Kesher Yehudi was founded in 2009 by Tsila Schneider (55), an orthodox mother of 11. A caring person who wanted to make a difference, she began by creating a project where people from secular and orthodox backgrounds learned about Judaism together by phone. After five years, she opened Kesher Yehudi in order to deepen the connections between the two sectors on the perimeters of Israeli Jewry and to allow an opportunity for anyone who was interested to broaden their Jewish knowledge.

Israeli society has erected a concrete wall of alienation and estrangement between sectors; Kesher Yehudi has begun the task of dismantling this wall using as our tools strong bonds of friendship between secular Israelis and their mitzvah keeping counterparts.

Tsila’s motto: “I established Kesher Yehudi from a strong belief that we can overcome alienation and fear. The government and legal system are not the people who can lead this process – only the nation themselves. We encourage and promote the connection, but the real work is done by the participants! A one on one personal relationship between a religious person and a secular person brings about true familiarity, joint learning, kinship, love and caring. These experiences can overcome everything!”

Kesher Yehudi has been working intensively for eight years as an answer to the tense atmosphere that has evolved between different streams in our country. A climate of foreignness, snobbery and fear has been created by the media, building on pre-existing stereotypes. Kesher Yehudi allows people from different sectors to get to know each other personally, using close-up encounters in a natural environment, centered around our deepest common connection – Jewish tradition. These encounters lead to the dissolving of stigmas, the breaking of stereotypes and a personal, human association.

With the encouragement and mediation of Kesher Yehudi, over 14,000 people all over Israel have already participated in our personal introductions program and have formed exciting and exhilarating long term friendships. Participants meet at least once a week to discuss a Torah topic that they have chosen to explore together. This journey not only deepens their personal friendship but leads to a wider involvement, a deep care for the people of Israel, and a partnership to overcome difficulties.

An atmosphere of acceptance, tolerance and brotherhood is created by this discussion between participants and influences their personal circles.

In June 2016, Kesher Yehudi was awarded the Jerusalem Unity Prize by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat for their work in creating unity in Israeli society.

Every Jew gets branded – Charedi, Chardal, Dati Leumi, Mesorati, Chiloni, and all of these terms take away from our real identity – Klal Yisrael. While the Jewish people are divided, our enemies are unfortunately united to destroy us. If we want to thwart their plans, we must find a solution to bridge this internal gap. One of our biggest obstacles to unity is the issue of yeshiva study vs. army service. In truth both guard us; Torah students provide spiritual protection while soldiers provide physical protection. How can we show each group the value of the other? Problems such as these were the impetus for Project “Nishmas Kedoshim”, literally the “One Neshamah of the Jewish people”, whose mission is to reverse the tide. “Nishmas Kedoshim” addresses the separation caused by the yeshiva / army issue – with the following question; How can we tap into this problem and use to it to help bring the Jewish people together? Nishmas Kedoshim is setting up Jewish learning centers on non-religious moshavim throughout Israel. All of the learning of that day is dedicated liluei nishmas the terror victims and soldiers who were killed defending Israel on that day. The students start their learning session by mentioning these names, and finish the day studying with members of the moshav and reciting kaddish for those terror victims and soldiers. Relationships that are forged in the learning centers are strengthened by social activities.

Machon Ahavat Emet

Formed in 1995 to solve the lack of unity among Israel’s people. Method – continuous saturation of the culture, especially school system with positive educational material which teaches and encourages, respect and love to all Jews regardless of their ideology or background.

Current Projects:

• Publication of “Ish Lre’ehu,” a high quality, four-page leaflet which teaches one to be a “mentsch,” to be considerate and sensitive to others. Published for close to 20 consecutive years.
• Curriculum Workbooks for use in the classroom from grades 2-8. Students receive weekly lessons which are very effective in influencing character development, awareness and behaviour. Over 7,000 students have benefited from these lessons for over 16 years.

Itamar Makes Friends