Story Tehilois Yoel: A new synagogue for Satmar Jews
2011, Tehilois Yoel was established as part of Stamford Hill’s long-standing Satmar community. 15 years later, it has a permanent home for its synagogue and services, supported by a £1.68 million loan from Charity Bank.
Social Need
Coming together to worship is a vital part of life for many religious people. Knowing that your place of worship will be there for you throughout your life brings extra peace of mind.
Organisation
The Satmar community is the largest Hasidic Jewish sect in the United Kingdom and has had a presence in Stamford Hill for around 80 years. In 2011, Tehilois Yoel was established as a group within the community, providing a synagogue and other services. It now has more than 750 members, most of whom live in North and East London. Tehilois Yoel works to advance Orthodox Judaism, including through prayer services at its synagogue. It also provides scholarships and small educational grants, as well as grants to help alleviate poverty and hardship.
Loan
One of the charity’s objectives has always been ‘purchasing, supporting and maintaining a synagogue.’ With the help of a £1.68 million Charity Bank loan, Tehilois Yoel now has a permanent home in Hackney, giving people a space to pray, socialise and celebrate together. While the new synagogue will primarily be used by the Satmar congregation, it will also provide a welcoming space for the wider community.
Impact
By securing a long-term, permanent space for its synagogue, Tehilois Yoel is better able to serve the Satmar community, plan for its future and achieve its charitable objectives. It’s less at risk of losing its home due to changes in lease arrangements or rent increases, and can become fully rooted in the local community.
“The acquisition secures an established community facility and gives the charity a stable base from which to expand our religious, educational, poverty-relief and community-support work. Charity Bank took the time to understand our charity, the community we serve and what this purchase means for our future. Their personal service and understanding of charities’ needs made a real difference, helping us secure a permanent home for our work with confidence.”
Moishe Kornbluh, Trustee, Tehilois Yoel
About Charity Bank
Charity Bank is the loans and savings bank owned by and committed to supporting the social sector. Since 2002, we have used our savers’ money to make more than 1480 loans totalling over £653m to housing, education, social care, community and other social purpose organisations.
Nothing in this article constitutes an invitation to engage in investment activity nor is it advice or a recommendation and professional advice should be taken before any course of action is pursued.
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