Harare Lemba Synagogue Appeal

We are asking for your help with one of the most important undertakings in our organizational history – the ingathering of the Lemba Jews of Zimbabwe. A young Lemba leader, Modreck Maeresera, is heading the development of the first synagogue and community center for Lemba Jews residing in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. In June, Modreck, with the assistance of Kulanu, rented a large house in central Harare to be used as a synagogue and guest house. The building and grounds will house the synagogue, a cyber and religious education center, library, guest rooms with a kosher kitchen, chicken coops, and community garden. Since opening three months ago, the Harare Lemba Synagogue offers Sabbath services every Friday evening and Saturday morning. On average 30 people attend the services with anticipation for substantial growth in the coming years. The synagogue is evolving into a center for families and individuals to stay throughout Shabbat for discussions on the weekly Torah portion, Jewish learning opportunities, and socializing. Its presence has ignited the excitement of Lemba young people throughout the city.

 

Will you help us to identify foundations and potential corporate and individual donors who might help support this project? We would be very grateful if you could share recommendations of people and foundations we can contact. It would be especially helpful if we could mention that you have referred us. In the case of foundations, we need the names of specific individuals to contact. Please feel free to send us an email with your recommendations. Our email address is harriet@kulanu.org.