named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Ascent Quarterly
Print publication distributed by mail, offering in-depth content on Jewish spirituality and mysticism
Chassidic/Kabbalistic Story
Weekly email featuring original translations and adaptations of Kabbalistic and Chassidic stories by Yerachmiel Tilles
KabbalaOnline e-Magazine
Digital magazine offering topical articles on Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism
Study and Meditation Sessions
In-person programs in Safed offering personalized learning and spiritual growth opportunities
Weekly Reading Insights
Weekly email essays based on Jewish mystical sources by Rabbi Shaul Leiter
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Spiritual Development & Meditation Programs 2 activities
- Relationship and spiritual development conferencesHosts conferences focused on building confidence and meaningful relationships through sincere teaching, with presenters and attendees from diverse age groups participating in structured spiritual development programming.
- Spiritual retreats and personalized study programsOffers weekend and weekday retreats, personalized study and growth plans, and meditation sessions for guests seeking Jewish spirituality and enlightenment in Tzfat's Old City. Programs are available in English, Russian, and French, with tailored educational tracks and spiritual development opportunities.
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Community Art Education Workshops 1 activity
- Creative and cultural programmingHosts creative workshops, musical performances, and seasonal activities such as guided tours, hikes, and arts and crafts, featuring local, visiting, and guest artists to foster spiritual and personal enrichment.
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Structured Jewish Text Study Programs 1 activity
- Daily and weekly educational programmingProvides daily classes on mysticism, Torah portions, and arts and crafts, along with weekly live storytelling events, Kabbala Game Night, Mystical Tzfat Tour, and English/Russian-language educational programs to support ongoing Jewish learning and engagement.
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Managed Campground and Retreat Operations 1 activity
- Guest accommodations and retreat facilitiesOperates a hostel with 31 guest rooms (75 beds) in Tzfat and manages 38 private rooms in the adjacent Tel Aviv Hotel, providing meals, refreshments, and multiple gathering spaces including a lecture hall, library, and meditation areas for guests participating in retreats and programs.
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Jewish Textual and Educational Publishing 1 activity
- Publications and digital content distributionProduces and distributes the Ascent Quarterly (reaching over 18,000 people globally), monthly newsletters on mystical insights and events, weekly essays on Jewish mysticism, and maintains KabbalaOnline.org to disseminate translations of Chassidic and Kabbalistic texts and stories.
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Food Distribution and Hunger Relief 1 activity
- Volunteer engagement programsOperates a daily volunteering program and offers opportunities in food packaging, agricultural work, community support, and providing food and treats for soldiers, integrating service with spiritual and educational activities.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- English-language program coordination and outreachCoordinates English programming at Ascent by building relationships with partners and ambassadors to ensure access for English speakers, including leading weekly educational and tour programs.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.09M
Contributions & grants$1.09M100%
Program service revenue$00%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$743K
Program expenses75%
Admin / overhead14%
Fundraising11%
Salaries & benefits$0
Grants paid out$444K
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$534K
Cash$442K
Investments$0
Liabilities$477K
Net assets$58K
Liquid reserves7.2 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue -45.2%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
board members · 3
- MEIR HOROWITZ — DIRECTOR
- MICHAEL TILLIS — SECRETARY/DI
- STEVEN LEITER — PRESIDENT
relationships · 7
Who they work with
- Ambassadors Partner — Network of ambassadors engaged by Meira Roome to support English programming at Ascent.
- IDF soldiers Partner — Interacts with and hosts IDF soldiers as part of its diverse participant base.
- Kabbala Online Partner — Yerachmiel Tilles serves as managing editor for Kabbala Online, indicating a collaborative relationship.
- KabbalaOnline.org Partner — Collaborates on content dissemination, including magazine publications and website materials.
- KabbalaOnline.org Partner — Collaborates on the distribution of weekly Kabbalistic content including the Zohar, Ari, and Chassidic Masters series.
- Program Partners Partner — Partnerships developed by Meira Roome to support English programming at Ascent.
- local families Partner — Host Ascent guests for Friday night meals, providing a shared cultural and social experience.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Accessible, Relational Teaching for Modern Audiencesmethodology: modern-engagement-of-unaffiliated-jewsBy presenting Kabbalah and Chassidic teachings through relatable storytelling, gentle pedagogy, and formats tailored to unaffiliated or modern Jews, the organization increases engagement because it reduces perceived barriers to entry and builds confidence through connection rather than confrontation.
- Experiential Integration of Mysticism and Daily Lifemethodology: experiential_spiritual_educationBy combining mystical teachings with immersive experiences such as nature hikes, workshops, storytelling, and communal meals, the organization deepens spiritual understanding because lived experience makes abstract teachings more tangible and transformative.
- Self-Directed Spiritual Explorationmethodology: self-directed_spiritual_explorationBy enabling individuals to explore Jewish mysticism and spirituality at their own pace in a supportive, open environment, the organization fosters deeper personal growth and sustained engagement because autonomy increases ownership of the spiritual journey.