2 0 1 4 - 2 0 1 5

Ascent is an experiencea place where people cometo explore their h igher selvesto connect to their heritageto their people and to one anotherAscent is growth, upward movement, inspiration

a high impact boost to Jewish identityfor travelers and students from Israel and abroad

for tour ist , student and Tagl it-B irthr ight groups

for IDF soldiers discovering what they’re fighting for

ב”ה

E x e c u t i v e S u m m a r y

Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery

Tsfat, Israel

“The cornerstone of what we do is education with love – a love of our fellow Jew, a love of Torah, a love of the Land of Israel. People are attracted to this authenticity. Add to that our dedication to quality programs and professionalism, and that’s the formula that makes Ascent to special.”

— Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Director

h i g h l i g h t s 2 0 1 46

IDFsoldiers

The IDF recognized that soldiers needed a better understanding of what it means to be Jewish so they could be better soldiers. Ascent developed a unique

program, led by former IDF soldiers, to impart a Judaism that is relevant to the modern soldier.

This program has proven popular among both soldiers and their officers,

bolstering and supporting our warriors.

3ancient wisdom, modern dilemmas

A stimulating interactive workshop that applies Torah wisdom to difficult modern dilemmas. It begins with an overview of the history of Judaism and Torah, and then propels visitors into an engaging and dynamic experience. Popular with student campus groups and Taglit-Birthright Israel groups.

lone soldier retreats4

They left the comforts of home to volunteer to defend their people and their homeland. We invite them to

enjoy a weekend at Ascent to show them that wherever they go, they always have family.

7%4,000soldiers

54,000+total participants

+ OVER 1 MILLION VISITORS TO OUR WEBSITES

9%5,000

people

26%14,000 people attend extendedgroup programs

(1 week+)

41%23,000 people attend 1 day group programs & short

workshops

17%9,000students

groupsAfter three decades of success providing inspiring

experiences and an uplifting ambiance to individuals, Ascent started getting approached by educational

groups, such as Taglit-Birthright Israel, Young Judea, and others, to host their groups. Today, Ascent is a

leading provider of creative, innovative and cutting-edge interactive programs

for groups from around the world.

stud

ents

Students are the original co

rnerstone of

Ascent’s p

rogramming. Whether th

ey are

in Israel fo

r the ye

ar or passing through on

a journey, Asce

nt ensures they get a taste

of a Judaism that is

meaningful, musica

l,

and beautiful –

something they can take

home with them as th

ey continue their

Jewish journey.

travelers

Jewish travelers coming to Israel find a diverse

and meaningful Jewish experience that caters

to them, regardless of their level of observance

or areas of interest. At Ascent they find expert

speakers on contemporary topics, hip young

rabbis to answer their questions or shmoooze,

and access to the mysticism, history, art

and nature of the Galilee.

INCOME BREAKDOWN

volunteer program4

Ascent's recently launched Volunteer Program allows visitors to stay in Tsfat, making a meaningful contribution

to the community and gaining a life-changing experience. Participants choose from a variety of

volunteering opportunities in and around Tsfat, while also enjoying studies and other programs at Ascent.

3educational outreach

Ascent offers classes and workshops around Israel, as well as online via LiveKabbalah.com. It’s a great opportunity for staff to share their well-honed presentations with a wider audience, and to solidify Ascent’s reputation for excellent programming.

7,0

00

200

b u d g e t 2 0 1 5

EX

PE

NS

ES

ASCENT’S BASIC OPERATING COSTS – FACILITY, MEALS, AND STAFF – ARE

COVERED BY GUESTS, PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AND GRANTS.

DONATIONS FROM SPONSORS AND PARTNERS SUBSIDIZE

ASCENT’S AMAZING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING SO WE CAN KEEP OUR PRICES COMPETITIVE WHILE

ALLOWING US TO OFFER SO MUCH MORE.

DONORS PROVIDE THE

HEART & SOUL FOR WHAT WE DO AT ASCENT.

INC

OM

E

IDF Programs $270,000

English Programs $388,000

Hebrew Programs $380,000

Group Programs $715,000

Total Program Costs $1,753,000

Salaries $88,000

Administration $38,500

Travel $27,500

Total Development Costs $140,000

Capital Improvements $105,000

Financing & Interest (Mortgage) $207,000

Maintenance $63,000

Utilities $42,000

Administration $110,000

Total Operating Costs $527,000

Total Expenses $2,434,000

2015 FUNDRAISING GOAL $614,000

Programs Income $1,405,000

Government Grants $55,000

Private Grants $360,000

Total Income $1,820,000

58%Programs 17%

Grants

25%Donors

30 YEARS OF GROWTHAnnual Participants1984-2014

‘84 ‘94 ‘04 ‘1454

K

28,0

00

This document is just a brief overview to who we are and what we do. For more information, you can request a copy of our Annual Report.

Thank you to our collaborative and partner organizations:

Israel Ministryof Education Eshet Chayil

Foundation

THE SHULof Bal Harbor

Please see the enclosed Sponsorship & Partnership Guide.

thank you for your friendship and support.

HOW MANY ORGANIZATIONS DIRECTLY IMPACT OVER 50,000 PEOPLE EVERY YEAR?

Israel Defense ForceIDF

Education Corps

myAscent.org

Rabbi Shaul Leiter, Executive Director

US: 646-492-0812 | +972-52-677-0140 | +972-4-692-1364 x103 | director@ascentofsafed.com

Rabbi Mordechai Siev, Director of Development

US: 516-343-1674 | +972-54-643-7770 | +972-4-692-1364 x129 | siev@ascentofsafed.com

Contributions can be made online at myAscent.org/donate or mailed to:

ISRAEL: 2 Ari Street, Tsfat, Israel 13102US: 383 Kingston Ave., Rm 28, Brooklyn, NY 11213

UK: F/O Ascent, 3 Sunny Gardens Parade, London NW4 1JACANADA: C/O Beth Oloth, 32 Brookview Dr., Toronto, ON M6A 2K2

(cheque payable to Beth Oloth with “for Ascent” in the note)

AUSTRALIA: c/o Mr. & Mrs. Herszberg 6 Goathlands St., East S. Kilda VIC 3183, Australia

Your Global Center for Jewish Spiritual Discovery