Nestled in the heart of Mekor Haim, near Hadar Mall in Jerusalem, a vibrant community is coming together to build something extraordinary—a synagogue that embodies their values, aspirations and shared spirit. This is the story of Be’orcha, a community whose name means “in Your light,” and the vision for a sanctuary that is as much about prayer as it is about people.
The idea for Be’orcha’s new building was not born overnight. It grew organically from the humble beginnings of a small group meeting 15 years ago in the beit midrash of the Mekor Haim School. From there, it expanded into the courtyard during COVID and has since become too large to return to its original space. With attendance swelling to 150–200 people on a regular Shabbat, the need for a dedicated sanctuary became undeniable.
“We stumbled across Be’orcha almost by chance when we first moved to this neighborhood, and once we did, we knew we wanted to stay,” reflected Rachel Sharansky Danziger*, a community member. It’s so much more than a place to pray—it’s a true community, where everyone is seen and cared for, where you have the opportunity to give yourself and grow in the process, and where others will be there for you at all times.”
The new synagogue will hold approximately 300 people, with a mechitza dividing the main sanctuary as well as a balcony for women who prefer that option. The balcony, multifunctional by design, can also serve as a classroom. In the spirit of its name the structure features a ground floor of glass that allows natural light to flood in, with the foundation of stone symbolically resting atop light—a poetic nod to faith as the true foundation of life.
The Spirit of Rav Avi
Central to the ethos of this project is the memory of Rav Avi Goldberg, HY”D, an integral member of the Be’orcha community. A former IDF combat soldier who later became a rabbi, Rav Avi exemplified the harmonious blend of strength and compassion. Whether mentoring soldiers, teaching at Himmelfarb High School or volunteering as a “big brother” for youth at risk, he was a beacon of kindness and humility.
Rav Avi fell in battle in southern Lebanon on October 26. He left behind a wife, Rachel, eight children and an entire community.
Rachel has been instrumental in channeling her grief into purpose. She envisions this building as a testament to his legacy—a place where his values can continue to inspire. “The spirit of the building is in his spirit,” she said. “It’s not just a structure; it’s a continuation of his life’s work and the light he brought to others.”
The building will serve as more than just a synagogue. Its multipurpose rooms, each dedicated to aspects of Rav Avi’s life and values, will host activities that reflect his passions:
Music and spirituality: Rav Avi, a clarinet player, deeply believed in the power of music to connect people to their spirituality. This space will offer free music lessons for youth from families in need, fostering creativity and connection.
Dialogue and togetherness: Rav Avi was deeply troubled by divisions in Israeli society, particularly during the judicial reform debates. This room will host workshops and guided discussions aimed at bridging divides, continuing his work in fostering understanding and unity.
Youth empowerment: Rav Avi’s mentorship of at-risk youth will live on through a dedicated space for counseling and support, providing a safe haven for those in need of guidance.
Education: Rav Avi’s legacy as a passionate teacher will extend to an area for tutoring and after-school studies, helping students thrive academically and personally.
The project has a budget of 17 million NIS (approximately $4.5 million), with almost 6 million NIS (approximately $1.5 million) already raised by community members. Significant naming opportunities are available, including naming of the building. These funds will transform Be’orcha’s vision into a reality, enabling the synagogue to not only serve as a place of worship but also as a hub for communal growth and social impact.
The outpouring of love and respect during Rav Avi’s shiva was nothing short of remarkable. Hundreds of people, from all walks of life, came to pay their respects—many of whom had never met him but were inspired by his reputation. Soldiers, community members and Members of Knesset (arriving in bipartisan pairs to honor his call for unity) gathered to mourn not just a man but a symbol of the best of Israel.
One soldier, who had spent countless hours discussing faith and philosophy with Rav Avi said, “He isn’t my rabbi, but he is my brother.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Rav Avi’s life—a talmid chacham with a heart that embraced everyone.
Be’orcha is more than a building project. It is a mission to honor the past, uplift the present and inspire the future. It is a reflection of a community that believes in the power of light—both physical and spiritual—to transform lives. As the community works toward completing this dream, they invite others to join in their journey of creating a sanctuary that stands not just as a house of prayer but as a beacon of hope and unity.
“It’s not surprising to those of us who know her, that Rachel refuses to sink into despair, that she insists on doing good, on preserving and extending Rav Avi’s light in every possible way,” said Danziger. “For Rachel and for us, the idea behind the building isn’t the bricks and mortar of it all, but rather what this building will enable us to do in and for the world. This was what Rav Avi and Rachel tried to foster in the world before his death, and this is what she wants to go on doing in the building, by expanding what the community—with Rav Avi at its heart—has been doing, but allowing it to happen on a larger scale and have a broader reach.”
One very interesting note: Rav Avi was a combat soldier in the Golani Brigade during his compulsory IDF service, later studying to become a rabbi, and incorporated his new status within the IDF as an army rabbi, but he was a combat soldier all the way through. In Lebanon, he fought alongside the combat soldiers. This might be the first time a talmid chacham fought as a combat soldier and was killed while fighting since Rabbi Akiva’s students joined Bar Kochba in the fight for Israel in the year 132.
In the words that encapsulate Rav Avi’s legacy: This isn’t just about building walls; it’s about building bridges.
For more information about Be’orcha: https://www.beorcha.org/en/beorchahome
For donation opportunities: https://www.jgive.com/new/en/usd/donation-targets/94974/about
* Rachel Sharansky Danziger interviewed both Rachel Goldberg-Polin, whose son Hersh Goldberg-Polin, HY”D was one of the six Israeli hostages murdered by Hamas in August, and Rachel Goldberg, whose husband, Rabbi Avi Goldberg, HY”D was killed in battle in Lebanon a few weeks ago and whose father, Rabbi Zvi Wolff, was Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s teacher in high school, about loss, pain, hope and rising from the ashes. The interview can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SceiX5q8iSk
Arnie Draiman is a philanthropic consultant helping people and foundations give their tzedaka money away wisely, efficiently and effectively for over 25 years. In addition, he consults to hi-tech start-ups, and is an expert in social media marketing and promotion. He can be reached at: [email protected]
