Mishkenot Sha'ananim
Sir Moses Montefiore · Jerusalem, Israel · 1860
Mishkenot Sha'ananim, inaugurated in 1860, was the first Jewish settlement constructed outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. Commissioned by Sir Moses Montefiore, its primary purpose was to alleviate overcrowding within the Old City and provide modern housing for the indigent Jewish population. Its establishment marked a significant step in the outward expansion of Jerusalem. The building's design, inspired by European almshouses, features a long, linear structure with arched windows and a central courtyard. The residential units were modest, typically comprising two rooms and a small kitchen, and were provided with shared facilities such as a synagogue and communal ovens. The development reflects a pivotal moment in the urban development of Jerusalem and early Zionist philanthropic endeavors.