Jewish Settlement

An unprecedented land deal, graced by Russian Jewish investment, brought to life a Torah-based community in the challenging landscapes of 19th-century Palestine.

Rabbi Aryeh Leib Fromkin established a winery and an agricultural farm, but feared the diseases in the area. He would walk three hours from his home in Yehud to the winery and farm each morning.

Rabbi Meir saw an opportunity to establish a new Jewish settlement in Israel. He reached out to Moses Montefiore, Rabbi Nathan Adler – the Chief Rabbi of London, Rabbi Yoel Moshe Salomon, and other affluent individuals. Together, they submitted a proposal to purchase lands in Jericho. Rabbi Meir suggested naming the new Jewish city 'Petah Tikva.'

In 1840, the English assisted the Turks significantly in controlling the land, and in return, demanded reforms toward minorities. The English meant the Christians, but this law included the Jews...

On his 1839 visit, Moses Montefiore envisioned leasing land from Egypt's ruler to develop Jewish agricultural settlements in what is now Israel. Discover his ambitious plans for 200 villages!

In 1809, the first group of the Vilna Gaon's students, led by Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Shklov, embarked on a perilous journey to Israel. They withstood a grueling year-long sea voyage before settling in Safed.