A Brief history of the three buildings of the S.E.C.J.
The three buildings of the Sephardic Educational Center where you will study and reside are for many people a symbol of the continuous presence of the Sephardim in Israel. For centuries, these buildings have hosted thousands of pupils, scholars, rabbis and visitors, both from Israel and the Diaspora.
For many generations the Sephardic Talmud Torah of the Jewish Quarter functioned in the Eliyahu Ha'Navi Synagogue, which is one of the Four Sephardic Synagogues in close proximity to the Western Wall.
Hundreds of pupils studied there, and in 1890 its activities were expanded into a Sephardic Yeshiva - Tiferet Yerushalayim. This Yeshiva held classes there until 1920.
The Sephardic Beth Din held its sessions there, rendering the most important decisions for the Jewish community. The building also served as the residence of the Chief Rabbis, such as Rabbi Panigel, Rabbi Eliashar, who lived in the compound with their families. It also held a wing to host poor widows and orphans. The place became the hub of the Jewish community of Jerusalem, which was mostly Sephardic and a popular area where everyone would gather during free time.
During the British Mandate on Palestine (1917-1948) the buildings constituted the largest educational institution in the Jewish Quarter, and in 1921 they became part of the Mizrachi educational network.
The War of Independence brought heavy battles to the Quarter, which eventually fell to the enemy on May 28, 1948. Students of the Sephardic Yeshiva fought in the war; ten of them fell during the battle. We must build a memorial for them.
During the nineteen years of Jordanian occupation the buildings were partially destroyed and neglected. In 1967 with the reunification of Jerusalem, a new Sephardic educational institution was created on the spot-the Metivtah.
In 1979 Dr. Jose A. Nessim of California founded the Sephardic Educational Center in Jerusalem (SEC) and leased the three buildings for its activities. Since that time twenty five thousand youth from the Diaspora have passed through our doors. During their stay here they have strengthened their ties to Israel the Jewish People, Judaism and their Sephardic heritage. The SEC continues to expand its vast educational work worldwide.
The SEC in Jerusalem is the headquarters of a world Jewish movement with a Sephardic orientation, open to all Jews. It was incorporated in the United States as a non-profit corporation in 1979. Its Jerusalem headquarters serves as its educational, cultural and spiritual base. The Los Angeles executive headquarters serves as its executive base. Numerous branches exist around the world. It is hoped that those registering for the one-year accredited program with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will greatly strengthen their community upon the completion of the leadership course.
On February 2nd, 1998, the SEC purchased three of the most historical buildings in the Jewish world for millions of dollars. The SEC previously leased these three buildings, in the heart of the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, where numerous Rishon LetZion (chief Rabbi of Israel) lived only meters from the Kotel. (Western Wall)
The SEC, while it emphasizes Sephardic minghag and halacha, is a center for all Jews: Sephardim and Ashkenazim. Its programs have enriched over 25,000 youths and adults since it's founding in 1980. The SEC intends to continue its mission of serving as a world educational and cultural headquarters.
We will support Sephardic and all other Jewish communities throughout the world. The SEC is designed to complement and not compete with local institutions around the world. The SEC will continue to host a variety of youth, young adults, adult and other spiritual, educational, cultural and touring programs in Israel and the Diaspora. There is urgency in creating a united and organized Sephardic world movement. There is a great deal of interest in certain countries to join the World Sephardic movement. Let’s hear from you.
Now is the time to support this successful historic venture with one or more of the naming opportunities listed. And appropriate testimonial will be placed by each selection. Be our partner in this historic venture and have your name inscribed in the holiest one square mile in the Jewish world. There is urgency to this appeal!
It is the first time in 500 years that Sephardim have created and international spiritual educational and cultural headquarter open to all Jews, to strengthen Judaism in the Diaspora. With your yearly support the SECJ will illuminate the Diaspora. An appropriate testimonial will forever be place next to your chosen selection.
It is not located in the new large City of Jerusalem but rather it is in the Jerusalem mentioned over 600 times in our Sacred Torah and sacred writings and it is over 3,000 years old. It will bring blessings to you and your dear ones.
Jose A. Nessim, M.D.
Founder & Chairman of the Board |
