Ashkelon, one of the most beautiful cities in the country, lies on the Meditteranean coast the city is mentioned in the Tanah. The mass Aliyah from the former Soviet Union gave a spurt to the development of Ashkelon in the fields of industry and culture in particular. More than 30,000 Russian – speakers now live in the city.
The Hassidic Communal center under the leadership of rabbi Gedalia Melamed, plays an active part in Jewish life here, and immigrants a given a feeling of belonging to a closely-knit and friendly community. The center focuses largely on education and on helping people in need.
Education, cultural programmed
- Lessons on Jewish tradition, Jewish history and Hebrew are given every morning and evening men and women.
- Also monthly lectures for older immigrants at hostels in the city.
- Concerts ofklezmer music take place before Jewish holidays with explanations on the significance of the occasion.
- Parties for children with games, prizes and presents are held every Saturday.
- The centre has a library and shows educational films.
Religious programmers
- Prayers are held every Shabbat and holidays.
- Advice on all issues is offered freely toad those seeking it.
- Children are prepared for celebrating the Ber-mit zva and Bat-Mitzva.
- People undergoing conversion are helped.
Social and philanthropic programmers
- Warm lunches daily.
- Three meals on Shabbat after prayers.
- Clothes for those who need them.
- Small scholarships for pensioner who attend lessons every day.
Information programmers
- A weekly brochure on events and activities at the centre is distributed as well as a brochure, on the portion of the week.
- Newspapers magazines. Of Jewish interest.
Recommendations
Chief Rabbi of the City of Jerusalem Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar
Rabbi of the Gan Avradim district in the city of Ashkelon, Rabbi Chaim Nahmias
Chief Rabbi and secretary of the Chabad court in Israel Rabbi Euda Yitzhak Yaroslavsky
Allocation of land and approval of the Ashkelon Municipality's building permit for a synagogue and a spiritual center for immigrants from the FSU in Ashkelon.
