Atarat Jerusalem Yeshiva Returns to Historic Building After 90 Years

Atarat Jerusalem Yeshiva, also known as Atarat Kohanim, has moved back into its historic building belonging to the Torat Chaim General Endowment after nearly 90 years. The approximately 400-square-meter structure, located in the Jewish Quarter, was abandoned during the Arab Revolt in 1936 following violent disturbances. Rabbi Avishai Tzruya, head of the yeshiva, told Channel 7 that the endowment won a legal battle to regain control of the building, which was originally established about 140 years ago by Rabbi Winograd.

Rabbi Tzruya recounted that during the Arab Revolt, members of the Shulman family, descendants of Rabbi Shulman and related to Rabbi Winograd, had to disguise themselves as Arab women to escape through windows. The yeshiva's return to the building took place on Wednesday, the eve of Tisha B'Av, marking a proud moment of Jewish heritage restoration. The building will serve as a significant part of the yeshiva's campus, including a new study hall where scholars will continue to spread Jerusalem's Torah teachings across Israel and worldwide.

Rabbi Tzruya also referenced the prophecy of Zechariah, expressing hope that days of fasting will turn into joy and celebration. He noted that the yeshiva's study hall walls are steeped in Jerusalem's Torah tradition, having been the learning place of prominent rabbis such as Rabbi Zvi Yehuda, Rabbi Aryeh Levin, and Rabbi Zvi Pesach Frank. The yeshiva sees this return as fulfilling the legacy of Rabbi Winograd and enhancing the glory of Jerusalem and the Jewish people through Torah study.