Orot Ashkelon Yeshiva Opens New Facility to Expand Community Engagement

Orot Ashkelon Yeshiva celebrated the inauguration of its new building on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the yeshiva. The event was attended by prominent figures including Rabbi Elyakim Levanon, head of Alon Moreh Yeshiva; Rabbi Shlomo Yosef Weitzen, rabbi of the settlement Psagot and head of the rabbinical court kollel; the yeshiva head Rabbi Eran Tamir; Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich; and Ashkelon Mayor Tomer Glam.

Rabbi Tamir recently discussed the move to the new, larger premises on Channel 7’s podcast, describing it as a significant step in the yeshiva’s development. He emphasized that as the physical space expands, so must the spiritual growth. Since relocating, the yeshiva has seen increasing attendance not only on special occasions like Jerusalem Day, Shavuot, and Independence Day but also on regular days, with more people participating and connecting with the institution.

A notable initiative linked to the new location is a project to absorb 25 immigrant families from France into Ashkelon in the coming months. Coordinated by the organization Shalom Ach and led by Rabbi Tamir’s wife alongside community member Daniel, the project aims to have these families live near the yeshiva to foster close ties and mutual influence, integrating children and families into the community. Rabbi Tamir described the initiative as taking shape and gaining momentum.