The Sacred Foundation of Smicha Chai
Did you know that without the Smicha Chai gifts, ALEPH—and the AOP as we know it—could not have existed? When the extraordinary seminary that we know and love as AOP – The ALEPH Ordination Program – was born, it was first called the Reb Zalman Smicha Project. In those early days, there was only one way for people to show their support for this fledgling vision: the Chai Fund.
That fund became the lifeblood of ALEPH, AOP, and the Renewal movement—the means through which people could help others realize a lifelong dream of becoming ordained as Jewish clergy. As the Smicha Project evolved into the AOP, it was sustained almost entirely by the dedication and generosity of its founders and community.
For a decade, Rabbi Marcia Prager worked tirelessly without pay, tending to every detail needed to keep the vision alive. Rabbi Daniel Siegel recognized the growing scope of the work and insisted that Marcia receive a small stipend, supported by the Chai Fund, to maintain ALEPH’s expanding administrative and spiritual responsibilities.
In those grassroots years, Rabbi Daniel promoted the Chai Fund far and wide, urging everyone touched by Renewal to reach out to their own networks—to “use your reputation, your friendship circle, your connections.” The dream was simple but powerful: if each person brought in ten donors, and those ten gave $216 a year—about the cost of ten sandwiches—ALEPH and the AOP would have the steady foundation needed to thrive.
Today, that same sacred intention continues through Smicha Chai. It is the heartbeat of our community, the way we honor the vision of Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi z”l, Rabbi Siegel, and Rabbi Prager—three spiritual pioneers who believed in building from the heart outward.
When you give monthly to Smicha Chai, you are not just donating—you are carrying forward a legacy. You are helping future rabbis, cantors, and spiritual leaders realize their callings. You are ensuring that the light of Jewish Renewal continues to illuminate our celebrations, guide us through life’s transitions, and sustain our communities. Your partnership is the next chapter of this sacred story. Join us in keeping the flame of Smicha Chai burning bright—for ALEPH, for the AOP, and for generations to come.
