Building Appeal

Almost every school in North America has a space for Jewish student life. We believe Downtown Brooklyn should not be different.

Sending young people off to college is one of the most difficult things. Four years away from home will be both challenging and rewarding causing changes, ideally for the better, but there are no guarantees.
The Downtown Brooklyn Jewish student foundation has been meeting the religious, educational, social and pastoral needs of Jewish students. Thousands of lives have been touched within a vibrant, inclusive community in which everybody is unequivocally accepted and embraced.

Yet, we are simply maxed out! Becoming a victim of our own success. Of course a living room is not a substitute for a purpose-built center.

At present we can no longer accommodate the growing number of students who seek to avail themselves of the ever-growing roster of activities and services. In an age when assimilation and apathy are rampant, we dare not stand by as students are turned away.

The explosive growth of our operations has necessitated the purchase of a purpose-built space for generations to come.

The center is an all-glass storefront at a pivotal location, facing Pratt Institute. With downtown’s transformation, complementary institutions help fit the center into a vibrant multi-cultural arts district. The center will be a resource for the Jewish student life, the local community and the city as a whole.

Downtown Brooklyn is witnessing a renaissance, an awakening of ideas, hope and optimism. Prior to this undertaking, there was no organized Jewish student life in Downtown Brooklyn.

College is associated with parties, fun experiences and carefree times, but college can be challenging time for students as well. Jewish students know that there is a place they can turn to any time of the day or night where people with open hearts and minds will be there to help them.

A campus is a place of varied social groups and stratas. It is not always easy for students to find where they fit in. We transcend these dividing lines, attracting all Jewish students.

The most important lessons in college are gleaned between classes. Our Jewish student center will serve as an incubator of cutting edge ideas for engaging the contemporary Jewish collegiate. After all, our graduates are the future Jewish leaders of tomorrow.

This modern space will allow for thousands more of our young men and women to be inspired and infused with a love for and pride in their Jewish identity.
The center will host:

Homemade Shabbat and holiday dinners
Torah text studies
Pleasant social milieu
Library
Rabbinical services
Reference
Crisis intervention
Israel advocacy
Guest speaker’s
Counselling and referrals
Cultural events
Artist’s space and gallery
Internships
Leadership training

Please think carefully and deeply about this project and the long term effects of our work. We are not funded by any central organization.

Our capital campaign objective is $500,000, every cent of which is raised independently. Remember, this building will see thousands of different Jewish students come through its doors each year as they begin their journey through adult life.

Dedication & Memorial Opportunities

Building Dedication (Reserved) £350,000
Sanctuary £100,000
Aron Kodesh £54,000
Library £36,000
Kitchen £18,000
Ner Tamid – Everlasting Light £10,000
Sukkah Patio £7,200
Main Entrance Mezuzah £5,400
Kiyor–Ritual Hand Washing Station $5,000
Computer Pod $5,000
Multi-media Entertainment Center $2,500
Bookcases (8) $2,500
Coatroom $1,800

Builder’s Tablet Opportunities

Founder $10,000
Builder $7,200
Pillar $5,400
Benefactor $3,600
Partner $2,500
Chai Sponsor $1,800
Sponsor $1,000
Supporter $500
Friend $360

Please help us reach our goal to be eligible for a generous matching gift program, where every gift is automatically doubled!

Capital Campaign Chairman: George Rohr Esq
Community Chairman: Michell Garbow
Legal Counsel: Michelle Itkowitz Esq
Student Chairman: Eric Moed

Community Partner:
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights
Rabbi Aaron & Shternie Raskin

For further information contact program directors:
Rabbi Simcha & Ariella Weinstein
PO Box 23486
Brooklyn
NY 11202

Office: (718) 596 4840 Ext.15
Cell: 718 866 6815
Email: rabbi@pratt.edu

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a stronger Jewish tomorrow