Our New Beis Medrash

"A Building for Building Torah Lives"

The Building Story - Past, Present, and Future

Although Yesodei HaTorah began humbly in 1990 with 3 classes and 20 students, it has evolved into one of Baltimore's premier institutions for Torah education. This growth brought with it new challenges. With each passing year it had become increasingly difficult for local synagogues to host the continuous addition of classes. The space problem was further complicated by the necessity of gathering several shiurim (classes) together at one time and place to provide Yesodei Hatorah’s authentic "Beis Medrash" (Hall of Study) learning experience. In addition, the administrative infrastructure needed to be expanded to keep pace with development in Baltimore and to support the growth of YHT branches throughout the country.

With these needs in mind, in the Spring of 2000, Yesodei HaTorah purchased a large house and property on the corner of Taney Road and Greenspring Avenue. A capital campaign was launched to finance both the purchase of the building as well as renovations that would transform the new acquisition into a "Makom Torah". By Chanukah 2003, Yesodei HaTorah was ready to open its doors to the community. The first floor of the house had been converted into a beautiful new Beis Medrash with three comfortable classrooms. The second and third floors had become administrative offices and auxillary classrooms.

The impact was almost immediate. In the first year alone, seven new classes, a groundswell of new students, an evening Kollel, and the excitement of yeshiva learning early each morning and evening had transformed the "house" into a yeshiva for all skill levels and schedules. Morning, daytime, and evening, the Beis Medrash echoes with the sounds of Torah. The growth has accelerated to the point that the architect is already drawing plans for an extensive expansion of the Beis Medrash along with additional classrooms.

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Acquisition and Renovation

Yesodei HaTorah had been looking at various properties throughout the community for nearly four years before the house at Taney and Greenspring was purchased in June of 2000. The day before the property was put on the market a talmid (student) called the Yesodei HaTorah office to suggest that Rabbi Goode, the Menahel (Director), look at the property. The building and grounds immediately captured his imagination: Aside from the large house itself, which through renovations now houses our current array of shiurim, the 3/4 acre lot is quite beautiful, and plans exist to extend and modify the building to accommodate the ever increasing scope of Yesodei HaTorah’s learning activities. In addition, the central location has proved ideal; the Beis Medrash is easily accessible to both the Baltimore City and Pikesville-Owings Mills Jewish communities. In December 2003, Yesodei HaTorah joyfully opened an initial Beis Medrash and classrooms to the sounds of Torah learning. Upstairs, the administrative offices for Baltimore operations are also in use. We look forward to the continuing renovation and expansion of the building.

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"Stages of Development"

To make the dream of the Yesodei HaTorah Beis Medrash Complex a reality, Rabbi Goode and his building development team have created a long-term, stage by stage plan allowing the Complex to expand in tandem with the growth and development of the Yesodei HaTorah program itself:

Build a Torah Center

Joining the Building Campaign is so much more than contributing to a beautiful physical structure. Supporting this building campaign will enable Yesodei HaTorah to enrich even more lives. Even now, in its initial stage, the Beis Medrash is already benefiting the entire Baltimore Jewish community by serving as a place of inspiration and guidance for all those who seek to uplift themselves through the timeless Torah experience. The building, through its expanded administrative facilities, is now the national headquarters for Yesodei HaTorah, spreading innovative Torah programs around the country.

Can there be any greater merit for yourself or a loved one than becoming a partner in this building campaign? A Building? Yes, but so much more.

 Dedication Opportunities

 

or call us at (410)-764-0510 for additional information.