May 2025
Chronicles
Apr 2025
The 23rd of April , Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion inaugurated a new pathway named after our beloved Rav Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz z"l.Extract of Meni Even Israel's speech:
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26975" src="https://www.matanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/img_2559-800x999-1-240x300.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="300" />
Today in Jerusalem | A Street, A Name, A Legacy
This morning, in the heart of Jerusalem—a city whose stones remember everything—a street received a new name. Not just a name, but a legacy. Not only a signpost, but a step in the long road of Jewish history. The street now bears the name of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz zt"l: a teacher, a translator of eternity, a builder of bridges between minds and generations, hearts and heavens.
It is fitting—profoundly fitting—that it happens here, in this city of dualities. Jerusalem, whose ancient walls have always held both longing and fulfillment, ruin and rebuilding, silence and song. A city that exists not only on a map, but within the soul of a people.
Rabbi Steinsaltz did not merely live in Jerusalem. He listened to her. Argued with her. Translated her language for those who had forgotten how to hear it. For him, Jerusalem was not only sacred past or distant promise—it was a living challenge, a spiritual center, a ladder between worlds.
To walk a street bearing his name is to be reminded that Torah is not confined to shelves or sanctuaries. It walks with us. It argues, it whispers, it demands. Rabbi Steinsaltz gave us not just books, but a way forward—one that refuses the dullness of the middle ground and insists, instead, on the golden path: a synthesis of intensity and discipline, mysticism and reason, inner fire and quiet faith.
The ceremony today was not simply about naming. It was about meaning. It was about declaring, in a world eager to forget, that some names are not forgotten. That some lives shine so brightly, they must be carved into the stones of Jerusalem.
As the prophet wrote:
"I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a hand and a name—better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, which shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 56:5)
This name will not be cut off.
And so we walk this street now—feet on the pavement, hearts lifted upward—knowing that we, too, are invited to be part of something larger than ourselves. Something ancient. Something urgent. Something eternal.
Blessed is the one who lives in Jerusalem, and helps build her.
Who becomes part of the ladder set upon the earth, whose head reaches toward heaven.
And who, in doing so, becomes a living thread in the fabric of her eternity.
<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26975" src="https://www.matanel.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/img_2559-800x999-1-240x300.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="300" />
Today in Jerusalem | A Street, A Name, A Legacy
This morning, in the heart of Jerusalem—a city whose stones remember everything—a street received a new name. Not just a name, but a legacy. Not only a signpost, but a step in the long road of Jewish history. The street now bears the name of Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz zt"l: a teacher, a translator of eternity, a builder of bridges between minds and generations, hearts and heavens.
It is fitting—profoundly fitting—that it happens here, in this city of dualities. Jerusalem, whose ancient walls have always held both longing and fulfillment, ruin and rebuilding, silence and song. A city that exists not only on a map, but within the soul of a people.
Rabbi Steinsaltz did not merely live in Jerusalem. He listened to her. Argued with her. Translated her language for those who had forgotten how to hear it. For him, Jerusalem was not only sacred past or distant promise—it was a living challenge, a spiritual center, a ladder between worlds.
To walk a street bearing his name is to be reminded that Torah is not confined to shelves or sanctuaries. It walks with us. It argues, it whispers, it demands. Rabbi Steinsaltz gave us not just books, but a way forward—one that refuses the dullness of the middle ground and insists, instead, on the golden path: a synthesis of intensity and discipline, mysticism and reason, inner fire and quiet faith.
The ceremony today was not simply about naming. It was about meaning. It was about declaring, in a world eager to forget, that some names are not forgotten. That some lives shine so brightly, they must be carved into the stones of Jerusalem.
As the prophet wrote:
"I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a hand and a name—better than sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name, which shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 56:5)
This name will not be cut off.
And so we walk this street now—feet on the pavement, hearts lifted upward—knowing that we, too, are invited to be part of something larger than ourselves. Something ancient. Something urgent. Something eternal.
Blessed is the one who lives in Jerusalem, and helps build her.
Who becomes part of the ladder set upon the earth, whose head reaches toward heaven.
And who, in doing so, becomes a living thread in the fabric of her eternity.
Jun 2025
Jun 2025
The 30th of June, Mrs. Joelle Aflalo as Matanel Foundation's president , has been awarded the title of Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Couronne de Chêne (Knight of the Order of the Oak Crown), a distinguished national honor bestowed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
This decoration is one of Luxembourg’s highest recognitions and is awarded in acknowledgment of exceptional service and contribution.
We are proud to share this notable recognition with you.
Jun 2025
Jun 2025
Apr 2025
Apr 2025
The Matanel Prize for a Book in Jewish Thought- 2025 Thursday — 22 May 2025 — 18:00-20:00 Ben-Zvi Institute, 14 Ibn Gabirol St., Jerusalem
Speeches by the winners
Prof. Zvi Mark, on his book Secrets of heaven and secrets of man : visionary and literary layers in Likkuti Moharan by R. Nahman of Bratslav asconnected to redemption and to the Land of Israel (Bar-Ilan University Press, 2024) Prof. Omer Michaelis, on his book Crisis discourse and the dynamics of tradition in Maimonides' oeuvre (Magnes Press, 2023)Musical interlude
‘Music for the soul’ performed by: Betty Klein, singer and harpistRegistration
Apr 2025
Congratulations to The Na Laga’at Center which was awarded the prestigious prize in the Inclusive Employment category, selected from among 522 nominees across 90 countries as the sole Israeli winner for their contribution to the integration of blind, deaf and deaf-blind people in employment and culture.
The award was presented last weekend at the United Nations offices in Vienna, Austria, as part of the Zero Project Conference 2025, which was attended by over 1,000 participants from 90 countries involved in the integration and accessibility of and for people with special needs.
Supported by the Matanel Foundation, the 'Na Laga'at Center was selected due to the unique model it operates and the fact that it is an accessible cultural institution for people with visual and hearing disabilities, which also provides vocational training and employment. 70% of the center's workforce includes people with sensory disabilities.
Mar 2025
Dear Friends,
We are delighted to announce the inaugural cycle of the Matanel Sefarad Seminar, an immersive academic and cultural program dedicated to the rich heritage of Sephardic Jewish civilization.
Hosted by the Institute for Jewish Studies Barcelona (EJB), this six-week summer program will take place from June 2 to July 11, 2025, in the heart of Barcelona’s historic Jewish quarter and along the European Routes of Jewish Heritage in Catalonia.
The seminar is designed for students, educators, and cultural activists from all disciplines who are passionate about exploring the depth and breadth of Sephardic history, thought, and culture. Through a unique combination of textual studies, field excursions, and hands-on workshops, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of Sephardic heritage—from its golden age in medieval Spain to its contemporary global expressions and challenges.
We warmly invite applications from those eager to join us for this transformative experience.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues and students who may be interested in this unique program.
Application Deadline: April 25, 2025
For more information about the program, faculty, and application process, please visit our website: www.ejbarcelona.org or contact us at info.ejbarcelona@gmail.com.
Warm regards,
Institute for Jewish Studies Barcelona (EJB) 
Jan 2025
יד בן־צבי, מכון בן־צבי לחקר קהילות ישראל במזרח וקרן מתנאל מזמינים את הציבור להגיש מועמדות לפרס מתנאל לספרים בשפה העברית בנושא מחשבת ישראל שראו אור .בשנים 2024-2022 שני פרסים, בגובה 12,500 דולר כל אחד, יוענקו למחברים של ספרי עיון ומחקר מקוריים העוסקים במחשבת ישראל במובנה .הרחב, בכל תחומי היצירה והתרבות .רשאים להגיש מועמדות מחברי הספרים או ההוצאות לאור .הפרסים יוענקו בטקס חגיגי בחודש אפריל 2025 :לתקנון הפרס ולהגשת מועמדות https://ybz.org/מלגות-ופרסים/
Jan 2025
?יזם או יזמת חברתיים ?יש לך חשיבה חדשנית ויצירתית ?עשית הרבה למען צדק חברתי ואיכות החיים במדינה !אולי הפרס הזה נועד לך - .תיקון עולם הוא מושג יהודי עתיק בן למעלה מ-2,000 שנה והוא מייצג את השאיפה להטיב ולשפר את עולמנו. הוא מייצג תודעה ברורה של ערבות הדדית, אחריות, ושותפות. ערכים שהם תנאי להמשך קיומה ושגשוגה של מדינת ישראל .פרס מתנאל לתיקון עולם, על סך 12,500 דולר, מטעם אוניברסיטת רייכמן וקרן מתנאל, מבקש להעלות על נס אנשים פרטיים שבחרו להקדיש את מרצם, יכולותיהם ומשאביהם לעשייה למען תיקון עולם וצדק חברתי :מי יכול להגיש מועמדות העומדים בראש מיזמים חברתיים הפועלים לפחות חמש שנים• ניתן להגיש מועמדות בגין מיזם אחד בלבד, והמועמד/ת חייבים להיות ממובילי המיזם• על המיזם להיות בעל היקף נרחב והשפעה לאומית, לשקף עומק מחשבה ורמת ביצוע גבוהה, להיות חדשני ופורץ דרך, להציע מענה לצורך ברור ולייצג את ערכי הפרס•
!זה הזמן שלכם להגיש מועמדות לינק להרשמה
לפרטים נוספים ניתן לפנות ל: matanelaward@runi.ac.il
CER
Dec 2024
MJLC Brussels 2024[/caption]
Joelle Aflalo's visit - Yad Ben Zvi Institute-October 2024
Joelle Aflalo's visit - Merkaz Telem Jerusalem
M. Georges Bensoussan,M. Michel Heintz M. Joël Kotek M. Rudy Reichstadt,[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_25202" align="alignnone" width="300"]
M. Georges Bensoussan,Mrs Joelle Aflalo M. Michel Heintz M. Joël Kotek[/caption]
Oct 2024
Nov 2024
Matanel Crossroad Seminar – In Preparation for Israel's Centennial, 2048
A seminar envisioning Israel's state and society in its centennial year – 2048. The seminar will consist of 15 graduate Reichman University students from every department, or outstanding undergraduates in their last year of studies. They will meet over an academic school year for 10 sessions, dealing with the core issues Israel is concerned with toward its centennial: education, welfare, culture, religion, health, finance, communication & media, law, foreign affairs and government. Each session will take place over three hours and begin with an expert guest lecture - cf the program The Matanel Foundation supports such seminars in various other settings in all over the country.Musrara, The Naggar School of Art and Society.
Oct 2024
The BrightMed team has the great pleasure to invite you to 2024’s edition of the Gibraltar
World Music Festival (GWMF) and the BrightMed events. This year’s theme is ‘LEVANA’
This year’s theme, chosen to address the strong need to rebirth after the Covid years that
left Culture, particularly in Gibraltar, sterile, is linked to tapping into the wonderful female
energy. This energy is seen as the fundamental force for a renaissance.
While some may find that LEVANA was a Roman Goddess associated with childbirth, it
also signifies “white” in Hebrew, and is used to name the full moon. What better
representation of female connection than the full moon and its influences on us, our mothers,
sisters, and partners?
To represent LEVANA, the Artistic Directors selected three powerful artists: Sian Pottok,
Michelle Davis and Ana Carla Maza.
As per every edition, GWMF will arrange a concert at the St Michael’s Cave on the Evening
of the 27th June (from 20.00).
The Book Histoire Juive de la France, supported by the Matanel Foundation has received the prestigious Mare Nostrum Prize 2023 section History and Geopolitics
A Jewish History of France: this monumental study tracing two millennia of Jewish presence in France stands out for its exceptional documentary and analytical wealth. Produced by 150 renowned academics under the direction of Sylvie Anne Goldberg, this colossal work captivates with its skilful blend of specialist scholarship and accessibility. The great strength of the book lies in its willingness to place the trajectory of the Jews in the global historical contexts in which they participated. Varying its focus from the long term to the study of specific cases, it reveals the full complexity of the relationship between France and its Jews. Supported by sumptuous iconography, this landmark book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the centuries. Its scientific and editorial quality is a credit to the vitality of Jewish studies, and the "Mare Nostrum Prize - History and Geopolitics", awarded to Roberto Mercadini (Le Génie des ténèbres - Les Belles Lettres), was a fitting reward.
Picture : Graduation ceremony at the Tel Aviv University the 5th of June.
Foto: Marc Müller / CER
May 2023
Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of ‘Tana Yerushalmi’ (photo: The Jerusalem Fund)
Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of Tana Yerushalmi, during an activity (photo: The Jerusalem Fund)
“As part of the selection process, over 100 nominations were submitted to win the new prestigious award,” it was reported to “Khal Ha’ir”. “Many groundbreaking initiatives were presented in the proposals, which strengthen society in all its aspects and have a decisive contribution for the residents of Jerusalem. At the end of a strict selection process led by the judging team, Yael Berman-Domb, CEO of ‘Tana Jerusalem’ and one of its founders, was chosen to receive the prestigious award. Berman Domb, who has devoted many years to diverse social activities, heads the association that leads unique programs to strengthen the city of Jerusalem by attracting and keeping young men and women in the city, as well as shaping active, committed and influential community leadership.”
“The association leads programs intended for the younger generation of various ages in a democratic and pluralistic spirit, including: a pre-military preparatory school, an integrated midrash, programs for students and accompanying communities,” it added. “Many achievements have been credited to the association in its 13 years of activity: 500 graduates of the Jerusalem high school and TANA Jerusalem programs, 70% of the graduates work in the public and social sector and many have chosen to live in Jerusalem.”
It should be noted that the awarding ceremony will take place on Tuesday, 3/28/23, in Jerusalem in the presence of Mayor Moshe Leon
Mar 2023
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to, CEO of 'Tene Yerushalmi' for winning the prestigious "Jerusalem Prize for Young Leadership"
The Jerusalem Prize for Young Leadership is awarded to civil society leaders (up to the age of 50), workers in non-profit organizations, who have presented significant activity to strengthen Jerusalem, the development of the community and the well-being of the residents. The prize, in the amount of 100 thousand dollars, will be awarded to the organization led by the winner and the prize money will be transferred to the cultivation and promotion of its activities.
The association Tene Yerushalmi leads programs intended for the younger generation of various ages in a democratic and pluralistic spirit, including: a pre-military preparatory school, an integrated midrash, programs for students and accompanying communities.
The Matanel Foundation supports their Perach Zahav Bnei Bayit program 
"MUSEUM" , supported by the Matanel Foundation will be screened at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque on April 16 at 19h
To get a discount coupon. Simply enter the word מוזיאון20 in the coupon box of the reservation form. Here is the 
Mar 2023
Feb 2023
Joëlle Aflalo meeting with Aliza Bloch, mayor of Beit Shemesh
Congratulations to Elyon Motion for the Premiere of his new documentary : "MUSEUM" , supported by the Matanel Foundation that will be released in theaters on November 30, 2022 in France.
Here are this week programmation:
The Board of the Matanel Foundation congratulates Chief Rabbi Goldschmidt for his nomination as one of the most influential Jews in 2022 by the Jerusalem Post.
500 guests and international speakers are invited to an open discussion and think tank sessions focusing on the challenges of the next decade and on how to strengthen the Zionist movement, the Diaspora, and the state of Israel for a better and united Jewish nation and people.
Jul 2022
Congratulations to the Musrara 2022 Graduates for their achievements and final exhibition.
Here is the link to the Class of 2022 exhibitions site : https://graduation.musrara.co.il/2022/
Prof. Oded Israeli, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev on his book, R. Moses b. Nachman (Nachmanides): Intellectual Biography.
Picture Marom graduation party 13th of June
May 2022
Congratulations on their achievements to all Access for All graduates,
Picture : Graduation ceremony at the Tel Aviv University the 10th of May.
Picture : Graduation ceremony at the Tel Aviv University the 10th of May.
Apr 2022
Apr 2022
Congratulations to the winners of The Matanel Prize for Tikkun Olam 2022 Israel and Abroad
The Matanel Foundation awarded two prizes among their currently or previously supported projects that applied in 2020, a prize for a project in Israel and a prize for a project abroad. The two prizes are awarded $30,000 each.
We have given the opportunity to vote to all non-profit organizations currently or previously supported by the Matanel Foundation, as well as members of the Foundation's Management and friends of the Foundation. Through the voting website.
The results of the vote have been announced during the 5th Matanel Retreat held on April 6th, 2022
Winner of the Matanel for Tikkun Olam prize in Israel : SHEKEL for their project Inclusion for People with Disabilities
Winner of the Matanel for Tikkun Olam prize Abroad: KAIMA TANZANIA for their project A Matanel Education Farm
Congratulations to the winners, we are looking forward discovering what you will achieve ! 
Congratulations to Federica Maestri winner of the prestigious ISSI Weizman Institute prize sponsored by the Matanel Foundation
with her project: « ALS when genetics and epidemiology come together »
Jan 2022
The Matanel Prize for Jewish Thought
The Application is now OPEN
The prize of USD 25,000 is awarded for the best original book in Jewish Thought, published in Hebrew in the past three years (2020-2022), that is suitable for a wide readership. The book should be at least the second one published by the author who is expected to be also involved in social and educational activities.
Authors and publishers may submit nominations.
Applicants are required to fill out the application form (in Hebrew), and must submit the following:
- CV (English or Hebrew)
- List of main publications (up to 2 pages)
- Two letters of recommendation that explain why the book deserves the prize. The recommendations may be sent directly to the World Union of Jewish Studies worldunion@jewish-studies.org.
- Five copies of the book must be sent to:
The World Union of Jewish Studies, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rabin World Center of Jewish Studies, Mt Scopus, Jerusalem 9190501, Israel
No further documents will be considered.
The submission deadline is Sunday, May 1, 2022.
The upcoming Matanel Prize for Jewish Thought is expected to be awarded during the 18th World Congress of Jewish Studies in Summer 2022 (8-12 August).
The publisher shall ensure that the winning books are decorated with a wrap-around band indicating “Matanel Prize for Jewish Thought 2022″.