History of the Mir
THE LARGEST YESHIVA
IN THE WORLD
Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim (the “Mir”) was founded in 1817 in the town of Mir, Poland, and resettled in Jerusalem following World War II. Over more than two centuries, the Mir has grown from a handful of students into the largest yeshiva in the world. Today, the Mir is led by Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel Shlita, who assumed the position of Rosh Hayeshiva following the untimely passing of his father, Rabbi Nosson Tzvi Finkel zt"l, in October 2011.
Today, more than 10,000 talmidim study within the Mir's many batei medrash and learning programs, creating the largest concentration of Torah learning anywhere in the world.
Since its inception, the Mir has occupied a unique position among its peers, shouldering a sense of responsibility that extends far beyond its own students to the Torah world at large.
The Mir is home to students from the most geographically and culturally diverse backgrounds in the Jewish world. Its doors remain open to all who seek to study Torah—whether full-time, during bein hazmanim, or even for a short stay in Jerusalem. Continuing its proud tradition as the Eim Hayeshivos, the mother of all yeshivos, the Mir remains a beacon of Torah learning for Klal Yisroel worldwide.
Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, the Mir is home to more than 10,000 talmidim representing nearly every Jewish community around the world.
The scope of Torah learning at the Mir is equally remarkable. On any given day, thousands of talmidim are immersed in virtually every area of Torah study, spanning an extraordinary breadth of Talmudic scholarship and halachic disciplines. This unprecedented growth has been made possible through the vision and partnership of dedicated supporters and lay leaders who recognized the Mir's unique role in shaping the future of Klal Yisroel and invested in its continued expansion.
Today, the Mir's presence extends across an entire Jerusalem neighborhood, united as the Safra Campus. More than a collection of buildings, the campus serves as a vibrant center of Torah life and learning, standing as the world's leading institution of advanced Torah education and a beacon for generations of talmidim.
Growth & Expansion - The Safra Campus
Over the past two decades, visionary philanthropists and devoted partners from around the world have helped transform the Mir through unprecedented investment in its growth and future. Their support has enabled the expansion of what is now known as the Safra Campus, a thriving center of Torah learning in the heart of Jerusalem.
In the past decade alone, four magnificent new buildings have been added to the campus, bringing the total to sixteen and providing space for thousands of additional talmidim. Today, the Mir's world-renowned scholars and students learn across a campus that spans an entire neighborhood—a vibrant fortress of Torah where thousands immerse themselves daily in the pursuit of Torah excellence.
The Safra Campus stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the Mir and its supporters, ensuring that the light of Torah continues to flourish for generations to come.
9801
Talmidim238
DifferentChaburos
55
ChaburosLearning
Over Shabbos
846
Talmidim attendRav Asher Arielli's
Daily Shiur
89
Daily Shiurim167,371
Sefarim Used InThe Bais Medrash
24
Buildings40
Shiur Rooms132
DormitoryRooms
8
Dining HallsOne of the curricular hallmarks at the Mir is the rigorous exam program for scholars seeking a benchmark of excellence as they advance in their studies. Though the program is optional, it is extremely popular among the students. Students look forward to the tests with much anticipation as they relish the feeling of accomplishment. Following in the tradition set forth by his grandfather and namesake, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel ob”m, the Mir offers monetary rewards for students who achieve high scores.
COST: $6.28 MILLION ANNUALLY
Commuting via public transportation can present distractions for the many married students residing some distance from the Mir. In keeping with its mission of excellence in Torah, the Mir established a network of dedicated busses for its off-campus students. Each bus is a veritable study hall on wheels. During their commute, scholars spend their time doing what they enjoy most – pursuing extracurricular Jewish studies, often delving into the works of the Prophets as well as fundamental tracts of Jewish law. Exams are offered for each subject and students mark the completion of the various subjects with a lavish celebration.
COST: $3.1 MILLION ANNUALLY
While the various study halls at the Mir provide food for the soul, the kitchen is vital for physically sustaining the students who spend virtually every waking hour engrossed in intense study. In 2003, the Mir built a state-of-the-art kitchen facility to enable the entire student body to eat meals together. The numbers are astounding. Currently, the facility prepares and serves 15,850 meals a day with over 5,170 meals for lunch alone.
COST: $9.4 MILLION ANNUALLY
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