For 36 hours, at www.charidy.com/Mayanot, Mayanot is raising $2,000,000 as they enter the final stages of a $15 million capital campaign that began three years ago. Today, Mayanot alumni live active Jewish lives, influencing thousands more to get involved.
Meet one of those alumni, Paul Ratzenberg, also known as, Paltiel. Ratzenberg, 28, was first introduced to Mayanot when Chabad on Campus Rabbi, Yitzi Creeger, recruited him for a Birthright Israel trip. Then he was fresh off a semester at University of Cincinnati.
Ratzenberg, originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, came on his Birthright Israel trip with an open mind and thirsty soul. During those ten days, something clicked. “I can’t explain what it was, but something inside me kept saying ‘you need to seek out more of this,’” he said.
Raised by his mom, who passed away when he was in high school, Ratzenberg knew little more than the fact he was Jewish. Becoming a regular at Rabbi Creeger’s home during college, he started learning more about Mitzvot, Torah, Chassidut, and Jewish community. Following several experiences in Crown Heights and more Israel trips, and increased Jewish living in Cincinnati, Ratzenberg knew he needed something more immersive.
His trip – and his storied background – ignited his search for a home-away-from-home. In the Winter of 2015, Mayanot answered the call when Ratzenberg first enrolled.
Over the next 3 years, Ratzenberg spent a total of 18 months engaged in Torah study and Jewish outreach with a newfound passion and an enthusiastic approach.
Over the years, many hundreds have made their way to Mayanot, continuing their ten-day journey or beginning a chapter anew in the Holy Land. Today, Mayanot is determined to bring this opportunity to thousands more.
Today’s campaign will benefit the Mayanot World Center and will allow the expansion of programming – both long and short term – offered to today’s youth visiting Israel. “It is crucial that Mayanot is able to facilitate the next step in the journey when their organized trips come to end,” said Rabbi Kasriel Shemtov. “Jewish souls are put in our care, it is our responsibility to nurture them.”
Echoing Rabbi Shemtov’s sentiment, Ratzenberg stressed he would certainly not be where he is today without Mayanot allowing him to plant roots for a strong Jewish foundation.
“I like to call it college for your soul! Thanks to Mayanot I’m able to navigate through life with a proper focus” he said. “The experience has opened numerous doors for me in my connection to the world-wide Jewish community, in my dream to have a meaningful life that will help others in their journey. For that I am forever grateful.”
When asked to describe Mayanot in three words, Ratzenberg stumbled a bit. “Wow, that’s not easy. But let’s see… I guess I’d say, authenticity, passion, and friendship,” he said. “Being surrounded by others young people who were excited about digging deeper into their souls and not consumed by materiality, inspired me tremendously.”
Today, you can help Mayanot continue the ten-day journey. Following the establishment of a $1,000,000 fund, all donations will be doubled throughout the 36 hour campaign. Your timely gift will have timeless results, as we aim to influence the lives of thousands more.
Watch below to see the video Ratzenberg created for a GoFundMe campaign before spending time at Mayanot.
what a real shliach.
Is amazing! Only success and good results! From strength to strength! Every shliach must recommended mayanot to their mekuravim and families! Good luck and from strength to strength!!