Orot Hachoma” community – Homat Shmuel, Jerusalem"

The Community

The “Orot Hachoma” community was founded in summer 2002 by some of the first families living in “Homat Shmuel” neighborhood in Jerusalem and is one of the more important communities in the neighborhood.

The community has around 150 members who pray in the synagogue. Among the objectives of the community are: building a synagogue, creating a community life around prayers and Tora lessons and mutual aid for all members and residents of the neighborhood.

The Synagogue

The synagogue was founded at the time of foundation of the community. The temporary location is in “Harav Yitzhak Nissim” St. 76, in the parking floor. The place was provided by the Cohen family which allocated three parking places for the synagogue. In the synagogue there are daily two “Minyanim” for “Schacharit”, a “Minyan” For “Mincha” and three “Minyanim” for “Maariv”. The prayers are in Sephardi Yerusalmi style. Many people from different origins and communities come to the different prayers.

As well there are many Tora lessons in the Synagogue. Among them is the 11 years veteran daily lesson in the “daily page” of the Talmud. Also there are lessons on the weekly Tora reading, lessons for Women, and many more. Many residents of the neighborhood participate in the various lessons.

The Synagogue is also open for “Bar Mitzva” Tora readings of residents of the neighborhood.

The Rabbi

During the years, Harav Yehuda Ovadya Z”L moved to live in the neighborhood. The Rav is the great grandson of Rabbi Yehuda Petaia Z”L, and named after him. Harav Yahuda Ovadya was nominated by the members of the community to be the rabbi of the synagogue and the community. The Rabbi was known for his Tora scholarship and his good practices. The Rabbi gave speeches and lessons during the week and on Sabbath and holy days. He also instructed on Halacha questions.

Unfortunately, in November 2014, Rabbi Yehuda was taken from us. He left behind him a wife and six children, and the community.

The permanent building

From the days of the establishment of the community, the community leaders are working on building a permanent building for the community. A few years ago the Jerusalem municipality provided part of plot 605 for a building that will include a synagogue for the community as well as kindergartens for children. The building is funded jointly by the community and the Jerusalem municipality. The community will also need to fund the interior of the synagogue, and the elevator.

This is a heavy burden on the community members.

The community board started collecting donations and membership payments from the community members and succeeded to collect some of the funds needed for the building.

The community still needs more funds, approximated in 450,000-550,000 USD. This will allow to complete the building including electricity, pluming, lighting, an elevator and furniture.

After 13 years of praying in a temporary location, the “Orot Hachoma” community requests support in funding the permanent building.