Beit Avi Chai at 18: Jewish Culture as a Necessity, Not a Luxury

As we all know, some birthdays are ordinary, while others mark significant milestones—moments that call for special celebration. In Jewish tradition, the number 18 holds deep meaning, as the Hebrew word "chai" (חי)—meaning “alive”—shares its numerical value. Turning 18 is a milestone worth celebrating, and today, we take great pride and joy in marking Beit Avi Chai’s 18th anniversary.

Founded in 2007 by the Avi Chai Foundation, Beit Avi Chai was established with a clear mission: to promote Jewish/Israeli culture and creativity. Located in a striking, purpose-built space at 44 King George Street in Jerusalem, we have remained steadfast in that mission ever since.

For 18 years, Beit Avi Chai has been a recognized hub for original Jewish/Israeli cultural initiatives, offering a diverse range of programs—both in person and online, in Hebrew and English, as well as in Russian and other languages. Our initiatives engage a wide and diverse audience, including children, youth, young adults, families, educators, IDF officers, and international audiences.

From stage performances, musical events, and thought-provoking lectures to community gatherings, podcasts, web series, and visual art exhibitions, our offerings explore the many facets of Jewish/Israeli life, culture, and ideas.

Housed in a beautifully designed, four-story building by award-winning architect Ada Karmi, Beit Avi Chai serves as a meeting place for leading creatives, scholars, educators, musicians, cultural icons, and thought leaders— inspiring new generations with the depth and richness of Jewish/Israeli culture and ideas.

Tradition and innovation should be dance partners

Milestone anniversaries offer a natural opportunity for reflection—a chance to pause and take stock of the journey so far. They allow us to celebrate achievements, recognize challenges overcome, and gain perspective on our growth. More than just looking back, these moments of intentional reflection provide clarity for the road ahead, helping us refine our vision and move forward with renewed purpose.

With this in mind, I sat down with Dr. David Rozenson, who has led Beit Avi Chai since 2013, for an in-depth discussion on the significance of Jewish culture, the milestones Beit Avi Chai has reached, and his vision for its future.

One of the things that have always made Beit Avi Chai unique is its innovative approach to Jewish culture; the institution offers a fresh perspective on Jewish heritage, weaving together time-honored customs with modern creative and scholarly interpretations. “Tradition and innovation should be dance partners, not rivals,” Rozenson agrees. “Tradition provides depth, meaning, and a strong foundation, while innovation ensures that culture remains dynamic and relevant. The challenge is not to choose between them but to enable them to enrich and enhance one another.

“Jewish culture has always been defined by its ability to bridge the past, present, and future. With the revival of the Hebrew language, we received an extraordinary gift: the ability to speak the language of our ancestors in our modern lives. With the revival of the Hebrew language, we received an extraordinary gift: the ability to live our modern lives in the language of our ancestors. By its very nature, Hebrew intertwines tradition with renewal, the sacred with the everyday. From the Bible to Bialik, Agnon, Leah Goldberg, and Haim Gouri, the Hebrew literary canon continues to evolve. I hope that at this very moment, in a Beit Avi Chai creative writing workshop for youth, a young woman is discovering her voice—learning, shaping, and weaving words that will one day become part of this enduring legacy.”

How do you assess the state of Hebrew culture today? Are we experiencing a renaissance or a decline?

“Hebrew culture is constantly evolving; it is never static. In many ways, we are witnessing an extraordinary creative surge—new voices, new forms, and an increasing curiosity about all aspects of contemporary Hebrew culture.

At the same time, we cannot ignore the significant challenges—political, economic, and social—that make cultural creation, preservation, and growth more complex than ever.

But decline? Absolutely not. Hebrew culture has a built-in resilience and an unparalleled capacity for renewal. The real question is how we, as a society, support that flourishing. I believe Beit Avi Chai plays a crucial role—not only in creating and preserving culture but also in ensuring that it remains a vital force in our lives today.”

Culture as a tool for shaping society

Rozenson’s background spans Russian, American, and Israeli Jewish life. Born in St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad)—Russia’s cultural capital—he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1978 before eventually making their way to Israel.

In 2013, after 13 years as Executive Director of the Avi Chai Foundation in the former Soviet Union, he moved to Jerusalem to take the helm as Executive Director of Beit Avi Chai.

Today, he lives in Jerusalem with his family. His experience across diverse Jewish cultural landscapes gives him a unique and broad perspective on Jewish identity, heritage, and creativity.

“The uniqueness of Israeli culture lies in the fact that, unlike in the Diaspora, where Jewish culture exists alongside a broader national culture, in Israel, Jewish culture is the national culture,” he reflects on what sets Israeli or Jerusalemite culture apart. “This creates a unique dynamic—a constant dialogue between ancient tradition and bold innovation. This is the essence of Hebrew culture’s power.

On a personal level, I experience this through my children. They speak three languages, but Hebrew is their dominant one, and Israel is the center of their lives. That fills me with pride and hope for Israel’s future and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.

Jerusalem, in particular, is a microcosm of Israel—multifaceted, intense, and full of fascinating contrasts. It carries the weight of history yet is always open to reinterpretation. Living in Jerusalem comes with a profound responsibility: culture here is not just something to consume; it demands active participation. It is a tool for shaping the society we live in.”

What role does culture play in these difficult times?

“Culture is not a luxury—it is a necessity. In challenging times, culture gives us a language when words fail, connection when reality feels uncertain, and moments of beauty when we need them most. It helps us process, heal, and even dream.

This has been especially true since October 7—a day that struck us like a storm. The shock of the attack, the pain of the hostages, the fallen, and the wounded—these could make culture seem secondary. But I believe the opposite is true: culture is a lifeline. It has the power to heal, to strengthen, and to provide shared meaning and identity. Beit Avi Chai’s work in this period has proven that even in the darkest times, Jewish culture and its ideas help us find resilience, strength, and hope.”

Tears of sorrow, resilience, and faith

You have been heading Beit Avi Chai for 13 years now. Can you choose a particularly meaningful moment from your time at Beit Avi Chai?

“The events at Beit Avi Chai often reflect the broader events shaping Israeli society. A moment that will always stay with me took place during our Kabbalat Shabbat event, just a week after October 7. Despite the air raid sirens echoing through Jerusalem, we chose to go ahead with the program. Among those who joined us were evacuees from the north and south staying in nearby hotels, as well as reserve soldiers in uniform, taking a brief respite before returning to duty.

At that moment, none of us had yet grasped the full magnitude of the tragedy that had befallen us. And yet, we stood there together, in a circle—united in grief, prayer, and hope. We sang ancient piyyutim, which took on a new and urgent meaning. As always, we concluded with the timeless words of Lecha Dodi. When we reached the verse, ‘Shake off the dust and arise, don your glorious garments—my people,’ the courtyard filled with tears—of sorrow, resilience, and faith.

That moment embodied what Beit Avi Chai is all about: a living, breathing space where Jewish/Israeli culture, history, and creativity come together in profound and moving ways.”

Is there a particular initiative from your time at Beit Avi Chai that you are especially proud of?

“I am proud that in recent years, Beit Avi Chai has evolved into a hub for original, unique content—not just for our Jerusalem audience, but for people across Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

This transformation began even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 accelerated our efforts to move beyond our physical space and reach new audiences. We have done this through online series, podcasts, digital content, and collaborations with leading cultural institutions around the world.

At the same time, we continue to produce powerful live experiences, such as our performance Who by Fire—inspired by Leonard Cohen’s journey to Israel during the Yom Kippur War—which has been met with great success nationwide.

Through these initiatives, Beit Avi Chai continues to expand its role as a meaningful hub for the creation, development, and expression of Jewish/Israeli culture, bringing our rich heritage to diverse and growing audiences.”

What sets the Beit Avi Chai team apart?

“Passion, commitment—and a good sense of humor! Beit Avi Chai may be housed in a beautiful building in the heart of Jerusalem, but its true beauty lies in its people.

Our team reflects the diversity of our audience—spanning all segments of Israeli society, religious and secular, from different backgrounds and perspectives, woven together as part of the rich fabric of the Jewish people.

What unites us is more than professionalism; it’s a deep belief in the power of Jewish and Israeli culture to inspire, challenge, and connect. We bring a unique blend of creativity, intellectual and artistic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to producing the highest-quality content. We strive to ensure that every project, event, and initiative is crafted with thoughtfulness and purpose.

But more than anything, we believe in active engagement. We don’t just want people to attend—we want them to think, feel, and walk away with an experience that enriches their connection to Jewish/Israeli culture and identity.”

Beit Avi Chai: A Home for Today and for the Jewish Future

Even though Israel is facing extremely difficult times, this milestone anniversary calls for looking at the future. Naturally, I ask Rozenson what his vision is for the future of Beit Avi Chai.

“My dream is for Beit Avi Chai to remain a true home—both through our in-person programs and our expanding online initiatives—a home that welcomes audiences from Israel and around the world,” is his response. “A place that sparks inspiration, invites deep questions and fosters a profound connection to Jewish and Israeli culture in ways that are both meaningful today and vital for the Jewish future.

“By continuously creating new programs and initiatives that encourage learning, exploration, and meaningful engagement, we will not only fulfill our mission but challenge ourselves to reach new heights—never resting on past achievements, always striving to do more and do better.

And one thing is certain—the best is yet to come!”

See our anniversary special: CHAI to Beit Avi Chai!
Main Photo: Shai Getzoff