“Oh, that’s what a synagogue is supposed to be like.” That’s what visitors from North America have said about Tehilla L’David.
Tehilla L’David is a vibrant Orthodox Zionist shul in Jerusalem. It fosters a warm and inviting environment for spirited prayer. This shul deeply values community, spirituality, and intellectual exploration.
Mizmor LeDavid means “Hymn to David.” It is a congregation of about 75 families and individuals. Most members live in the Talpiot and Baka neighborhoods. Many come from the US and Canada. Others hail from Germany, Hong Kong, and various countries.
Tehilla L’David remembers David Margolis. He was a journalist and novelist who challenged the status quo. His memory inspires the community’s spirit.
From 2006 to 2021, Tehilla L’David shared Beit Payis with the Religious Scouts. The building often overflowed with people. Before that, they met in Kef International’s offices. Since 2021, Shabbat services happen at Mesorati High School on Beitar Street.
The services use Nusach Sfard. This includes Chasidic and Carlebach-style melodies. Joyful dance and new melodies enrich the prayer experience.
Torah learning is central to Tehilla L’David. Short divrei Torah in Hebrew occur every Friday night. Longer ones in English follow Kiddush on Shabbat day. Diane Bloomfield, Dov Leiman, Rav Chaim, and Mindy Kornberg lead Parshat classes.
Rav Yehoshua Zemel often visits. He admires the energy of the singing at Tehilla L’David.
Rav Mordechai Goldberg, Drew Tick, and Arieh Rottenberg lead prayers. Rav Chaim Kornberg and Rav Mordechai often give the drash. Both have Smicha from Rav Riskin.
Tehilla L’David embraces diversity. It welcomes people of all backgrounds and perspectives. The community avoids political agendas in formal settings.
Mizmor LeDavid organizes benefit concerts. Many feature performances by its own members.
The community supports Keren Doris L’Kashish V’Nizkak. It is a charity fund for the aged and needy. Helen Taitz founded it in memory of her mother Doris. Doris Bornstein-Moschytz devoted herself to the Jewish elderly.
Keren Doris provides aid to the elderly and impoverished. They help Holocaust survivors cover basic needs. Rav Yehoshua Zemel, Rav Chaim Kornberg, and Rav Mordechai Goldberg back Keren Doris.
Tehilla L’David embodies a unique spirit. It blends tradition with innovation. It connects people through prayer, learning, and community support. This shul is a testament to faith and fellowship in Jerusalem.