New Synagogue Established in Kibbutz Merom Golan | December 30th 2024
In these historic moments, during a sensitive period of security tensions, the construction of the new synagogue in Kibbutz Merom Golan, the first kibbutz established in the Golan Heights, has been completed. This secular kibbutz, where some members felt a deep need to establish a synagogue as a center for Torah study and Jewish tradition, has transformed.
The first synagogue in the kibbutz was born from a personal dream about 35 years ago, initiated by member Tziona Yeshurun. In her heart, Tziona carried a strong wish for her son to have his Bar Mitzvah in the kibbutz synagogue. Despite strong opposition from kibbutz members, she didn’t give up on her dream and worked to make it reality. The synagogue was established in a modest building, with a small Aron Hakodesh and Torah scroll. The dream came true when her son Liron had his Bar Mitzvah in the kibbutz. The small and beloved synagogue faithfully served the community until last week, when it proudly yet sadly made way for the new synagogue.
Cowboy Builds a Synagogue
In the past year, Doron Bogdanovsky, a 74-year-old former cowboy who worked in cattle raising and premium meat sales, took on the task of building a new synagogue. Doron was a member of the first Nahal core group that settled in the Golan Heights. Over the years, two of his children became religious, and Doron (a declared secular) began to deepen his exploration of Jewish roots. Bogdanovsky enlisted the Golan Heights Religious Council’s help. With assistance from the Religious Council Secretary and the Religious Buildings Department of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a budget designated for building synagogues in secular settlements (when desired) was allocated. A suitable plot was designated, and the project moved to planning and construction phase. Local businesses and the Merom Golan community supported Doron throughout. Additional support came from the “Ayelet Hashachar” organization, which funded the synagogue furniture and a Torah scroll. “When I receive a request from a secular settlement for help in establishing a synagogue, I do my best to respond to the request,” says Shlomo Raanan – Chairman of the organization, adding: “For the Merom Golan synagogue, the organization donated furniture designed and built by Lavi Furniture Industries – the leading company in synagogue furniture design and construction in Israel and worldwide.”
The “Ayelet Hashachar” organization works to bridge gaps between secular and religious Jews and tries to connect people through the broadest common denominator of Jewish culture. It assists interested secular settlements with everything needed to establish a synagogue, provided it’s the first and only one in the settlement.
Official Opening on First Night of Hanukkah
And the rest is history. The official inauguration of the synagogue took place on the first night of Hanukkah. The synagogue has opened its doors and already hosts kibbutz members for weekly group study sessions with the help of the “Panim el Panim” project.
Together, the Tribes of Israel (יַחַד שִׁבְטֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל)
Doron Bogdanovsky concludes emotionally: “In the synagogue’s entrance appears the title ‘Together, the Tribes of Israel.’ In my eyes, this isn’t just a slogan – it’s the essence of the entire story. I believe with all my heart that we can only exist here if we’re together. Our enemies are outside. We must, more than ever, be united within.”
Architecture and Design: Mati Yashpe
Synagogue Construction: Said Abu Salah
Holy Ark Construction: Yitzhak Ezra
Synagogue Furniture Design and Construction: Lavi Furniture Industries
Typographic Design: Gad Kolton
