Meah or Mea Shearim Neighborhood in Jerusalem
Meah Shearim Neighborhood is one of the tourist destinations in Jerusalem because of the unique history the area and culture of the resident.
It is a neighborhood in Jerusalem known for being the oldest one located in the outermost part of the Old City. The community of this settlement are comprised of mostly Hasidic Jews. It was established by followers of the Old Yishuv. and consists of a continuation of alleys, lined with small shops selling typical ultra-Orthodox apparel and Judaica.
The name of the Meah Shearim neighborhood is believed to be from a verse in the book of Genesis, since according to stories, when the settlement was established, it was exactly the Torah reading during that time. This can be seen as an omen, implying that God has chosen this area for special blessing.
There are also other interpretation that the name “Meah Shearim” comes from a tradition that the neighborhood once had a hundred gates. Meanwhile, the word in the name of the settlement also means “hundred,” which refers to the number of people who gathered in this neighborhood and formed it into a city.
Meah Shearim was founded by one of the chief rabbi of Jerusalem, Meir Auerbach in 1847 and with a community of hundred shareholders. On the other hand, the architect who designed and drew the blueprint of the neighborhood is Conrad Schick.
It was surrounded by barriers that were locked at certain times of the day and night. By October 1884, 100 residences were ready for occupancy. Through a lottery, they were assigned to various families who decided to live in the neighborhood. Over the years, this new neighborhood has come to represent all that is sacred and holy in Israel: Yeshivahs were built, synagogues were erected, and Jewish people came to call this place home.
Things to Know When Visiting Meah Shearim Neighborhood
Visiting the Meah Shearim neighborhood is a unique experience for non-observant Jews and tourists alike. Women are usually encouraged to dress modestly, which includes wearing long dresses or skirts, slacks or jeans, closed-toe shoes, and long-sleeved shirts with a tzitzit hanging from the back. Men and boys are advised not to wear shorts and shirts with no sleeves.
Tourists are asked not to arrive in big, noticeable crowds in Meah Shearim, as this interrupts the community’s routine day-to-day life and causes inconvenience to residents. The request extends to men who are not Jewish as well, who should wear a kippa when entering the neighborhood.
During Shabbat, guests are urged to avoid from smoking, taking photographs, driving automobiles, or using smart phones. When entering a synagogue and stepping onto the sacred ground of the congregation members, men are required to wear head coverings.
