Projects in Progress

Synagogue

The central synagogue of Shvut Rachel is as of yet housed in four interconnected caravans that have been renovated and styled by the residents themselves.
However, thank G'd our community has grown and there is barely enough space in the synagogue for all the worshippers at once. We feel that the time has come to build a permanent synagogue.

A group of residents has already contacted an architect in order to begin planning the new synagogue.
The building is supposed to house two main prayer halls for a Sefardi and an Ashkenasi minjan and a library, which, if need should arise, could be used for an additional minjan.
We see it as immensely important to continue our tradition of praying in the same building, thus stressing the unity of our community.
The expected costs will amount to about $ 250,000.

Playground

The playgrounds in Shvut Rachel all date back to the beginning days of the settlement, when there were but few and very young children. Therefore they are suitable only for 4-5 year olds. Thank G'd our community counts nowadays more than 250 children whose needs are, for the most part, not met by the existing playgrounds.
We hope very much to be soon able to raise the required sum to build a proper and much needed playground.
The preparation of the ground will cost approximately $7,500, the equipment $25,000.

Shvut's Pet Corner

We dream of a pet corner for Shvut Rachel.
It is known that children can easily build up good relationships with animals and that such relationships can be enormously beneficial for children with special needs.
Like every other place we have our share of children who have a hard time fitting into the regular educational system. A place such as a pet corner would help them to develop a feeling of responsibility and self esteem resulting from the animals' dependence on them. Miracles can happen to special needs children when animals are involved!
Of course there will be an adult in charge but we do hope that the children will

take a great part in getting ready for the corner and finally, in maintaining it.
The estimated costs for such a pet corner amount to about $ 50,000.
We hope to be able to start already this summer in a small way.