It’s probably safe to say there is no other yeshiva with dorm accommodation like Bircas HaTorah. Aside from its ideal location, in the heart of the Old City, a three minute walk from the yeshiva, and close to the Kotel - the Marquis Hall of Residence is a unique historic property, with tremendous character.

History of the Property

Formerly Nicolayson House, a gathering point and host to many important European visitors, this property was purchased in the late 1850s by the Bikur Cholim Perushim Society, and the Bikur Cholim Hospital was established in the Old City of Jerusalem. Even after the new Bikur Cholim Hospital opened in its current location on Hanvi’im Street in 1924, the original hospital continued to provide medical services until January 20, 1948. That day the building was evacuated; it was then looted, with parts of its interiors destroyed by the rioting Arab gangs, a short time before the War of Independence.

The building remained abandoned (with no orderly usage) until 1967. “…At the end of the [Six-Day] War, hospital representatives set out to see the old Bikur Cholim building in the Old City that has served Jerusalem residents for more than 100 years. In deep sorrow, they looked at the destruction wrought by the Jordanians. The building was almost completely destroyed, with only part of the land and second floor remaining of the former glorious 3-storey building…” 

At the end of the Six Day War, the building was used as a dormitory for Yeshivat Hakotel for several years, apparently until 1972. Later, through the initiative of the Jewish Quarter Development Company, the site was rehabilitated with additions, but without constructing the third storey. The place was designated as a public building, with the intention of establishing a “medical center.” In 1978, after the attempt to establish a medical center did not succeed, the building was sold to the Israel Youth Hostel Association.

Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah purchased the property in 2010 and since then it has functioned as our main residential facility.

The space

The Marquis Hall of Residence is a very comfortable dorm residence, furnished and decorated with creative flair. The property opens into a splendid entrance hall, which in turn opens onto a spacious kitchen, a dining room, bathrooms, 3 bedrooms and a fully kitted out gym. Upstairs there are many bedrooms and further bathrooms which lead from the large communal sitting areas. At the head of the upstairs landing there is a spiral staircase which leads to a magnificent rooftop. The roof is a beautiful space with stunning views over the entire Old City. The rooftop is fully fenced and is perfect for sitting, eating and just admiring the views.

Here are a few photos: