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A fund-raising brochure for the purpose of building "the new Etz-Hayim Talmud Torah and Yeshiva building, as well as houses, stores, etc as permanent trust for the Etz-Hayim Talmud Torahs & Yeshivos in and around Jerusalem." The brochure is written in Yiddish and in English, with title pages on both the left and the right. It contains an appeal signed by R. I. Z. Melzer, who was the Chief Rosh-Yeshivah & Head of General Etz-Hayim, as well as the names of four other Rabbis. A letter signed by R. A. I. Kook and R. J. Ch. Sonnenfeld is also included.
Etz Chaim Yeshiva was originally a Talmud Torah which was established in 1855 by the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, Shmuel Salant. For the first two years classes were held in various rooms throughout the Old City. In 1857 the yeshiva consolidated in to a group of buildings adjacent to the Hurva Synagogue, sharing the premises with the Beth Din of Jerusalem. It was at this stage that the institution was renamed “Etz Chaim Yeshiva”.
The rosh yeshiva was R. Chaim Mann. His brother Yehuda Leib Mann was the secretary who also served as a teacher. As the yeshiva expanded a plot of land on Jaffa Road was acquired in 1908 and subsequently a kollel was established catering mainly for the alumni of the yeshiva. At the time R. Yechiel Michel Tukichinsky, who was married to the granddaughter of R. Salant, served as the rosh yeshiva. After disputes arose between the pupils and the faculty, a permanent agreement was reached by R. Tzvi Pesach Frank who reallocated the positions of authority.
In 1925 R. Isser Zalman Meltzer was appointed to lead the yeshiva and R. Aryeh Levin was made the mashgiach. After the death of R. Meltzer, his son-in-law, R. Aharon Kotler was appointed rosh yeshiva. In an unusual arrangement, he held this position while continuing to live in America, and visiting Jerusalem occasionally. During the periods when he resided in Israel he delivered fortnightly lectures. |
