About | Bais Medrash Taharos

Our Story

From Then Until Today

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 for outstanding talmidei chachomim, dedicated to the most complex sugyos of Seder Taharos.

Chazal say that the Torah destined to be forgotten from Yisroel refers specifically to Seder Taharos. After its study lay virtually dormant, 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, having produced more than 120 acclaimed seforim of chidushim.

Bais Medrash Taharos filled with avreichim

The Pinnacle of Learning

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 most challenging of all.

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

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

In-depth Torah study at Bais Medrash Taharos

Torah Giants

Unique Avreichim

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

Many accomplished talmidei chachomim who have devoted their lives to Torah study cannot attain employment in chinuch or rabbonus — often the most exceptional scholars are passed over precisely because they are perceived as overqualified.

It is from this untapped resource of Torah that the ranks of Bais Medrash Taharos are culled: humble titans of Torah greatness and erudition. BMT is imbued with the vision to recognize the true distinction of these towering Torah giants.

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

A Trailblazing Approach

A Unique Structure

Structured to optimally achieve its unique objectives

Elite Learning

BMT gives the talmidei chachomim a new raison d'etre: the elite study of Seder Taharos. Night seder is reserved for transcribing their original chidushei Torah.

Dignified Livelihood

Rather than a token stipend, the kollel members receive a generous salary befitting scholars of such stature, with abundant support for simchos and Yomim Tovim.

Torah Literature

To date, BMT members have produced more than 120 acclaimed seforim of chidushim on Seder Taharos, plus 4 volumes of Mishnayos Taharos with classic and original commentaries.

Behind the Scenes

Rosh HaKollel

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 Torah's Splendor

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.

An Eternal Partnership

Partner in Restoring the Splendor of Torah

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About Bais Medrash Taharos