The Kollel Ateret Yosef, formerly known as Kollel HaRadbaz, was founded over thirty years ago by Rabbi Amram Zaguri, of blessed memory. It was originally located at the N’tivei Shimon synagogue, on the corner of Jerusalem and Rabbi Akiva streets in Bnei Brak. The Gaon Rabbi Avraham Ben Zimra — son-in-law of the righteous Rabbi Yosef Toledano, who was the son of the holy Rabbi Refael Baruch Toledano, of righteous and holy memory — served as the Rosh Kollel.
Within this framework, the scholars studied Shulchan Aruch Choshen Mishpat. Later, they studied all four parts of the Shulchan Aruch with its commentaries and reviewed the material several times. They are tested as part of the global Mifal HaShas organization, established by the previous Admor of Sanz, of righteous and holy memory. This program offers an incentive stipend ranging from ₪300 to ₪480 based on success.
The avrechim are also tested monthly on their own studies. In the fourth month, they review the material from the previous three months. Their stipend consists of a ₪1,700 base plus up to ₪550 based on test performance and punctuality.
After several years at the N’tivei Shimon synagogue, the Rosh Kollel asked the avrechim to relocate to the Ateret Baruch synagogue, named after Rabbi Refael Baruch, of righteous and holy memory. The Kollel moved to 6 Ibn Ezra Street in Bnei Brak, under the auspices of Rabbi Yosef Toledano, of righteous and holy memory.
After more than twenty years, the Rosh Kollel, Rabbi Ben Zimra, informed the avrechim that he was moving to Jerusalem to be closer to his family. The Kollel was left like a ship at sea without a captain.
Rav Pedahtzur Teshuva and Rav Yehuda Cohen took it upon themselves to continue the Kollel in the same format. With prayer and faith in the Creator of the world, they asked Rabbi Refael Baruch Temstet, grandson of Rabbi Yosef Toledano, to assist. As director of the Ateret Baruch synagogue’s non-profit organization (Amuta), he secured monthly support for several avrechim, and the same organization is used to transfer the monthly stipends. The Kollel was renamed “Ateret Yosef” after Rabbi Yosef Toledano, in accordance with the wishes of his sons and family.
The Kollel’s expenses are substantial. Your donation directly supports the avrechim and the families they sustain.
