The Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies will inaugurate its new $20 million Mayanot World Center next week, establishing a major international center for Jewish study and community building in the heart of Jerusalem.
The state-of-the-art facility includes a large Beit Midrash, rooftop event space, meditation garden, gym, upgraded dormitories and a Lone Soldier Center, according to a press release issued on Thursday by Mayanot. (Lone soldiers are those without close family in Israel who can help them.)
“The grand opening of the Mayanot World Center comes at a time when Jewish identity is surging around the world,” said Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov, Mayanot’s executive director. “Our vision is to continue nurturing students who will be leaders and innovators in their communities.”
Now entering its 30th year, Mayanot teaches hundreds of students annually from dozens of countries and is one of Birthright Israel’s largest educational partners. The new campus will expand programs in text-based study, Israel advocacy, service learning and experiential education.
“At Mayanot, we are committed to serious, text-based learning that develops knowledgeable, confident, and inspired Jews—young men and women who go on to become proud and effective leaders in their communities,” said Rabbi Shlomo Gestetner, dean of the Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony the facility near Sacher Park will take place on Monday with major supporters and community leaders, the press release said.
