Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is not simply another synagogue.

Founded by Rabbi Shais Rishon—an Orthodox African-American rabbi, author, educator, and thought leader whose work sits at the intersection of faith, race, and Jewish identity—Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is a sanctuary carved out of history, memory, and necessity. For African American and Caribbean Jews, belonging has too often been conditional, visibility too often negotiated, and sacred space too often borrowed. This is the much needed answer to that long inheritance of erasure.

A traditionalist Modern Orthodox synagogue for African American and Caribbean Jews and welcoming to all. OEC is grounded firmly in halakhic practice, where inherited Jewish tradition and Black soul meet—authentically fused as mutual intensification. A place where African Diaspora Jews can grow unapologetically, freely thrive in evolution, and elevate identity through celebration of excellence.

Ohel Eidot CHeMDaT”A is more than a congregation—it is a declaration that African American and Caribbean Jews are integral to the unfolding of Jewish history. A momentous tent rising in Washington, DC, where tradition is preserved, identity is dignified, and a future is built in full covenantal voice.

Where Your Support Goes

This campaign supports the foundational infrastructure and first year of dignified operation for the first mainstream Orthodox African American synagogue in Washington, DC.

I. One-Time Start-Up Costs (Sacred Infrastructure)

(Purchases that last multiple years)

These are the tangible ritual and communal objects that turn a sacred space into a sanctuary.

Ritual Textiles & Prayer Materials — $15,800

• 30 tallitot (prayer shawls)

• 30 kippot

• 30 siddurim

• 30 chumashim (Torah books)

• 30 women’s head coverings

• Ritual consumables starter stock (candles, wine, challah, accessories)

Furniture & Sanctuary Setup & Etiquette — $7,700

• 30 chairs

• Portable mechitza (halakhic partition)

• Cell-phone pouches (to preserve Shabbat atmosphere)

Torah Scroll — $5,000

• Rental of a kosher Sefer Torah

TOTAL ONE-TIME START-UP COSTS: $28,500

(This creates a functional synagogue environment, even in a rented space.)

II. Annual Operating Costs (Making It Real, Every Week)

(These are recurring, unavoidable institutional expenses.)

Sacred Space — $62,400

• For Friday night and Shabbat day

• Holidays & Life Cycles

• Special Community Events

• Utilities/Maintenance

Shabbat & Holiday Meals — $85,800

Per Shabbat (for ~30 people):

• Oneg Shabbat

• Friday night dinner

• Kiddush luncheon

• Seudah shlishit

• Melava malka

(These are kosher, dignified communal meals—not potlucks. Meals are how Jewish community is built.)

️ Security — $40,200

• Two professional guards for services and all events

• Essential for Jewish institutions in the current climate

Ushers & Hospitality Staff — $31,200

• Welcoming, seating, meal service, and logistics

• Ensures accessibility, dignity, and safety

• We black. There's gonna be ushers.

‍ Rabbinic, Administrative, Bookkeeping, Scheduling Support — $85,000

• Keeps all ducks in a row

️ Operations & Community Infrastructure — $22,000

• Insurance

• Website, CRM, mailing systems

• Printing, flyers, programs

• Ritual consumables restock

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING COSTS: $326,600

TOTAL FIRST-YEAR BUDGET (START-UP + OPERATIONS)

$28,500 (one-time) + $326,600 (annual) = $355,100

Every contribution is a seed—cultivated with accountability, strategic planning, and the greatest care. Those roots become Torah access, pastoral support, cultural programming, and community outreach that extends beyond the sanctuary walls.

To give is to be counted among the blessings that flow inward—

and among the blessings that flow outward.

You are funding more than just a synagogue.

You are helping a people claim space in their own tradition, in their own city, in their own voice.

You are helping a tent rise—one that shelters, teaches, and nurtures outward.

Kol hakavod!

To learn more, visit: www.oheleidotchemdata.org