As you walk into the Jewish Quarter from St. James Street, continue down on Ohr HaChayim Street and on your right is a small museum which documents the Old Yishuv (yishuv means "old community" or settlement which predates the State). It is a fascinating building which is between 800 to 1000 years old, adorned by documents written by well-known rabbinic figures discussing timely issues, original signs from the period and a wonderful exhibit showing how the Jews of 19th and early 20th century Jerusalem lived their lives. It also contains the birthplace of the Arizal and the Ohr HaChayim Synagogue.
The museum was created by Rivca Weingarten, daughter of Rabbi Mordechai Weingarten, the mukhtar (community head) of the pre-State Jewish Quarter.She returned to dwell in her family's house after the Six-Day-War (they lived in the building from 1812 until 1948) and opened the museum to preserve a record of the lifestyle of the Old Yishuv. The current curator of the museum is Galia Gavish who runs the exhibit under the auspices of the Jerusalem Foundation and the Ministry of Culture.
Opening hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00-2:00. Admission prices are 14 shekels adults,11 students,8 children with a special family rate of 35 shekels. Phone: 627-6319
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