About | Bais Medrash Taharos

Our Story

Bais Medrash Taharos was founded in 1996 by the Gaon Rav Moshe Shapira zt"l, l'iluy nishmas the Gaon Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l. Under the guidance of Maran Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv zt"l and Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt"l, a unique Beis Midrash was established specifically for outstanding talmidei chachomim, dedicated to the most complex and weighty sugyos of Seder Taharos.

The Rambam, in his commentary to the Mishna, describes Seder Taharos as the highest level of Torah knowledge — the ladder and entranceway to ruach hakodesh. Chazal say that the Torah destined to be forgotten from Yisroel refers specifically to Seder Taharos. After the study of Seder Taharos lay virtually dormant in the decades following the Holocaust, Rav Moshe Shapira zt"l founded Bais Medrash Taharos to revive the pinnacle of Torah wisdom.

Today, Bais Medrash Taharos numbers over 190 outstanding talmidei chachomim and represents the epitome of Torah greatness in our times.

Bais Medrash Taharos filled with avreichim

A Unique Level

The study of Seder Taharos has always been the exclusive domain of elite scholars

The Gemara in Maseches Shabbos teaches that the verse "v'haya emunas itecha chosen yeshuos chochma v'daas" alludes to the six sidrei Mishna in ascending levels. The zenith — daas — refers to Seder Taharos.

The study of Seder Taharos has always been considered the exclusive domain of elite scholars. Besides for the complexity and vastness of this seder, it involves a depth of intricate amkus that not many are privileged to master. As a result, the study of Seder Taharos remained virtually dormant for the decades following the Holocaust.

Just as the Chofetz Chaim and the Brisker Rav revived the forsaken study of Seder Kodshim, and the Chazon Ish resurrected the study of Seder Zeraim — so too in our own times, Rav Moshe Shapiro zt"l reestablished the study of Seder Taharos by founding Bais Medrash Taharos.

Unique Avreichim

The humble, almost invisible titans of Torah greatness who walk in our midst

Due to limited opportunities, many accomplished talmidei chachomim in Eretz Yisroel who have devoted their lives to Torah study cannot attain gainful employment in the fields of chinuch or rabbonus. Ironically, the most exceptional scholars are often passed over precisely due to their credentials: they are perceived as overqualified for most educational positions.

It is from this untapped resource of Torah that the ranks of Bais Medrash Taharos are culled: the humble, almost invisible titans of Torah greatness and erudition who walk in our midst. Bais Medrash Taharos is imbued with the vision to recognize the true distinction of these towering Torah giants that the superficial world has regrettably overlooked.

The yungeleit — in their 50s and 60s — learn with the vibrancy and intensity of young men. In every row sits at least one "Shas Yid," a master of the entire Talmud. The spirit of achdus and camaraderie amongst them is unparalleled.

A Trailblazing Approach

Structured to optimally achieve its unique objectives

📖

Elite Learning

BMT gives the talmidei chachomim a new raison d'etre: the elite study and reestablishment of Seder Taharos. The kollel members convene for second seder, while night seder is reserved for transcribing their original chidushei Torah on Taharos.

💰

Dignified Livelihood

Rather than a token stipend, the kollel members receive a generous salary befitting scholars of such stature. On special occasions, such as a family simcha or a Yom Tov, BMT ensures that each member's needs are met abundantly.

📚

Torah Literature

To date, BMT members have produced more than 120 acclaimed seforim of chidushim on Seder Taharos — a veritable library and an important contribution to the world of Torah literature. Additionally, 4 volumes of Mishnayos Taharos have been published with classic mefarshim and original commentaries.

Behind the Scenes

A talented and devoted talmid chochom who has dedicated his life to the kollel's mission

🎓

Rabbi Yisroel Aharon Shapira — Rosh HaKollel

A scion of the renowned Yerushalayim Shapira family and a cousin of BMT's founder Rav Moshe Shapira zt"l, Rav Yisroel Aharon has led the kollel since its inception. An accomplished talmid chochom in his own right, he delivers in-depth bi-weekly shiurim and is personally devoted to every member of the kollel.

Milestones

Thirty years of restoring the splendor of Torah

1996

Founding

The Gaon Rav Moshe Shapira zt"l founds Bais Medrash Taharos l'iluy nishmas Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt"l, under the guidance of Maran Rav Elyashiv zt"l and Maran Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt"l.

Growth

Expansion

The kollel gains momentum, attracting more outstanding talmidei chachomim. Its reputation grows, and gedolei Yisroel express awe at the endeavor.

Achievements

120+ Seforim Published

BMT members produce a rich library of Torah literature — more than 120 seforim of chidushim on Seder Taharos and 4 volumes of Mishnayos Taharos with classic and original commentaries.

Today

190+ Talmidei Chachomim

Bais Medrash Taharos represents the epitome of Torah greatness in our times — over 190 exceptional talmidei chachomim, among the greatest lamdanim in Eretz Yisroel, studying Seder Taharos with a spirit of achdus and joy.