בית כנסת עזרת ישראל

Nestled between Jaffa Road and the Street of the Prophets, lies Ezrat Yisrael. This former courtyard neighborhood holds a captivating story. Ezrat Yisrael, meaning “Help of Israel,” takes its name from verses in Psalms. “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth,” and “May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.” Founded in 1892, Ezrat Yisrael emerged from the vision of Rabbi Yaakov Meir, who later became the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Mandatory Palestine. He, along with activists, sought to create a continuous Jewish presence in this area. They aimed to connect the Even Yisrael neighborhood south of Jaffa Road with Mea Shearim further north. Imagine the bustling activity as around 20 to 30 homes were initially built, forming the heart of Ezrat Yisrael. Over time, additional stories were added, shaping the neighborhood we see today. Ezrat Yisrael wasn’t just a residential area. It became a hub for early 20th-century scientific pursuits. A chemical laboratory opened in 1904, and in 1912, advertisements appeared for Jewish dentists practicing within the courtyard. Ezrat Yisrael also housed remarkable figures. Abraham Moses Luncz, a resident of the nearby Even Yisrael neighborhood, operated a printing press here. In 1910, the future leaders of Israel, Yitzhak Ben-Zvi, Rachel Yanait, David Ben-Gurion, and Yisrael Shohet, edited the Poalei Zion weekly newspaper, Ahdut, within these very streets. A significant landmark within Ezrat Yisrael is the Masonic Temple, established in 1931 at 13 Ezrat Yisrael Street. This temple, initiated by Arieh Levy and fellow Freemasons, remains active today. The Ein Hashiloach Ar”i Lodge #26 and Ar”i Lodge #27 hold meetings twice a month, conducted in Hebrew. The legacy of Ezrat Yisrael extends beyond its physical boundaries. One block west, at the intersection of Jaffa Road and Raoul Wallenberg Street, lies Freemason Square, a testament to the influence of the Masonic Temple and a reminder of the rich history embedded within this unassuming street. So, as you stand before Ezrat Yisrael, remember the story of its creation. It stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of those who sought to build a vibrant Jewish community in the heart of Jerusalem.