Jerusalem | Virtualjewishmuseum

Old City.Aerial View Jerusalem was surrounded by walls in antiquity. Through wars and earthquakes, they were destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly. Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I ('the Magnificent') rebuilt them by 1541, on ancient foundations, and those are today's walls. The Old City is what is contained within those walls, shown on this post card with a view to the East.	Old City.Map.1896 This map from 1896 shows the old city of Jerusalem, identifying its quarters. They are Armenian, Christian, Moslem, and Jewish quarters. The areas are not divided equally, and residents lived in all of them. The Jewish quarter is close to the Western Wall and Zion Gate. It also identifies 7 of the city's gates - the 'New Gate' was not yet built.	Landscape.From North View of the Old City from the North. The 2 landmark synagogues rise above in the upper left.
Ramban Synagogue This synagogue is attributed to the Ramban ('Nachmanides') who arrived to a desolate city in 1267. He is credited with rebuilding the Jewish community and this was the sole synagogue in the city for the next 300 years, until forcibly closed by Moslem authorities. It was restored after 1967. It has a domed ceiling, a double Torah ark and a row of 4 supporting columns along its length.	Four Sepharadi Synagogues This card shows each of 4 Sepharadi synagogues in an Old city complex. they are 1) The Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue 2) Emtza'i Synagogue 3) Riba"z (R' Yochanan ben Zakkai) Synagogue and 4) Istanbuli Synagogue.	Eliyahu Hanavi Synagogue After the Ramban Synagogue was shut down, the Sepharadim built this one, in 1586. Legend has it that Eliyahu Hanavi once appeared to help make a minyan. A chair is reserved for him. The chairs were originally arranged Sepharadi style, facing the center Bimah from each side. Vandalized in 1948, it was renovated after 1967. Today seats face the Aron Hakodesh in the front.
Stambouli Synagogue A building next door became a synagogue in 1786, organized by Sepharadi immigrants from Turkey (Istanbul). Eastern and North African Jews joined them. Today used by Spanish & Portuguese Jews. Destroyed in 1948, renovated after 1967. All these synagogues were built below street level, as found around the Moslem world.	'Riba"z' Synagogue Built in the early 1600s, and largest of the 4, this synagogue is named for R' Yochanan ben Zakkai. This was the chief Sepharadi synagogue of Jerusalem. It hosted meetings and ceremonies, including inaugurations of the Sepharadi Chief Rabbi, the 'Rishon LeZion'.	Riba"z Synagogue Then and Now These two postcards picture the Ribaz synagogue before 1948 and since 1972. We see the Sepharadi style seating facing in towards the Bimah. The two Arks are restored. Many original ornaments had been looted or destroyed. Today it looks more streamlined and modern.
Emtza'i Synagogue In the center of this complex is a courtyard. in the 1700s it was roofed over for use by the small Ashkenazi community at the time. As it is in the middle, it became known as the 'Emtza'i (middle) Synagogue. The Torah Ark and Bimah are from the Torat Chaim Synagogue.	'Ari' Synagogue. This residential building held 2 synagogue rooms. The ground floor is known as the Ari synagogue, as he is reputed to have been born here. It became a Sephardic synagogue, staying below the Moslem radar. Upstairs became a synagogue, associated with the 'Ohr Hachaim'. Today these 2 rooms are designated as museums of the 'Old Yishuv'.	Ohr Hachayim Synagogue This synagogue is named for the well-known commentary on the Torah. That was compiled by R' Chaim ben Attar of Morocco, who arrived in Jerusalem in 1742. The building had strong associations with the 'Ari' - R' Yitzchak Luria of the 1500s, and both synagogues are in the same building.
Tzuf Dvash Synagogue About 1860 the Moroccan community was enhanced by the leadership of r' Dovid ben Shimon ('Tzuf Dvash'). The synagogue was led by his close friend R' Elazar ben Tuvo, and it is known by both names. Here we see standing at the Bimah its 20th century rabbi, R' Yosef Yitzchak Shloush (1890 - 1960) who led until forced to leave the Old City in 1938.	'Churva' Sunagogue Ashkenazic fortunes rose and fell from the 1630s to the 1830s. Finally they were permitted to build a magnificent synagogue, completed in1875. It was named Beit Ya'akov honoring Jacob Rothschild. It was built on the ruins of the synagogue of R' Yehudah Hachasid (1700) which was destroyed by Moslem authorities. The new synagogue was popularly called The Churvah ('ruin' of the previous synagogue) and that name has stuck. Completely ruined in the 1948 war, it was faithfully rebuilt in 2010.	Hurva Interior Here we see the orginal Bimah and part of the impressive 3 story Torah Ark.
Tiferes Yisroel synagogue At the same time that the 'Hurva' synagogue was being built, the Chassidim of the city were constructing their own centerpiece - a similar looking domed building named for the Rebbe of Ruzhyn, R' Yisroel (Friedman). It greatly strengthened the Chassidic presence in the city. Notable is its rooftop plaza, suitable for greeting the moon each month. Also called Nissen Bek's synagogue after the man who saw it to completion in1876. As of 2021, it too is being rebuilt.	Tiferes Yisroel Interior This is a 'stereo view' card, intended to be seen through a viewing device that gave a 3-D impression. Popular in the early 1900s, that is when this one was prepared from photos of the Bimah in the interior of the Tiferes Yisroel synagogue. Furnishings are mostly wood, with a single-story yet beautiful Torah ark.	Georgian Synagogue Jews from Georgia (the Caucassus near western Asia) came to Jerusalem and established their synagogue in the Moslem quarter in 1892. They were there until the 1929 riots. Jewish services returned in 1981 in the building, now known as the Chazon Yechezkael Young Israel synagogue. This is the facade and entrance of the synagogue.
Old City Streets Pedestrians in the Old City streets.	The Street of the Spices An old name for one of 3 parallel streets lined with shops in the Moslem Quarter.	Cafe Where better to drink Turkish coffee in the Ottoman empire than in an Old City cafe, like this one.
Jewish Quarter Street This postcard shows Jews, and others, walking on a street in the Jewish Quarter. Clothing is typical of early 20th century dress. Even Ashkenazic Jews had adopted Sephardic dress, to satisfy Arab authorities.	Local Jewish Dress These posed pictures give us a sense of male Jewish dress in the Old City.	Greetings from Jerusalem This souvenir postcard shows the Temple Mount plaza. Inset is a scene from the Western Wall and also a completely fantasy image of what the first Temple looked like.
'Kotel'.The Western Wall A popular picture postcard theme was the Western Wall, which had visitors day and night. Here we see both men and women praying. Notice the words above the women's heads, painted on the wall. These were names of sick people who were in need of prayer.	Jews at the Kotel These 4, and probably others, have stationed themselves at the 'Kotel', where they pray, study and socialize.	Property Transfer Circa 1845 a Jerusalem store was sold to R' Nathan Betuto. Written in soletreo script, this Rabbinic document details the location in reference to neighboring stores near the wheat market. Signed by R' Hayim Pizanti of Constantinople, R' Nisim Hayim Baruch chief judge of Sepharadim in Jerusalem, and 2 others.
Courtyard Bill of Sale In the increasingly crowded city, every space was valuable and desired. R' Tzadok Halevi of Mogilov purchased this courtyard in 1831. Now in 1881 his grandchildren, R' Avraham & Doba Zaks and Gamliel & Sarah Schlank are selling a section of it to the Kollel Mintz representatives. Witnessed by R' Azriel Zelig Hausdorf & R' Yitzchak Selinker, heads of other Kollelim.	Jrslm.36	Yeshiva Chesed Leavraham The yeshiva Chesed LeAvraham Ubinyan Shlomo was established in 1747. It was a Sephardic institution, led by R' David Pardo and later R' Yaakov Elyashar. it was still functioning in 1948, when its library and building was destroyed by the Arab Legion. This note states that a student who leaves the yeshiva for 3 years loses his stipend and his status in the yeshiva. Signed by R' Yaakov Elyashar, R' Moshe Pardo and others.
Yeshivas Breslov The full name of this yeshiva is the Yeshiva of the Elusive Light of the Adherents of Breslov. it is described as 'Supporting Torah scholars and sustaining the community in the Old City, within the walls'. Apparently dated in the Fall of 1947.	Yeshiva Eitz Chaim In 1855 the educational endeavors of the Ashkenazic community were formalized with the founding of the Eitz Chaim Yeshiva, under the leadership of R' Shmuel Salant. It was soon centralized in houses around the Churva synagogue complex. The Yeshiva served students from age 3 to adults. This postcard crams images of the student body, R' Salant, dining hall, and students at study. ca. 1910.	Voucher from Yeshiva Eitz Chaim This is a payment voucher from the Yeshiva to Zvi Nagar for carpentry repair of a room. Dated 1913.
Yeshiva Student Reward This card from the Yeshiva was awarded to Zvi Yellin in 1933 for 'Knowing His Mathematics'.	Eitz Chaim Donation Receipt Dated 1916, this receipt acknowledges a donation of 300 Francs '...From the money sent by Central Relief Committee in New York'. This was war-time aid from the well-known relief committee. 4 signatures including R' Yechiel Michal Tokachinsky and R' Dovid Tiktin. Serving 900 students with a faculty of 56.	Yeshiva Eitz Chaim.new building concept This glossy postcard portrays the 'New Etz Chaim Building' in Jerusalem. It is an artists concept. A building was built on Jaffa Road near Mahane Yehudah, not exactly the same. Appears to be from the 1930s.
Yeshiva Eitz Chaim I.O.U. This document, on official Yeshiva stationary, declares that it will pay 30 gold Napoleans to the bearer on 1 Tevet 1913. It was dated in the summer of 1911. These IOUs actually passed from hand to hand as money until the date of redemption. Here we see 2 Ottoman tax stamps, with signatures over them. Upon that has been stamped in large purple letters "PAID" in Hebrew and Yiddish. These were used to pay faculty and others when cash was short and future donations were anticipated.	Eitz Chaim & Bikur Cholim At some point the fundraising for Eitz Chaim Yeshiva and the Bikur Cholim hospital (which had opened in 1858) combined and became known as 'The United Charity Institutions of Jerusalem'. They still function today. This siddur was presented to donors.	Fundraising Siddur This is a similar siddur. it is dated 1910. Inside pages picture the yeshiva building and the Hospital building.
Eitz Chaim & Bikur Cholim Charity Box This Tzedakah box from the early 1900s is for the combined charities of the yeshiva and the hospital. The original buildings are graphically shown on the front. The name of Rabbi Salant, who by now had passed away, is invoked on the front bottom.	United Charities Collection Box A more modern box lists all the causes for which money was collected, including the yeshiva, the hospital, and a soup kitchen.	United Charity.Donation Label This label was given as a token receipt for a 5 cent donation to the United Charities. Students in American schools would collect small-change donations and give the label in exchange. It pictures the 'Aderet' - R' Eliyahu Dovid Rabinowitz-Teomim, although his name is erroneously given as Eliyahu 'Dov'. The campaign must have been conducted before Passover, since the label reads 'Matza Fund'.
Yeshiva Toras Chaim This yeshiva was founded in 1886 by Lithuanian rabbis & moved to its own building in 1894. In its day it was the largest yeshiva in the Old city, & rivalled Yeshiva Eitz Chaim - perhaps in part because it offered adult students a larger stipend. It suffered in the riots of 1929 and was forced out in the riots of 1936-39. An Arab neighbor hid the furniture & library and returned them to Jews in 1967! This I.O.U. from 1910 promised the bearer 1 gold Napolean in a year. It is stamped 'Paid'.	Yeshiva Chaye Olam The increase in scholarly families, and in particular Chassidic ones, gave rise to the Chayei Olam yeshiva, in the 1880s. They moved from the Jewish to the Moslem quarter in 1908 and by 1913 had 400 students. They survived the War years but the riots of the 20s and 30s drove them out. Many of these Jewish buildings have been reclaimed, bought, or leased in recent years and again house students of Torah. This envelope sent to Warsaw in the early 1900s was no doubt a request for donations.	Rothschild Hospital The only hospital available to Jews of the Old City was run by Christian missionaries. In 1854 James Rothschild sent his agent Dr. Cohen to open a Jewish hospital, named for James' father Meyer. It was modern & provided care & medication for free. Here is a receipt for 85 francs paid to the account of Dr. Albert Cohen in 1868, signed by the medical director Dr. Schwartz. When they opened another hospital in the new city, this one was given to the Sephardic community, renamed Misgav Ladoch.
Bikur Cholim Hospital The Bikur Cholim Society acquired a building in the Armenian quarter in 1862 and soon benefitted from the patronage of Sir Moses Montefiore. In 1910-20 a new building was opened in the new city. This is a voucher from the hospital for 7 Francs, signed by 6 officials including Yoel Moshe Salomon.	Bikur Cholim Receipt This document, on official stationary, and picturing the original hospital building, is dated 1906. It acknowledges a contribution of 40 gold Napoleans 'which equal 4360 grush', received from R' Shmuel Salant, who among other things was the address for donations supporting activities in the Old City.	Bikur Cholim.Disbursements Inside the receipt is a list of moneys which may be receipts or disbursements, by date.
Misgav Ladach Hospital When the Rothschild Hospital moved to the new city, the Old City site reverted to the Sephardic community. They established the Misgav Ladach hospital in 1886. It treated all comers at the southeast edge of the Jewish Quater. It was shelled and demolished by the Arab Legion in the 1948 war. This is a voucher for 1,361 Grush plus 6 Prutot, dated 1904.	Misgav Ladoch Photo Postcard.pc This photo postcard shows the hospital building with staff posing on the balcony. It doubles as a New Year greeting card.	Misgav Ladoch Postcard The postcard was sent through the Austrian postal system in 1910. No doubt it includes a plea for more support.
Jrslm.44.Hospitals This photo postcard shows the hospital building with staff posing on the balcony. It doubles as a New Year greeting card. The postcard was sent through the Austrian postal system in 1910. No doubt it includes a plea for more support.	Misgav Ladach Receipt This more recent donation receipt is dated 1934. The amount is 50 Palestine mils.	Misgav Ladach.Activity The back of the receipt gives information about hospital activity. their board is a list of honored Sephardic community leaders. We read the number of patients, newbornes,medicines, outclinic patients (20,000 !) and eye patients.
Misgav Ladoch.envelope.1895 001 (2) Mailed from the Old City in December 1895, this envelope may have contained a donation receipt. It went through the Austrian mail and is marked 'Private' in German. It went to Schlatzlar Bohemia (later Czechoslovakia) - the locals called it Zaclar. The back shows it was received January 2, 1896.	Eye Clinic Sent in 1910 to San Francisco California, the return address of this envelope reads in Hebrew and German 'Lema'an Zion' and 'Eye Healing Clinic'. That organization, in Frankfurt Germany, established the clinic in 1905 to combat rampant trachoma. In 1912 they sent the famous Dr. Albert Ticho to run it. It was near the Mandelbaum Gate until 1929 when it moved to his home in the new city.	Lema'an Tziyon This envelope is also from 'Lema'an Tziyon' but without any other identifier. Apparently a communal help organization, which relied on donations from abroad. This one sent to Frankfurt Germany, before WWI.
Diskin Orphan Home The Diskin Orphan Home opened in 1881 in the Moslem Quarter. under the direction of R' Yehoshua Leib Diskin. Its goal was to save Jewish children from existing secular and missionizing orphanages. R' Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld led it. They moved to the New City in the 1920s. This tag advertises the Home with appropriate quotes including "Nor should I eat my meal alone so that no orphan eat from it (Job 31:17)" and from Psalms 10:14 "You would help an orphan".	Soup Kitchen Appeal Mailed in 1910 from Jaffa through the Austrian postal service, the backstamp of this envelope reads 'The Great Soup Kitchen in Jerusalem'. Addressed to Germany, this was no doubt a request for funds.	Soup Kitchen.Plea for Funds Sent from the 'Israelite Quarter' (see postmark) to a Jew in Germany, this illustrated card pleads for funds for the 'Community Soup Kitchen'. Donors will be blessed at services on Shabbat and holidays, and prayers for the deceased will be said as well.
Old Age Home This is a voucher or I.O.U. note issued by the Moshav Zekeinim(Old Age Home) of 'Jerusalem and Hevron' in 1909. The amount is 3 golden Napoleans, which is declared equal to 60 Francs. Signed and stamped, it is to be redeemed no later than early in 1916. This was their way of paying/postponing obligations, probably expecting incoming donations to cover them.	Batei Machseh Due to crowding, and a decree prohibiting construction outside the walls, a plot was bought at the edge of the Jewish Quarter and the 1st new Jewish housing project was begun in 1858. Funded by Hungarian and Dutch/German donations, it eventually reached 100 2-room apartments at low rent. Pictured are the buildings, and Selig Hausdorf who helped raise the funds for them.	Batei Machseh.Letter This letter was mailed to Batei Machseh in 1926.
Rabbi Shmuel Salant.Letter This letter from 1895 bears the letterhead, stamp, and signature of R' Shmuel Salant (1816-1909). He arrived in Jerusalem in 1841 & spent the next 30 years fundraising for needy Ashkenazim & Sepharadim. He became chief rabbi in 1871, known for scholarship and leadership, moderation and tolerance. Here he writes to a rabbi in Russia regarding a childless widow who died and asking for help in exploring surviving heirs.	Rabbi Salant.Letter On the back he gives more information about possible heirs. R' Salant was responsible for the organization of the Eitz Chaim Yeshiva, the Bikur Cholim Hospital, and the R' Meir Ba'al Hanes Charity organization.	Mail to Chief Rabbis Salant this envelope from Memel (on the German border of Lithuania) is addressed to Samuel Salant, Chief Rabbi, Jerusalem Palestine. Mailed in 1898.
Rabbi Rabinowitz-Teomim Rabbi Eliyahu Dovid Rabinowitz-Teomim (1843-1905) headed Mir Yeshiva until arriving in Jerusalem in 1899. He was chosen to assist (and eventually succeed) the aging R' Salant in 1901. His popular name was 'Aderet' which was formed from the initials of his full name. He actually pre-deceased R' Salant in 1905. This stationary envelope to New York includes the names of both rabbis and was mailed from the Old City between 1901 and 1905.	Rabbis Salant & Aderet This pre-printed envelope is addressed to both rabbis, in Russian and German. It was mailed from Russia/Ukraine in December 1902. Noteworthy are the wax seals on the back. The envelope contained money - 3 Rubles - and was sent registered, with the seals providing security. The rabbis were the gatherers and disbursers of charitable donations sent from around Europe to Jerusalem.	Chassidic Rabbis Protest In December of 1900, word must have spread about the imminent appointment of the Aderet. Here, 6 Rabbinic leaders, heads of 6 Kollelim in the city , protest: "...We heard that you are bringing a rabbi from the diaspora to replace you (May you have long life) ... without consulting anyone ?! Perhaps you can explain ...". Interestingly, these are all Chassidic leaders while R' Salant, and his designated successor are Perushim/Litvaks.
R' Ya'akov Shaul Elyashar Rav Elyashar (1817-1906) was recognized as an outstanding Torah scholar early on. He joined the Beit Din in 1853 and in 1869 became its head. In 1893 he was designated Chacham Bashi (chief rabbi and head of the Jewish community) by sultan Abdel Hamid II. As head of the Sephardic community, he worked closely with R' Salant. He spoke 7 languages and wrote thousands of responsa. He signed this scrap of a judgement regarding a property dispute.	R' Haim Moshe Elyashar R' Elyashar's son, R' Haim Moshe (1845-1924) also became Rishon LeTziyon - Sephardic chief rabbi - from 1919 - 21, during which time this letter was written. It deals with distribution of funds from the Montefiore bequest, to various Sephardic families and widows. R' Haim continued to serve on rabbinic counsels, while supporting himself in business.	R' Yaakov Meir R' Yaakov Meir (1856-1939) was a scholar, linguist, and emissary to several Sephardic communities. He associated with Zionists and was a promoter of Hebrew language. He served as chief rabbi of Salonika from 1908-19. In 1921 the British Mandate created the office of the Chief Rabbinate of Palestine and R' Meir became Sepharadi Chief Rabbi, using the title 'Rishon LeZiyon'. This letter on official stationary, and bearing his seal and signature, deals with use of community funds. 1932.
Stamps Honor Rabbis This set of Israeli stamps from 2006 honors the 3 dominant rabbinic leaders of the Old City. Left to right they are: R' Meir, R' Salant, and R' Elyashar. The design at the left is an engraving of the 'Hurva' synagogue that appeared in books printed in the Old City.	Rabbis.Sonnenfeld R' Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld (1848-1932), was an active and highly respected leader in the Old City, after his arrival in 1873. He was involved in schools, orphanage, and helped found the Eidah Hachareidis, a strongly anti-Zionist organization. Here he greets Tomas Masaryk, president of Czechoslovakia.	Rabbi Sonnenfeld Document Rabbi Sonnenfeld signed this document in 1896, as co-administrator of the council on Kosher slaughter and inspection. He was involved in numerous communal activities, promoting settlement while opposing Zionism. You won't find his image on an Israeli stamp!
R' Sonnenfeld Approbation In this flyer R' Sonnenfeld gives his approval to the reliability of Etrogim being sold by one Yosef Chaim Menachem Yulius. He hadn't given such approval to others but now is enthusiastic. Perhaps the fact that Mr. Yulius' grandfather was R' Sonnenfeld's teacher back home in the Austrian Empire, and he knew the family well is related to this. The flyer is dated 1905.	R' Kook to R' Sonnenfeld R' A. Y. Kook and R. Sonnenfeld were highly respected Rabbinic leaders, who disagreed strongly about the nature of the Jewish community in the Holy Land. While R' Kook favored Zionism, R' Sonnenfeld was unalterably opposed. They had collaborated in 1913 by visiting new settlements to encourage observance of Sabbath, Kosher, and agricultural laws. In 1909 R' Kook sent this envelope from Jaffa, where he was chief rabbi, to R' Sonnenfeld in Jerusalem.	R' Tzvi Pesach Frank R' Frank (1873-1960) arrived in Jerusalem from Kovno in 1892. He joined the Beit Din of Eidah Hachareidis in 1907 and served until he died. His parents had belonged to Hovevei Tziyon and he was active in the Chief Rabbinate Council. A respected scholar and Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. On official stationary, he attests that Nessa Spiegel has obtained a proper divorce from her husband Levi, and is free to remarry.
Yeshiva Tiferet Yerushalayim This was the pre-eminent yeshiva of the Sephardic community with 600 students at its peak in the 1890s. The envelope shown was sent out with the expectation of receiving donations. The 2 Sephardic rabbis in the address were leaders of the community: R' Moshe Franco of Rhodes was Chief Sephardic Rabbi from 1911-15. R' David Papo of Monastir (d.1927) was head of the Sephardic Beit Din. They gathered and managed the funds for the Yeshiva.	Rabbi Eliyahu Panigel R' Panigel (1850-1919) was appointed Hacham Bashi of the Ottoman Empire and Chief Rabbi of Palestine in the midst of political turmoil, and served one year: 1907-08. This letter was written, signed, and sealed on official stationary during that year. Sent to R' Salant, it urges forming a committee, including Ashkenazim and Sepharadim, to deal with the issue of exemption of Rabbis from Ottoman military service.	Bais Vaad Lechachomim Yisrael Porath was born in Jerusalem: he became a special student of R' Kook. Community minded, he helped establish the 'Council of Rabbis of Jerusalem', which united Sephardic and Ashkenazic leaders. This protocol from 1909 lists its founding principals and purpose: meet, discuss, maintain standards, communicate, supervise, publish, and create a reference library. As its 1st secretary, he probably wrote this page, but the bottom is missing, which likely held his signature and seal.
Bais Vaad Requirements Inside are listed requirements for outfitting the office: a nice apartment, appropriate furniture, a library, copies of important rabbinic documents, prizes for excellent students, support for young men showing rabbinic promise - and a clerk/caretaker.	Adat Sepharadim Adat Sepharadim - the Sepharadic community Council - had existed for centuries. It was reputed to have begun by the Ramban when he arrived in Jerusalem. Its official head was the Hacham Bashi, the Sephardic chief rabbi. They issued this voucher for 3 pounds of Passover flour.	Adat Sepharadim.Shador This is a ShaDor letter from the Sephardic council to a Sr. Eliyahu Tawil in Africa. it introduces the emissary R' Avraham Murciano who is collecting funds for the Sephardic needy of Jerusalem. It is undated but the seal of R' Elyashar presumably dates it to before his death in 1906.
Adat.Sepharadim.Shador.Judeo-Arabic Interestingly, on the back the letter is summarized in Judeo-Arabic, written in Hebrew letters.	Perushim Society Receipt The Ashkenazic community began to rebuild when the followers of the Vilna Gaon came to the city. They were opposed to Hassidism and called themselves 'Perushim' - separatists - wanting to distance themselves from society's influences. Starting 1811 they came and grew to the hundreds. They organized self-help and prayed in the Ohr Hachayim synagogue. This letter from 1884 acknowledges receipt of a donation. Signers include R' Shlomo Zalman Porush (1845-1898) a prominent community leader.	Perushim Society Seal The seal is blurry but we can read in part '...Welfare society ...of Perushim in Jerusalem...'. Other signers include Meir Anixter and Chaim Wexner. Later the group was associated with the Churva synagogue.
Morrocan & 'Western' Community By 1840, the Moroccan community numbered several hundred. It strove to maintain its identity, helped significantly by R' David Ben Shimon. Along with other North African communities, they were nicknamed the 'Mograbim' - 'westerners' - as those communities were west of the Land of Israel. This letter from 1924 states their opposition to any change in laws governing women, (such as voting).	The 'Western' Communities The letter bears three seals: a) community of Westerners/Moroccans b) Religious court of Moroccans in Jerusalem c) societies of Jewish Moroccans	Newspaper.Havazelet Havazelet was a newspaper published (1870 -1911) eventually weekly by Hassidic community leader Nisan Bek and his family. It reflected Hassidic and some Sephardic interest, competing with the Perushim paper 'Halevanon'. This issue from August 1875 deals with matters of agricultural labor, and wishes Sir Moses Montefiore farewell as he completes his latest visit.
Newspaper.Havazelet	Eliyahu Honig.Jewish Postmaster Eliyahu Honig arrived in Jerusalem from Russia in 1874. Working for the Turkish Post, he became head of the Jewish branch in the Old City 'Street of the Jews', which had Jewish clerks and was closed on Sabbath and holidays. On this personal check of his from 1903, we see a tax stamp and his post-office cancel in English, Turkish and Hebrew. Honig served until 1917 when the British took control.	Sir Moses Montefiore Sir Moses ((1784-1885) of Leghorn & then London, was an Orthodox Jew who actively advocated for Jews around the world. His stock exchange wealth enabled him to become a lifelong philanthropist. Over 60 years he visited the Holy Land 7 times, acting for the welfare of the Jewish community, encouraging new settlement & underwriting hospitals, business, & agricultural efforts. Here he signs a letter to R' Salant enclosing 29+ pounds from a London bequest, for Ashkenazic poor of the 4 holy cities.
Old City Resident Neuman This postcard, dated 7 August 1916, was mailed from (H)Roubovice Bohemia which is Czechoslovakia today. The recipient, relative Elias Neuman, lives on Chabad street in the Old city. As it was wartime, it was censored in Turkey before delivery.	Old city Resident Zuckerman1 (2) Shmuel Zuckerman is writing to the wife of the well-known Rabbi Bamberger in Bavaria, Germany, in May 1898. He is asking for payment for a Torah journal that was sent.	Old City Resident Zuckerman Shmuel Zuckerman is writing to the wife of the well-known Rabbi Bamberger in Bavaria, Germany, in May 1898. He is asking for payment for a Torah journal that was sent.
Resident Olive Wood Craftsman Many Old City residents lived on charitable donations from abroad. However there were shopkeepers, textile workers and craftsmen. Avraham Lehrer works in olive wood, a medium closely associated with the Holy Land. This letter was sent to Germany in 1911, perhaps offering his wares.	Resident Member of Kolel Pinsk R/M Lewinsohn is part of the Pinsk Kolel in the Old City. Kollelim are discussed below. He mailed this letter to Germany before World War One.	Resident Sefaradi Resident Shlomo Yechezkel is writing to noted scholar, linguist and collector Avraham Shalom Yahuda (1877-1951) in Berlin. The postcard is written entirely in Soletreo.
Old City Grocery This set of 5 paper tokens was issued by the Old City grocery of A. Negrin. The denominations are 1, 2, 5, 50, & 100 Mils. That denomination suggests they were issued under the British Mandate. The address is 'Street of the Jews, Old City'. The tokens fill the need for small change. They also tend to encourage a patron to return to their store to spend the change.	Old City Regulations 'Sefer Hatakanot' is a compilation of regulations, customs and agreements among the leaders of the Old City Jewish community. Originally compiled under the direction of Rav Y.S. Elyashar, it has the approbation of many Sephardic leaders. This edition is dated 1883, printed by Yoel Moshe Solomon.	Old City Regulations This edition is reprinted and updated from the original edition from 1842, as this page describes. 'Published under the rule of His Majesty Sultan Abdul Magid". (He ruled 1839-1861.)
Hebrew Printing.1843 Hebrew printing came to Jerusalem in 1841, when the Bak family relocated from Tzefat after the 1837 earthquake. This book, Sha'arei Tzedek, was one of the 1st products, issued in 1843. It deals with recent calamities in Jerusalem, Tzefat, and Tiveria, and offers perspective and encouragement for continued dwelling in the Land of Israel. All the early books are of a religious nature.	1864.Shaarei Zedek Another book, with the same name, was printed in the 1860s. It had formerly appeared in Vilna. It deals specifically with Torah laws pertaining to produce and agriculture in the Holy Land. As Jews were beginning to undertake some farming, it was especially relevant.	Shador Contract Most people and institutions in the Old City survived on donations from abroad. To keep them coming, emissaries were sent to foreign communities. Such an agent was known as a 'Sha"dor' (Shaliach D'Rabanan - an agent of the Rabbis). This is a contract between the Sephardic council and R' Yosef Hayim Sharim. He is to travel to Syria, Iraq, India & China to collect funds for the community. He will get expenses & 40% of what he gathers. He should record all receipts & report progress every 2 weeks
Shador Contract R' Sharim (185-1949) began representing the community in 1882. He was still at it when this contract was written in 1932. He signed his name right on the Mandate tax stamp. Officers of the Sephardic Council signed next to their seal.	Sefer.1873.Maharam Halava Published in1873,this is a work of commentary on the Talmud tractate Pesachim. The author is R' Moshe Halava, a 14th century Spanish 'Rishon' scholar, well-known and respected in his day. This is the only work of his that has survived. Printed by Yoel Solomon.	Halava.Illustration In addition to being a rare printing, this book is unusual in that it contains a full-page engraved illustration on the last page. The image represents the Beit Yaakov 'Hurva' synagogue.
Sefer.1886.Nivreshes.Sunrise R' Chiya Dovid Halevi Spitzer reached the Old City in 1873. He devoted his time to researching the astronomical features that govern sunrise, for those who wished to pray at that exact moment. He published his findings in 1898. At the back is a perpetual calendar for calculating any day of the year. 'Nivreshes' means 'chandelier' since this book will cast light on the issues of sunrise.	Old Age Home.1901 An Old Age Home developed in the 1880s, eventually known as The United General Old Age Home, which served Ashkenazim. the Sephardic community developed their own facility. This envelope was mailed from the Old City with the Jewish Quarter cancellation, in 1901. Soon after, they moved to a new building outside the walls.	Residents.Port Said.1889 Residents had relatives in many foreign places. Daughter is writing from Port Said, Egypt to her mother in the old city. She is writing in Yiddish in November 1989. The family name is Tzimarinsky and according to the rubber stamp on the front, Mr. is a manufacturer of items out of olive wood. Those were frequent souvenirs bought by visitors.
Residents.Rhodesia This resident is writing to his brother in Rhodesia, South Africa. It is 1908 and he is also writing in Yiddish. 'Hope to see you soon in the Holy City of Jerusalem'.	Kollel.HOD.Acknowledgement card Kollel HOD was organized by immigrants from HOlland and Deutschland (Germany). It was one of the very earliest and was more modern than others. This card was given to donors. "Monthly Card. to feed 1 of the needy in Jerusalem in the public kitchen of the German-Dutch administration. By paying an amount of 8 Marks, you have made it possible for 1 needy person in the Holy Land to be fed for one month".	Kollel.HOD.Acknowledgement Card.front The other side of the card shows a colorful image of an elderly Jew eating his meal. Outside the window we see a landscape of Jerusalem. Below it says this is a rendition of a drawing by Hermann Struck.
Kollel.Perushim.receipt The Jews of the Old city organized into a 'Kollel', a social community intended to advocate and provide for its members, who generally came from the same European area. The Ashkenazim from Vilna and surroundings became known as 'Perushim' (separatists) to identify them as apart (and opposing) the Hassidim. This document acknowledges receipt of a donation to the Kollel Perushim through their representative Meir Korman. Dated 1884. A Mi Shebeirach was said for him and his wife on Shabbat.	Kollel Perushim Seal The Kollel societies had their distinctive seals. This is the Perushim seal. 'Welfare society of Ashkenazim Perushim of Jerusalem'. Inside, a stylized depiction of the Kotel/Western Wall. Above in an oval, a quote from the Torah: "Should your brother be downtrodden, you must strengthen him...".	Kollel Perushim.Burial Society Eventually there were numerous Kollelim, each dependent on its home community for funding. Each organized its own courts, schools, yeshivot, synagogues, & burial societies. This envelope reads 'Hevra Kadisha Perushim' - that is, the Perushim Burial Society of Jerusalem. Mailed in the Jewish Quarter, as indicated in the stamp cancellation, and sent to the Pfalz region in Germany on 19 August 1901. Many older Jews made the journey to Jerusalem with the specific intention of being buried there.
Kollel Vilna & Zamut.IOU Kollel Vilna & Zamut was an offshoot of the Perushim, for Jews of Lithuanian origin. When funds were short, or late in arriving, the Kollel would issue these promissory notes. This one issued in late 1913 states that no later than Kislev 1914 the Kollel will pay 218 Grush to the bearer of this note. In a sense this was Kollel money, which circulated in the community.	Kollel Vilna etc.Receipt 'Kollel Vilna, Lita, Zamut, Kurland & Lifland' reads the letterhead, followed by 'For the support of the Holy Community in the Holy Land'. Dated 1938, it records receipt of 12 Palestine Pounds from the 'African Fund'. It is signed over the stamp by S. Blazer who's famous father R' Yitzchok Blazer had headed the Kollel before him.	Kollel Vilna etc. Seal This closeup of the Kollel seal reads 'Kollel Perushim of Vilna Zamut Kurland and Lifland'.
Kollel Vilna etc. Itemization Along with the receipt was an itemization of the funds received: 12 Pounds for the Kollel, meaning for distribution. Also, 18 pounds for administrative expenses, 7 1/2 Pounds for the Bikur Cholim hospital, and 10 Pounds for the Eitz Chaim Yeshiva system.	Donating on Erev Yom Kippur The Williamsburg NY Art Company presents this scene in their series of postcards showing traditional Jewish scenes. It is Yom Kippur Eve and at the Mincha service plates are marked for various charity donations made before the holiday begins. We can read from the right: for the Jewish School, Old Age Home, Poor Brides, the Cantor - and The Land of Israel.	Donating to Israel The plate designated 'Eretz Yisrael' gathers funds to support the Kollelim of Israel. The Vilna Kollel had exclusive rights to distribution of funds gathered in Russia.
Kollel Galitzia.front Kollel Galicia is perhaps the oldest of them, tracing its history to founding in Galicia (southern Poland) in 1830 as a charity to support local Jews who had made aliyah to the Holy Land. It was officially known as Kollel Chibas Yerushalayim. They associated themselves, as did others later, with R' Meir Baal Haneis. This is their IOU, payable by 1915, for 3 gold Napoleans.	Kollel Galitzia. Seal The seal reads in Hebrew and German: Seal of the Kollel of Austria/Galicia in the Holy Land.	Kollel Galitzia.back The back inscriptions declare that partial payment was received on three occasions, by 1916.(These were war years and charitable receipts had almost dried up.) It is also stamped "Paid" removing its value.
Kolel.Austria Galitzia.cover The Kolel sent this envelope to Germany, probably asking for donations. It was sent through the Ottoman mail. The date is unclear but the cancellation was used from 1911 - 1917 and we also see the star & crescent Beirut censorship mark, indicating wartime. It must have gone through the Austria/Hungary office too, since their censor mark, in Hungarian & German, appears in purple ink.	Kollel Warsaw Kollel Warsaw had been raising funds back home for Jerusalem's Jews since the 1820s. It officially established itself in Jerusalem for Polish Jews, distinct from the Lithuanian Kollel Perushim, in 1850. It was run by Chassidic leaders. This IOU promised 100 'Grush' in 1913 to be paid when the donations hopefully arrive, no later than the summer of 1915. Also known as 'Kollel Polin'.	Kollel Warsaw.voucher.sick "... kindly give from the account of our Kollel Warsaw medical help to Dovid Kluger from Warsaw 3 Francs. dated 20 Sivan 1914 Jerusalem". signed and rubber-stamped by Kolle officials.
Kollel Warsaw.receipt for donation 001 (2) This receipt for 5 gold pieces was issued in 1929 by Kollel for WARSAW, Kalich, Pietrekov, Lublin, Radom, Kelz, Shedletz and Plotzk. Funds will be distributed to 'the poor of the kollel living in Jerusalem, Hebron, Tzefas, and Tverya'.	Kollel Warsaw.receipt for donation.back 001 (2) The back of the receipt provides the donor with a prayer in Yiddish to be recited at Sabbath candle-lighting: "I have donated on behalf of our 4000 Polish Jews in the Holy Land...In that merit may my prayers be answered...". Below are listed donor benefits including Prayers offered on their behalf at the Western Wall and the Tomb of Rachel.	Kollel Warsaw.Donor list 1933 This is a list of donors to the Warsaw/Polin Kollel that the Gabbai (collector) would maintain so that receipts could be sent. the funds are listed in 'Gold' (pounds) and 'Grushim' (mils). We read the name of the donor, his mother, and the family. Instructions to the collector: "Write clearly and cleanly so we can send receipts without mistakes".
Kollel Warsaw.Donor list.back We see a total of 22 donors on this list. Total receipts are 44 pounds and 3 mils (Palestine Mandate funds.) Many of the Kollelim associated their cause with 'R Meir Baal Haneis', promising blessings to donors.	Kollel.Warsaw.Pesak Din The leaders of the Kollel in 1903 were R' Dovid Biderman (grandson of the founding leader, the Lalover Rebbe) and R' S.Z. Bahran. A complaint was lodged against the Kollel to pay debts and IOUs, which they contested. The rabbinical court decided against the Kollel and published their decision in this large (40x60 cm.) poster. Disagreements about distribution of funds eventually led to a split: the core group remained Kollel Warsaw and the breakaway group became 'Kollel Polin'.	Kollel Warsaw.Psak Din signatures To strengthen the authority of this verdict, the announcement included endorsements, with signatures (in print) and seals, of three outstanding Rabbinic leaders of the day: R' Shmuel Salant of the Ashkenazic community, R' Yaakov Shaul Elyashar who was the Chacham Bashi, chief rabbi of the Sephardic community, and R' Chaim Chizkiyahu Medini, respected scholar and leader of the Hevron community.
Kollel Warsaw.Membership votinggted With this large handbill (about 40 x 75 cms.) from 1927, The Warsaw Kollel announced voting for leadership positions for the coming 2 years. voting was open to married members, age 20 and up. All eligible members are listed. Any additions must be made by Friday 25 Shevat between 10 and12 European (not Turkish) time. Over 300 names are listed, each representing a family.	Kollel Warsaw.Membership Roster.1927 Over 300 names are listed, each representing a family. these were the people eligible for the regular Halukah distributions.	Kollel Warsaw.Roster.names The names are listed alphabetically - by first name ! Starting with 21 Avraham's and including 27 Moshe's.
Vaad Haklali Ashkenazim.Voucher2) In 1869 the 19 Ashkenazic Kollelim created an umbrella organization - 'Vaad Haklali Knesses Yisrael Ashkenazim'. It represented the Kollelim to the outside, assisted with medical needs, taxes, immigration, housing et. etc. They issued this voucher for 4 gold Napoleans in 1901. It is signed by 3 officials.	Vaad Haklali.Receipt This unused receipt would state that ___ received ___ amount from the Vaad Haklali, from funds donated by our American brethren in New York. The date 1916 is printed on it. (The America part was controversial).	Knesses Yisroel.Money order.pink.1911 001 (2) In fact, money came in from America. This is a receipt for a money order sending $2 in 1911 from New York city to Central Committee in Jeerusalem.
Central Committee.chits.misc 002 (2) On the right, a coupon card from the Central Committee good for 1 and 1/4 Grush value in medications, intended for redemption at a local drug dispensary. On the left another receipt in the name of R' Salant, date 1902, in the amount of 2 Roubles.	Vaad Wartime Vouchers Two wartime vouchers from the Vaad: the left one is dated Adar 1917 (WWI) and is good for 1/4 'Rotel' (= about 1 1/2 pounds) of baked Matzah. The right hand coupon reads 'Emergency & Wartime Project Mazon Bezol (cheap food). Good for one loaf of bread'.	Central Committee.Jewish Quarter The Va'ad Haklali's English title was 'Central Committee Knesseth Israel'. Here is an envelope from them to a supporter in Sunbury Pennsylvania. The postmark is dated 1906. It identifies the origin as the Jewish Quarter (of the Old city) where there was a branch of the Turkish post, across from the Hurva Synagogue, with its own postmark.
Knesses Yisrael.Appeal page.1901 001 (2) This is a typical mass-mailed appeal letter from the Central Committee, dated 1901. In the wake of harsh conditions, and with a drastic shortage of drinking water, which must be purchased at high prices, the Committee appeals for donations. Signed in print by the administrators and also by the co-chief Rabbis of Jerusalem.	Central Committe.Appeal envelope.1914 Appeals would be sent in envelopes like this one. It was sent through the Turkish post office in1914, to far away Seattle Washington, to a Rabbi who must have been on a list of donors or potential donors.	Central Committee.Appeal letter.1909 This is a typical appeal letter. "The general misery of the poor in the Holy Land has risen high due to the continued rise in food prices ...". Signed in print by the committe administrators and Rabbi Salant.
Knesset Yisrael.appeal and account The second half of the mailing includes an accounting of what moneys had been spent, on the poor of the 4 Holy Cities: Jerusalem, Hevron, Saffed and Tiberias.	Kollel America Americans in Jerusalem felt under-represented and under-supported by the Vaad Haklali. In 1897 they formed their own society: Kollel America Tiferes Yerushalayim, under the leadership of R' Y.L. Diskin. This receipt dated 1911 states that 182 Turkish pounds (from American donations) have been received from Vaad Haklali for distribution among the poor of Kollel America. By now, the dispute had been settled.	Kollel America.Seal Here is a close-up of the Kollel America seal.
Kollel America.Receipt label 001 (2) This label was given as a mini-receipt for a small donation to Kollel America. It was for 25 cents in New York City. The label reads in Yiddish: 'Help the scholars in the State of Israel - These Rabbis are praying to G-d on your behalf'. Often booklets of these labels were given to school children, who would collect coins for the Kollel in their synagogues and home communities.	Kollel America.Donation label.blue This label reads 'Help the orphans and the poor'. it is a receipt for a 10 ct donation. In the center is pictured R' Yehoshua Leib Diskin, Rabbinic leader of Kollel America.	Kollel.America.New Ad Many Kollelim survived even after Israel became a state, and continued to gather charitable donations for distribution. This ad for 'Kollel America' is from a 2021 newspaper. 125 years after founding, they are still active in helping 'our needy American brothers in Israel'.
Kollel Vohlyn & Chabad Chassidic Kollelim included the prominent Kollel Chabad, and its offshoots - Kollel Volhyn, Kollel Galicia, and Kollel Ungaryn. This is a receipt from the Volhyn/Chabad Kollel for a donation, apparently to their 'cheider' called 'Beit Chinuch Yeladim'.	Volhyn Kollel protest.signatures 001 (2) 43 members of the Kollel Volhyn signed this letter of protest. The administration had decided to rent apartments in Batei Horenstein to non-Kollel members. This was not the intent of the donor Rabbi Horenstein (in 1908) and is against the protocols of the Kollel. The lottery exclusively among members should continue. 1934.	Kollel Chabad.Lives on.Recent magazine Kollel Chabad continues its Israel activities today. This 24 page mailing describes ongoing humanitarian work: Food, welfare, disabled, unaffiliated, orphans, summer camps, etc. etc.
Kollel Shomrei Hachomos.Ungaryn This elaborate receipt acknowledges a collective donation from a synagogue in Hungary of 188 francs thru the agent Chaim Schwartz ...Which were distributed without delay to the members of our Kollel'. May you be blessed and remember us in the future...'. Dated 1872. The full name of the Kollel is that of Hungary, Moravia, Bohemia & Austria and served members in Jerusalem, Tzefas, and Tveriya.	Jrslm.Kollel Shomrei Hachomos.Seal3) The seal includes the phrase (Isaiah 62) 'Upon your walls Jerusalem I have appointed guards '. This Kollel took to calling itself Kollel Shomrei Hachomos ('Guardians of the Walls').	Kollel Shomrei Hachomos.back Folded up, stamped and addressed, this receipt became a letter and went through the mail. It is addressed to a Mr. Schwartz, probably the aforementioned gabai, in the town of Pesth (half of Budapest in Hungary). Stamped with an Austrian stamp, it is postmarked 12 December 1872.
Kollel Shomrei Hachomos.new.PC 001 (2) From the same Kollel, here it is identified as '...of the Czechoslovak Austrian-Hungarian community in ... Jerusalem'. "We received the donation list and are sending the original receipts for each donor ... Thank you for your benevolence for your thousands of brothers and sisters ... good luck and best of health".	Kollel Ungaryn Community.Cheque This cheque is dated Jerusalem 1 August 1915. It pays 92 Crowns to Viktor Schwarzstein from the account of Baron S.M. Rothschild in Vienna. It bears the seal of the Kollel Ungaryn in German, where it is identified as the 'Austria-Hungary-Bohemia-Moravia Jewish Community in Jerusalem. Signed by 3 officers over an Ottoman tax stamp.	Kollel Hungary etc.cover.1915 This official Kolel envelope went to the city of Arad in then Hungary and now Transylvania/Romania. Postmarked 12 August 1915 with an Ottoman stamp and postmark. WWI was underway and we see the Ottoman censor mark and the German 'checked' imprint in German.
Kollel Hungary.1915.front Kollel Ungaryn issued this IOU for 60 Grush to Yechiel Maier 1913, against funds expected to arrive from abroad. To be paid no later than the summer of 1915. On the right edge we can make out 'Kollel Shomrei Hachomos Aust. Hungary'.	Kollel Hungary.1915.back The backstamps inform us that this IOU was paid off in at least 4 installments and totaled 57 Grush (not quite 60). It is stamped 'Paid' on front and back.	Kollel Hungary.Chalukah Paid913 001 (3) This slip from the Fall of 1913 states that the holder received his distribution of 30 Francs which was designated for rent.
Kollel Voucher.Sonnenfeld This voucher dated 1916 authorizes payment of 600 Grush to the bearer. It is signed by Gittel and Yechiel Ekstein. More notably, it is signed by Shmuel Binyamin Sonnenfeld, the son of R' Yosef Chaim, who must have had an official role in the Kollel. Unfortunately he died the following year from typhus.	Kollel Zibenbergen & Siladi Siebenburgen and Silady (Szilagy) are regions in Romania/Hungary. This kollel was another Chassidic breakaway serving natives of those European areas. This IOU for 250 grush was issued in Dec 1913, to be paid by Dec 1914. In fact it was redeemed piecemeal over a much longer span of time. The rubber stamp declares that the debt was revised through mediation.	Kollel Ziebenburgen & Siladi.back Pasted to the back is a form on which the recipient declares that he is receiving 10 % of the amount and agrees to wait for subsequent 10% increments from the Kollel. Later additions show he was still collecting FIVE % increments in 1928 and 1930, fifteen years later !
Kollel Romania.Bohush The Bohush Chassidic community is named for the town of Buhusi, Romania. In Jerusalem they were a branch of the Kollel Romania. This voucher from 1938 is for a family of 5, in the amount of 250(Palestine) Mils. At the bottom there is room for the recipient to acknowledge receipt.	Kollel Bukovina Bukovina is another region in Romania. This Kollel served Chassidic members from that area. This is a voucher for 19 grush, to be paid to 'The Orphan Shalom Vigler', dated 1929.	Kollel.Munkacs Kollel Munkacs (Munkatch) served immigrants from this Ukranian/Hungarian community. It reads 'Kollel Munkacs and ten suburbs. This IOU is unused; it makes similar provisions for delayed payment of the Halukah funds.
Chassidic Kollelim.Seals This document (shown earlier above) features the seals of 6 Chassidic Kollelim. From the left: Kollel Austria/Galicia, Kollel Chabad, Kollel Polin, Kollel Volhyn, Kollel Karlin, Kollel Volhyn/Zhitomer.	Kollel Mograbim.donation receiptreceipt 001 (2) North African immigrants organized their own Kollel in the 1850s. Moroccans, Tunisians, Libyans and Algerians were known as Moghrabim ('westerners') as their original homes lay west of E.Y. This receipt for 100 francs benefits '2500 souls, including the poor, orphans and widows. dated 1939.	Kollel Mograbim.cemetery plot This receipt for 20 francs acknowledges acquisition of a 4 Amos plot in the Mograbim cemetery on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Beginning of the 20th century.
Kollel Mograbim.Seals These seals are printed right on the receipt. The left and middle ones are from the 'Moghrabim/Maaravim/Westerners'. The right one is the seal of Chief Moroccan Rabbi Nahman Betito. While the Kollel serviced all the North Africans, the Moroccans were the dominant group.	Kollel Mograbim.SHADOR An important and widespread technique for bringing funds in to the kollelim was sending emissaries, Meshulachim, to Jewish communities abroad. Such an agent was known as a 'ShaDor' (Shalich Derabonon) - an emissary of the Rabbis. This letter introduces Hayim Walid, emissary of the Moghrabim Kollel dated 1894. It is signed by 4 rabbinic leaders: Moshe Malcho, Mas'ud Elhadad, ... Malcho, and Shlomo Abushadid.	Kollel.Mograbim.Shador.Seals Here are the seals up close. Left is that of Shlomo Abushadid, officer of the Moghrabim Kollel. The middle one is the general seal of the kollel. It includes the date of its founding, 1862. The one on the right is that of R' Moshe Malca, in French.
Kollel.Morocco.SHADOR This letter from the Moroccan community is to Yeshua Kurkus, a prominent and influential leader in Marakesh. He was economic minister to several Sultans and a benefactor to the Jewish community. Here R' Nachman Betito (d. 1915) and 3 others are asking him to help with issues of the cemetery land they own on Mt. Olives. He should work through (and give funds to) their ShaDor R' Yeshua Peretz. No date. Apparantly early 20th century. R' Betito was Chacham Bashi in 1909-11.	Moroccan Community.ShaDor.Save the Cemetery.Seals The seal on the right is of R' Betito, but not when he was Chief rabbi (1909-11) or it would have said so. Two middle signatories are Machluf Chazan and Yosef Almaliach. The seal on the left is that of the Moghrabim Ccommunity, under the signature of its administrator Shmuel Buchbut.	Kollel Morocco.SHADOR.letter Before becoming Rabbi of the Jerusalem community, R' Moshe Malka, an outstanding Torah scholar, was sent as a ShaDor to European countries on behalf of the Moroccan Kollel. In 1875 he writes from Frankfurt to R' Shalom Gagin about the frustrations of his trip, and false accusations made against him. Written in Soletreo.
Kollel Sepharadim Council The council of Sephardic Kollelim represented the various Sephardic communities. Dated 1896, it acknowledges receipt of 1000 francs from the late Moshe Hakohen Hadad for the council and for his burial expenses. Signed by 6 leaders: R' Yaakov Elyashar 9Sepharadi chief rabbi), Hayim Valero (banker), R' Yosef Burla, R' Mordechai Yisrael, R' Moshe Navon, R' Hayim Baruch.	Sephardic Kollel.Seals On the right the seal of R' Yaakov Shaul Elyashar, Sephardic Chief Rabbi. In the center the seal of the Council of Sephardic Kollelim. On the left, the seal of R' Hayim Nissim Baruch, head of the Sephardic Rabbinic Court.	Kollel.Sepharadim.SHADOR.Meir R' Yaakov Meir was Chacham Bashi twice - briefly from 1906-7, and then from 1921 - 39. As this letter is typed, it is probably from the later period. He sent this letter introducing the ShaDor of the Sephardic community, R' Shlomo Ohana. The Sephardic Va'ad represents 14 groups of Eastern Jews comprising 13,000 souls who need assistance.
Kollel.Sepharadim.SHADOR.seals The right hand seal is of R' Yaakov Meir,Chief Rabbi of Sepharadim. The middle one is of the united Sephardic community, under the stamped signature of Yosef ???, and the left one is of David Abulafia, a lawyer, who is president of the Va'ad.	Shador Agreement.1932 This is a contract between the Sephardic Council ('Va'ad') and its ShaDor R' Yosef Hayim Sharim, dated 1933 (he was 82) to collect funds in Syria, Iraq, India and China. Besides expenses, he would receive 40% of the net receipts. He was to keep meticulous records, names and addresses, and report every 2 weeks of his progress. He learned 8 languages in his travels, reaching as far as Singapor and Calcutta. His funds supported hospitals in Hevron and Jerusalem, and the Porat Yosef Yeshiva.	Kollel.Sepharadim.Shador_edited
Shador Agreement.Seal R' Yosef Hayim signed the agreement over a Palestine Mandate tax stamp. Next to it we see the seal of the Sephardic council under an unclear signature. To the left is the signature of the 'Gizbor' - treasurer - who's name is M. H. Ginan.	Kollel.Moroccan.1924 Dated December 1924, this document is addressed to the Va'ad Hale'umi - the National Council set up under the British Mandate to deal with internal issues. The Moroccan community is declining to send delegates to a conference on 'Womens' Rights', citing rabbinic objections. Signed and stamped by the Morrocan Community, the Moroccan Kollel and the Moroccan Rabbinic Court.	Yeshiva Beit El.Receipt The Beit El Yeshiva and synagogue was established in 1733 to study and follow the kabbalistic teachings of the Ari (who lived 200 years earlier). Its leaders and students were virtually all Sepharadim. This ornate gold-ink letterhead & beautiful inscription is sent to R' Shlomo ibn Danan in Fez to express thanks for past donations obtained by their ShaDor R' Ovadya Shaki and asking for similar support through their current ShaDor R' David Shetrit. Signed circa 1900 by 5 Rabbinic leaders.
Beit El .Seals The right hand seal is under the signature of R' Shalom Hadaya. Next is 'Naftali Baruch'. In the center is 'Shmuel Azrahan' and the seal of the institution. To the left 'R' Yeshua ben Shoshan'. Finally the seal and signature of R' Avraham Azriel. Note that they call themselves 'Hassidim' but are indicating piety, not a a sect.	Kollel Taimanim While a significant wave of immigrants from Yemen arrived starting 1881, they struggled to establish their own identity, distinct from the Sepharadim. Only in 1908 were they given official recognition by the Ottoman government. This voucher for 60 Grush was issued by the Council of the Yemenite Kollel to Avraham Zaid in 1911. it is signed by Avraham Alhadef. By the year 1900, there were 28 separate Kollelim in Jerusalem.	Pekidim VaAmarkelim Pekidim VaAmarkelim ('administrators and agents') was the name for the central bureau in Amsterdam that gathered funds from Europe and sent them to Jerusalem for the Halukkah. This envelope went to them from Jerusalem in 1919. It was still subject to censorship because of war. the British military postmark reads 'O.E.T.A.E.E.F.'. + Occupied enemy Territory Administration Emergency Expeditionary Forces.
Shaarei Chesed.Envelopes Sha'arei Chesed ('Gates of Kindness') was a community welfare and Free Loan organization, founded in 1870. The top envelope was sent to them from Russia, registered, in 1902, and likely contained a donation. The bottom envelope is from their own stationery, sent to Meah Shearim in 1941, but was returned to sender.	Begging.1882 Many Jews of Jerusalem reached out to well-to-do Europeans for donations, whether because they did not qualify for membership in any Kollel or because they simply needed more. "...I don't have a scrap of bread in the house ...please have mercy and send a donation, as you have done for other scholars who study Torah...and may G-d send blessings....". 1882.	Begging.1906 Sent to Albany, New York in1906, this was likely a request for a personal donation. Turkish stamps and postmark
Begging.1901 Written in German and sent to Germany in 1901. "Your Honor! Many weeks ago you received beautiful olivewood candlesticks - Our hope to receive assistance for our Hachnossas Kallah (aid to new brides) was not fulfilled...Have pity on our needy orphans; send us a contribution...so we can marry off our sister...". Respectfully, the Orphans of Feige Rokeach. Jerusalem Palestine.	Begging.1910.Nurnburg To Nurenburg Germany, in 1910. "Most Honorable. Relying on your kindness...I sent you a beautiful flower album, the work of my hands. Hoping to receive some support but without success.I am a poor workman...not able to secure my daily bread...Have compassion...". Respectfully, J.B. Wein Jerusalem	Begging.1910.Frankfurt In fluent and flowery Hebrew, Mordechai Gutstein writes to son Yitzchok in Frankfurt. "...We are all well...May G-d grant that we have ample sustenance to remain here in the Holy City ...I finished putting up a Sukkah and obtained a Lulav. May we all celebrate in joy...I hope to receive some funds from those close to me...". Your father who prays for your welfare and wish to see from you all good things ...".
Abraham's Vineyard.Kerem Avraham.1854 001 (2) James Finn was British consul to Jerusalem 1846-63. He bought land outside the walls & with Jewish labor built a house and a training farm, to promote Jewish productivity. It was known as Kerem Avraham - Abraham's Vineyard. Some 200 Jews were employed in his projects. Finn's over-envolvement with Jews eventually cost him his job. Here Jews are pictured on site at work.	New City Drawings This souvenir booklet sold to tourists in the 1930s features pressed flowers from around the Land. It also shows drawings of 27 new neighborhoods built outside the city walls, between 1869 and 1896.	Mishkenot Sha'ananim Sir Moses Montefiore, with money from the estate of Judah Touro, established the first Jewish neighborhood outside the walls ca. 1855-60. Known as Mishkenot Sha'annim ('Tranquil dwellings') the 26 apartments were allocated equally to poor Sephardic and Ashkenazic families This image is from a booklet about the modern refurbishing of the buildings. Some 50 new neighborhoods were built outside the walls before World War One.
Montefiore Quarter Initially, residents had to be coaxed and even bribed to live there, as it was unsafe outside the walls. The buildings were fortified and guarded. Here we see what the neighborhood became by the 1930s. After the Yom Kippur war it became a guest house and convention center.	Sir Moses Montefiore Montefiore helped Jews around the world but took a special interest in the Jews of the Holy Land. He sponsored numerous neighborhoods in this early period, some of which are named for him. He died in 1885. This postcard commemorates him. it was used in Germany in 1899 as a New Year's greeting card.	Meah She'arim Drawing
Meah Shearim.Regulations	Meah Shearim Regulations This booklet outlines the regulations for the society that was building the Meah Shearim neighborhood. Printed in 1889 it expanded on the original 1874 edition. Written by R' Shlomo Zalman Bahar"n Levi, who also managed the finances of this and similar societies.	Meah Shearim.Lottery Ticket R. Levi (died in 1906) also conducted a lottery to raise funds for the Meah Shearim society. This unused ticket - number 655 out of 1000 - states the rules and the prizes. His seal is imprinted on it. Price is half a Turkish Medjidi, with the grand prize of 100 Medjidi.
Meah Shearim.Lottery Rules This page states the complete lottery rules.	Meah Shearim Yeshiva In the 1870s, dozens of houses were built. In addition, a synagogue, a mikveh, a Talmud Torah and a Yeshiva Gedolah. This memo, on Yeshiva Gedolah stationery, has headings in Hebrew, Russian, and German. It is an IOU for 20 francs, dated in the Fall of 1914, to come due one year later. Apparently signed by the son of founder R' Shaul Chaim Halevy Horowitz. The Yeshiva building is pictured.	Meah Shearim.Chicken Coupon Perhaps a charity coupon, this one was good for one chicken on the eve of a holiday, in Meah Shearim. Did it pay for the slaughter or for the actual chicken?
Shop these butchers Dated to the end of the 19th century, this handbill/poster implores housewives to shop only at the listed butchers since 'forbidden foods confound the heart ... of young children'. These 10 butchers were supervised by the chief rabbi of the Hareidi community, R' Yosef Zvi Dushinsky ( 1867 - 1948).	Batei Wittenberg Drawing	Wittenberg Houses Also known as Sha'arei Moshe, the Wittenberg houses were begun in 1885, built by a well-to-do but childless Chabad chosid - R' Moshe Wittenberg. These 40 homes are near Meah Shearim. Here is a coupon good for 1 loaf of bread at the central bakery in the Batei Wittenberg neighborhood.
Beit Yisrael.Dispute Beit Yisrael neighborhood was founded in 1885. There was a dispute between adjacent homeowners regarding opening a window that might be blocked by a neighbor. This document states the agreement between the two regarding future use. 1935.	Zichron Tuvia One of many neighborhoods established by Yosef Rivlin, Zichron Tuvia was founded in 1890, near Machane Yehudah, in what is now called the Nachla'ot neighborhood off Yafo Road. It was the 23rd neighborhood outside the walls. First used as tradesmen workshops, the area later became residential. It consisted of 2 parallel rows of single family houses with courtyards. A street of the same name runs through it.	Bucharian Neighborhood The first immigrants from Buchara were well-to-do. They began a new neighborhood outside the walls in 1891-3, which was spacious and beautiful. They called their neighborhood 'Rechovot', meaning spacious. After WWI, poorer refugees arrived and had to be accommodated. This 1940s envelope from their 'Kollel' shows they were organized to help each other.
Bukharian Quarter	Bukharian Quarter The Moussaieff family was wealthy and Shlomo Mousaieff was the first to build. His compound was the center of the neighborhood, containing a synagogue, a mikveh and a yeshiva. The envelope from Paris was sent o him in 1906. A later envelope during WWII was addressed to the 'Bukharian Quarter with a notation for the censor that the letter was written in Persian, in Hebrew letters.	Knesses Yisroel Neighborhoodd The Knesses Yisrael organization decided to join the movement to build outside the walls. They broke ground in 1891. Like many similar societies, they had a booklet of regulations, printed in 1892. Some provisions: Each member Kollel can submit names for eligibility, chosen by lottery...Members will lose residency through religious or social misbehavior, or if their financial situation improves sufficiently...20 francs per year are due for taxes and administrative expenses... .
Central Committee.Activities list.Eng & Heb 001 (2) These flyers, in Hebrew and English, describe the activities of the Central Committee.	Central Committee.activities.back These outline 4 areas: Charity, Communal needs, Interest-free loans, and Promoting building communities in the 'New City', such as Knesseth Israel.	Central Committee.donation USAy order 001 (2) An international money order in the amount of $2 sent from New York City to the Central Committee/Knesseth Israel in Jerusalem. Dated 15 May 1912.
Shaarei Chesed Neighborhood.1909 Beginning in 1908, the Sha'arei Chesed society built a neighborhood that bears its name. This voucher on Society stationery grants 3 gold Napoleans to Eliezer Lipman Porush for rent in the months of Nissan and Iyyar. One of the signatories is the famous R' Yechiel Mechel Tokachinski.	Kehilas Yaakov.Regulations This is the regulations booklet of the Kehillath Jacob Society from 1909. It endeavored to buy land to create dignified agricultural work for needy religious Jews. "...Only pious G-d-fearing members will be accepted....they must be healthy and able to work....they must commit to observing all Mitzvot related to the land...peaceful and sociable...fond of purity and cleanliness...devote time to Torah study...". Despite many approbations, this project apparently never took off.	Kiryat Shmuel.1926 Kiryat Shmuel was the 50- something neighborhood, established in the new city, in 1926 near Rechavia. Named for R' Shmuel Salant, it consisted of some 130 lots. It was founded by the Otzar Hachesed Keren Shmuel foundation, a free loan society. This document is a fancy receipt for a 5 dollar donation towards the building of the neighborhood.
Kiryat Shmuel.deed The back of the certificate describes the goals of the Keren Shmuel society, in English and Yiddish. It pictures the deed to the property that was bought, dated 25 March 1926.	Agudas Hadayorim.1925 An organization called Agudas Hadayorim - 'Tennents Society' - bought land east of the city near the village of Abu Dis. They called their prospective neighborhood Kidmat Tziyon - 'East of Zion'. They intended to build a community and agricultural settlement. Due to Arab unrest, especially in 1929, it never happened. More recently, Jewish settlers have been building there. This card from 1925 acknowledges a down payment of 100 dollars for a 10 acre plot at the site.	New Old Age Home.1901 In 1901 a new building was ready for the elderly on Jaffa road in the new city. This postcard was mailed in January 1903, through the Russian post office in Palestine. It pictures 'The New Old Age Home' and mentions 'Purim Gelt'. The idea was to send donations in honor of the forthcoming Purim holiday, when gifts to the poor is a feature of the holiday.We see the Russian stamp and cancellation of Jerusalem.
New Old Age Home.Russian donation.1902 Fundraising must have been brisk to establish the new Home. This appeal envelope had been sent to Russia, picturing the brand new building. It was returned in the fall of 1902 likely with a cash donation. It bears official wax seals on the back but no postage stamp and probably was sent through some official packet. A collector opened the envelope so both sides could be displayed.	Old Age Home Appeal This letter in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English is an appeal for support of the Old Age home. It mentions the severe hunger and difficulties of war and must date to the late teens of World War One.	Old Age Home mailing.1912 This hand written and signed postcard from the Home is an appeal for donations. Dated Nov 1912 it is addressed to a Jew in Pennsylvania. "...Hard times in the Holy Land...Great Hunger...Have compassion on our unfortunate old men and women...".
Funds to build Shaarei Tzedek The German Jewish community became convinced of the need for a New City hospital. Construction took from 1896-1902. This is one of the vouchers from the Amsterdam Pekidim Veamarkelim authorizing 4000 Francs towards construction. The money was transferred through the Valero Bank.	Sha'arei Tzedek Hospital Religious Dr. Moshe Wallach came from Germany to manage the process. It resulted in Sha'arei Tzedek hospital, which opened in 1902 on Jaffa Rd. People called it 'Wallach's Hospital'. His personal stamp was applied when he received this envelope in 1914.	Jrslm.new city_edited
New Bikur Cholim Hospital A new building for the Bikkur Cholim hospital was begun in the new city on Strauss street before WWI but couldn't be completed until the 1920s. Here are two donation envelopes,from America: one from New York in 1928 and another from a donor in North Carolina in 1931.	Orphanage.1910 In 1902 R' David Weingarten established the General Orphans' Home for girls near the Evan Yisrael neighborhood. This pre-printed but hand addressed postcard dated 1910 is written in German and sent to Germany. "...We hope to receive help for our 100 orphans...so they don't become victims of missionaries...". Signed in print by founder David Weingarten, among others. Today it is known as G.I.O.H.	Orphan Home.Receipt.1909 001 (2) This is one of many slips acknowledging receipt of a donation funneled through R' Shmuel Salant as head of the Va'ad Haklali /Central Committee. It is for $4.75 received in 1909 and is signed by Orphanage founder David Weingarten, on behalf of the institution. The orphanage seal is imprinted at the top.
Mishkenot Sha'ananim Sir Moses Montefiore, with money from the estate of Judah Touro, established the first Jewish neighborhood outside the walls ca. 1855-60. Known as Mishkenot Sha'annim ('Tranquil dwellings') the 26 apartments were allocated equally to poor Sephardic and Ashkenazic families This image is from a booklet about the modern refurbishing of the buildings. Some 50 new neighborhoods were built outside the walls before World War One.	Alliance school The Alliance Israelite Universelle was a Jewish welfare organization primarily devoted to Jewish education all over the middle east. In the new city a boys' school was opened in 1882 and a girls' school in 1906. A secular organization, it was viewed with great suspicion, especially by Ashkenazim. The girls learned basic scholastic subjects and also vocational training designed to make them employable. This envelope was sent from their school in the 1920s.	Kindergarten This class picture, apparently a kindergarten, is dated on the back to 1914. Judging by the mixture of boys and girls, and the clothing, it may well be one of the Alliance kindergartens, which were established in 1904 with 180 children aged 4 - 6.
Eruv.New City This flyer from the beginning of the 20th century announces the establishment of an Eiruv ( a roped perimeter around a section of streets) that permitted carrying in the streets on the Sabbath. It mentions most of the new neighborhoods established outside the walls. The map in the next slide approximates its location. The announcement is signed by the 'Council for Preserving Holiness in Jerusalem'.	Eiruv.New City.Map On this map of the 'New City' a red line approximates the area enclosed by the Eiruv, as announced in the flyer. Later is was expanded to more areas.	Toras Emes Yeshiva Toras emes is the flagship yeshiva of the Lubavitch movement in Jerusalem. It was founded in Hevron in 1912 but closed (and ruined ) in the 1929 Arab riot. It was refounded in Jerusalem by the then current Rebbe of Lubavitch, R' Yosef Yitzchok. It occupied several locations until its permanent building in 1974. This large receipt is unused.
Toras Emes receipt.back The back of this large elaborate receipt sketches a hoped-for building. It quotes blessings from Lubavitch leaders for the success of the Yeshiva.	New.Kolel.Austria Galitzia.cover 001 (2)	Kotel.Ropit The Kotel was the focal point of prayer. This classic scene was reproduced on many postcards. This one, taken from the women's side, was sent in 1913 to Beirut. It uses a Russian stamp because it was sent through the Russian postal service operating in the Ottoman Empire.
Landscape.From North Mailed from Jerusalem 9 March 1912 to Pennsylvania by a Christian tourist. '...saw place of nativity and ...Jew Wailing (Wall)'.	Jrslm.landscape.3 cities.1998_edited	Jrslm.landscape.3 residents.1998_edited