DOMINICAN JEWS?

     In the 19th century, many Sephardic families from Curaçao, Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Thomas migrated to the Dominican Republic. The majority of them were merchant traders searching for a better future. Upon arrival to Hispaniola, they gathered in a house for prayers. In addition, they had a mohel to circumcise their children and were led by Rafael Curiel. However, they did not leave any institutions for their posterity. As a result, some of their descendants assimilated culturally to the Dominican society. However, there remained a remnant that did not intermarry. Today, these Sephardim speak Spanish and bear the prestigious surnames of their ancestors. Some became famous writers, historians, diplomats, and one became President (Francisco Henriquez y Carvajal). Presently, over 30 Dominican Sephardic families meet throughout the year to pray and study in the metropolitan area of Santo Domingo.

     In May 2009, Haham Yehonatan Elazar-DeMota moved to the Dominican Republic with the hope of "resurrecting the phoenix" by restoring the beautiful Sephardic heritage of Hispaniola. One of the main aspects that he noticed missing from the community was the accessibility of kasher food, a school to educate children, a Jewish cemetery, and a mikveh. Upon his arrival on the island, he began to provide kasher meat by shehting for Jewish families in the northern coast and Santo Domingo. Months later, he managed to organize a minyan for the high holidays. As time passed, he realized that there was an urgent need to educate them in the basic tenets of Jewish law and culture. As a result, he founded the Sephardic Beth Midrash Nidhe Israel in Santo Domingo. Currently, there are 5 Jews from our families that are buried in Catholic cemeteries. We want to buy a plot of land near the city and a mikveh so that we can lay the necessary foundation for our posterity.

WHY HELP OUR COMMUNITY?

"I will bless those who bless you...All the families on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:3

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward them for what they have done." Prov.19:7.

All of Israel is responsable for one another

HELP US BUILD FOR THE PRESENT & THE FUTURE

The sustainability of our community depends on gracious donors as yourself. Currently, we need a mikveh (ritual bath) for women and also have the need to honor our deceased loved ones according to our tradition. For this matter, we have made the architectural plans of the mikveh and cemetery. However, we do not have the necessary funds to purchase the plot of land. Please help us build today so that our progeny will survive as Jews tomorrow.

WHAT YOU GET OUT OF IT

$18-  postcard from DR sent and email updates with photos of building process
$50 - name recited in a blessing of thanks
$100 -  above and a "Nostaljia" album of Yehonatan Elazar
$1,000 -  invitation to opening
$10,000 -  name on plaque in building.
$50,000 -  building named after you

TAX-DEDUCTION

Also, your donations are tax-deductible!

OTHER WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP

Our rabbi, Yehonatan Elazar has pledged to donate up to $2,000 from his cd sales. http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/yehonatan By purchasing his latest album "Nostalja," you will be helping us to fulfill our goals. In addition to that, we can receive educational materials in Hebrew, English, and Spanish for our school. Moreover, please help spread the word to everyone around the world about our project and needs.

JOIN THIS COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT BY DONATING $18 TODAY AND INVITING 10 CLOSE FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME. 

TIZKU LEMISWOTH