Beni's Year Of Study In Israel

Hi,

My name is Beni Summers and welcome to my Fundraising page.

I have worked with Jewish organizations for the past ten years, honing my craft as a ritual space holder, spiritual educator, youth advisor and tefillah leader. I have been blessed to develop these capacities in and around the Boston Jewish community. I have made many beautiful connections and built deep relationships with synagogues, schools, and nonprofits. I have been investing in myself for several years and am currently entering my fourth year of studies at the Rabbinical School of Hebrew College in Newton. I am at the stage in my program where students are meant to spend two semesters learning in Israel. I couldn't be more excited to travel with my fantastic partner Nikki, build a home in Jerusalem, soak in Torah with incredible teachers, and make new connections that will last a lifetime.

I have been extremely fortunate to have received emotional and spiritual support from friends, colleagues, mentors and family throughout my journey thus far. It has always been a growing edge of mine to ask for help regarding finances. Independence and self-reliance are essential themes in my life, but sometimes it has me holding back from asking for help when I need it. My parents have been on my team from day one with financial assistance where possible, and I am grateful for their patience and flexibility. As I approach this coming year of study, I see that in order to get the most of this opportunity I need to raise $15,000. This money will be used to help pay rent, afford groceries and utilities, school supplies, and also for travelling around the country as much as possible to really maximize my learning experience.

When I first thought about using this platform I was uncomfortable with the idea of just asking people for money, as it felt in tension with my belief in earning what I receieve from others through what I can give back to them. In order to align my fundraising with my values, I want to propose here a scale of donations that are tied to various levels of service I can provide upon my return from Israel. Donations can be made by individuals for sure, but I am also interested in receiving support from Jewish communities throughout the North East who would like to invest some of their resources in my learning. I then will commit to come and deliver high quality spiritual educational experiences beginning in the Fall of 2023, commensurate with the donation total amount. This way, the spiritual energy and growth I experience while in Israel can be brought back and spread to local communities for their enrichment and enlivening!

With all of that laid out, here is the scale to help you determine how much you feel called to donate to my learning year in Israel.

(Other ideas are welcome based on consultation and receipt of donation.)

$1 - $249: A heartfelt note of thanks from me for your contribution

$250 - $500: 1 time service leading (Kabbalat Shabbat is my speciality), 3 bnei Mitzvah tutoring sessions (dvar Torah writing is my speciality), 1 hour long Torah study session (for synagogues or schools especially)

$1000: A Shabbaton (friday night through saturday night) commitment of service leading, teaching and programming to be worked out with you over a series of Zoom sessions that can take place as early as the Fall of 2023

$1500: A Shabbaton commitment AND teaching a Sunday Religious School class on subjects ranging from Israel, Jewish spirituality, meditation, and much more!

$2000 or more: Multiple weekend commitments and anything else I can work out with you for my skills and talents :)

Any amount is deeply appreciated, and I will do my best to send updates of my adventures and learning to this page so that you can all follow along with me and see what you are helping to facilitate :)

Thank you for visiting my page and being a part of my journey. May you and those you love be blessed with health, safety and joyousness.