars, learning how to answer common questions. the outreach efforts of everyday Jews like us in Queens, and throughout North America. • Project Inspire has distributed 10,000 “easy outreach Ephraim Berger packages” to unaffiliated Jews. Aish Core Unity All Jews are bound together. Our power as a people and as an Values organization lies within our unity. Unified, no goal is beyond our reach; 17 splintered, almost no goal is attainable. We learn from the success of Responsibility others, and share with them our success. Our priorities are what is best Clarity for the Jewish people, not for personal advancement. “The world is created for me” – each Torah is the guide to clarify our convictions. We of us is responsible to get the job done. At live by what we know to be true, even in the face the same time we must empower others to God of societal pressure and our own subjective desires. also take responsibility. Solving the Jewish people’s We internalize that God is the only power. He loves us and wants We are open to criticism, and have the humility to problems is a key to solving the world’s problems, and us to come close to Him by doing His will. We persevere in the face of admit when we don’t know. is therefore our first priority. obstacles with the knowledge that by acting altruistically, the Almighty will help us succeed. Urgency Torah The Jewish people are facing existential spiritual We strive to know all of Torah – the Almighty’s Humanity and physical threats. We act with a sense of urgency, “instructions for living.” We incorporate Torah wisdom Every human being is created “in the image of God” and therefore moving beyond our comfort zone to strategize and and ideals into our daily life. And we share the Torah has infinite potential. We value responsibility and commitment over implement the most effective ways to fight these that we know, each on our own level, exponentially talent, and view people as our greatest resource. Through the power crises. increasing its impact. of free will, every individual can change the world.

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