HaKesher aims to increase the contacts and relations of Israelis abroad with Israel that sees them as an integral part of society. A friendly cultural and social environment is provided which connects Israeli citizens and local Jews with their roots.  Chief organizer, Annette Zrihen, serves as the creative and inspirational force, and enjoys the support of the Israeli-Consulate and her dedicated staff of volunteers.

HaKesher is the umbrella organization for the following programs/services:

• HaKesher magazine for Hebrew speakers, established in 2003 (eighth edition in production), provides a range of Israeli/Jewish services that support and build community, culture, business, social connectedness, and education:
• Highly informative/interesting articles on Jewish personalities and endeavors, from technology, business, education and arts, to leisure and philosophy
• Business/personal ads, calendar listings, crossword puzzles, and trivia
• A forum for linking up with Israelis in the Boston area and connecting with one’s heritage

• Jewish/Israeli cultural event productions in Greater Boston area for the past ten years:

• Appearances by well-known Israeli entertainers: Yehoram Gaon, Tuvia Tsafir, T-Pex, and much more
• Social gatherings: Israeli Movie Club, classical Israeli folk dances, and discussion groups
• Annual events: International Women’s Day, Mimouna, and Hanukah celebrations, Sing-a-longs, and talent shows
• Cultivating the BCCA as a central/sponsoring venue to increase offerings and broaden community reach

• Network/publicity/referral services to connect the local and incoming/outgoing Israeli community members, a website portal, and the SmartIsrapages directory (seventh volume in production).  HaKesher offers caretaker matching, job referrals, and newcomer orientation.

Mission:

To promote and carry out educational, charitable, religious, and cultural purposes for the Israeli, Jewish community, and the greater community in Massachusetts, the remaining New England states, New York and New Jersey.

Brief History:

In 1995 Annette assumed leadership of the Israeli House on a volunteer basis at Hebrew College.  There Annette developed many types of cultural events.  As time progressed, and to address the needs of the community, she began producing various publications, culminating with the first edition of SmartIsrapages in 1997.  Five more volumes followed, including an online version.  When Hebrew College relocated, in an effort to continue providing activities in the Brookline area, Annette made use of other local establishments until April 2003, when the BCCA opened.  That year, Annette released the first edition of HaKesher magazine, which received a very enthusiastic response from the Israeli community.  In 2004, after years of providing charitable services to the community, HaKesher was incorporated as a non-profit organization.

Key Programming Staff and Volunteers:

Annette Zrihen (HaKesher Founder, President and Director) – Manages the central referral services for local and newly arriving Israelis and Jews; serves as the project manager and chief editor for HaKesher magazine and the SmartIsrapages directory; Organizes and promotes the cultural/educational events and activities;

Jeffrey L. Sussman (HaKesher Co-Founder and Board Member) – Serves as the co-editor, researcher, and distributor of HaKesher magazine and SmartIsrapages; provides logistical support of all events and activities.

Dan Y. Marshall (BCCA President & Executive Artistic Director) – Serves as the audio/visual producer and stage manager, and assists in the promotion of cultural events; provides technical services for all computers; serves as a non-profit development consultant, and aids in grant writing and other writing projects (such as press releases and articles), and finances.

HaKesher, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.