THE BROWNSTONE TEL AVIV
Bringing the Jewish Nation Together
Based on the success of The Brownstone New York, The Brownstone Tel Aviv is an up-and-coming destination for young Jewish professionals and international students to develop a stronger Jewish identity and a connection to their People and the Land of Israel. Set in a landmark building in the American Colony-Neve Tzedek, The Brownstone is currently in the building stages, with programming already underway including educators and a full-time staff.
Bringing together Jews from all cultural backgrounds, The Brownstone Tel Aviv will become its own mini-community, just as it has in New York City — complete with living space, classrooms, and a lounge — where students and young professionals of all affiliations feel at home, where new Olim can get the tools and support they need to integrate into Israeli society, and where lone soldiers are always welcome and treated like family.
The Brownstone Tel Aviv will be uniquely positioned to address issues facing college students and young professionals. Through mentorships, internships, prominent speakers, and social and educational programming, college students and young professionals will make valuable connections, build relationships, and strengthen their attachment and commitment to Israel and the Jewish nation.
Much like Manhattan, Tel Aviv has become a world leader in culture and creativity, a hub of innovation in technology, the arts, and social entrepreneurship. The Brownstone Tel Aviv will be an incubator for these exciting new ideas, encouraging and supporting young professionals by introducing them to the people and resources they need to build or grow their business, and to bring their dreams to life. Here they can network, meet like-minded people, and develop their potential.
Part of The Brownstone New York’s success is due to its many collaborations with dozens of organizations, and with campus leaders from across the world. These collaborations will continue at The Brownstone Tel Aviv.
The Brownstone’s many educational, professional, and social programs are relevant, thought-provoking, and inspirational. Classes focus on Torah learning and connecting to Hashem, while other topics include Jewish philosophy, history, and Israel advocacy. Inspirational Shabbat dinners and holiday gatherings will bring Jews together, showing them the beauty of their heritage. There will be dating, relationship, and self-development courses, as well as networking events run by high-powered professionals and world influencers.
The Brownstone Tel Aviv will be a warm, welcoming place for all Jews to grow, connect, and discover the meaning and beauty of Judaism.
Naming and dedication opportunities are available.
THE BROWNSTONE NEW YORK
An Oasis in the Big City
A six-story building located in the East Village of Manhattan, The Brownstone New York brings together Jewish college students and young professionals from New York and around the world to connect to Judaism and Israel in a meaningful way. With a full menu of events, classes, trips, Shabbat meals, and Chagim celebrations, The Brownstone has drawn more than 40,000 Jewish young people since opening its doors in 2012.
Diverse and creative programming focuses on education, leadership, networking, and social activities. A sample: Lectures on Torah, Jewish history and continuity. High-profile speakers and scholars. Dating workshops. Community volunteering. Networking and mentoring. A unique Israel advocacy series, which has graduated thousands of students. International Jewish leadership seminars. Weekly Shabbat dinners, which have drawn over 10,000 participants — many of whom said it was their first-ever Shabbat, and nearly all of whom said they continue to celebrate Shabbat in their personal lives. Hundreds of young men and women have met their life partners at Brownstone events.
A warm, welcoming oasis in the Big City, The Brownstone acts as a supportive community for college students and young professionals from similar industries and educational backgrounds. Americans, Israelis, Europeans, South and Central Americans, Australians, South Africans — every young Jew, no matter where they come from or what their background is, can find their place at The Brownstone.
From daily seminars and workshops, weekend programs and Shabbatons to weeks-long educational programs, The Brownstone is its own unique, immersive experience — a chance to learn about Judaism in a positive environment infused with love and joy and meaning. For Jews of all affiliations, The Brownstone is home.
MAROT HASULAM SYNAGOGUE
Neve Tzedek, Tel Aviv
Bringing a Historic Shul Back to Life
Down the block from The Brownstone in Neve Tzedek sits Tel Aviv’s first synagogue, Marot HaSulam. Built in 1890 in a design reminiscent of the synagogues of Eastern Europe, it was the neighborhood’s central shul, gathering place, and home of renowned Kabbalist the Baal HaSulam — but has been lying in ruins for decades. The Tel Aviv Municipality has allocated the site to Gateways and The Brownstone. We now have the opportunity to reconstruct and operate this historic shul, restoring its former beauty and transforming it into a fully operating synagogue, Beit Midrash and community Torah center, with classes, shiurim, chavrusahs, daily davening, Shabbat, and Yomim Tovim.
With a long and fascinating history, Marot HaSulam was named for renowned Kabbalist Rav Yehuda Ashlag, also known as the Baal HaSulam (“Master of the Ladder”). From 1943 through 1953, Rav Ashlag wrote his masterwork, Sulam (Ladder) Commentary on The Zohar, based on the Writings of the Ari z’’l, in the shul. Devotees of the Baal HaSulam came from far and wide to learn Kabbalah from the master.
Rav Avraham Yitschak HaCohen Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel, made his home in Neve Tzedek after coming to the Holy Land, often davening at Marot HaSulam and learning Kabbalah with the Baal HaSulam. It’s in Neve Tzedek that Rav Kook penned his vision for the spiritual and physical reestablishment of a Jewish state while serving as Rabbi of Jaffa and the surrounding area.
In the early 20th century, Marot HaSulam was not only a shul, it was the center of education in the region. At the synagogue’s peak, there were 20 Torah scrolls, a large library, and an extraordinarily beautiful Torah crown.
Built in the late 19th century near the sands of the Mediterranean shore, Neve Tzedek was a vibrant and colorful city — a kaleidoscope of social strata, hosting a rich, diverse cultural life. Side by side in its narrow streets stood the homes of both struggling and well-known authors and poets, synagogues, Batei Midrash from which the sounds of Torah could be heard night and day, the bustling Neve Tzedek Hotel, crowded soup kitchens for the poor, and other community institutions.
We are thrilled to return Marot HaSulam to its former glory, to reinvigorate it with Torah learning, davening, and a reconnection to Hashem for now and future generations.
The project investment is $2,500,000.
Naming and dedication opportunities are available.