The holy Academy Yeshiva Shaar Hashamaim ("the Gate of Heaven") is unique in that it
combines the learning of the commonly learned subjects of the Torah together with the
learning of the hidden science of Jewish Mysticism known as Kabbalah. The Kabbalah
classes in Yeshiva Shaar Hashamaim are unprecedented anywhere, for only here is the
Kabbalah openly and formally studied on a high scholastic standard. In this seemingly
non-mystical setting the teachings of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and the Holy Ari-Z'l are
studied with tremendous intensity and depth. Here the students study with profound
devotion and commitment throughout the day, and many of the students learn though
the late hours of the night, since some sacred scriptures are learned only after midnight
when, according to the Kabbalah, the atmosphere is pure and when the calmness of
spirit necessary for attaining the love of, yearning for, and unity with the Almighty Creator
can be achieved.

The Academy was established in Jerusalem in 5666 (1906) inside the walls of the Old City
of Jerusalem by two great scholars - Rabbi Shimon Horowitz Z"l and Rabbi Chaim
Yehuda Leib Auerbach Z"l (father of the late Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Z"l). The
enthusiastic encouragement and support offered the Yeshiva by the great Torah luminaries
of that time in the Holy Land as well as in Europe brought about a renaissance of
Kabbalah in which the Yeshiva prospered as one of the leading centers of Torah
learning in Jerusalem in the era between the two World Wars.

 The Lord said to Rabbi Yishmael:
"My greatest pleasure in
this world is from those scholars who
are engaged in the
study of Kabbalah and view the Harmony
of my Creation,
because in the Kabbalah is my majesty
My Honor, My Glory and
My Beauty."
And the Lord said to Rabbi Shimon Bar
Yochai: "In future
generations many people will be blessed
with their sustenance
as a result of the merit earned through the
study of the
Divine Wisdom of Kabbalah that you and
your disciples have so
joyously revealed." (From the Book of the Zohar)

After the War of Independence - 1948 - and the abandonment of the Jewish Quarter, the Yeshiva suffered a most difficult period.
It took time until the necessary facilities were found and the Yeshiva reorganized itself in the newly established State of Israel.
Just recently the Yeshiva borrowed substantial sums of money and found a permanent resting place in the Mekor Boruch neighborhood of Jerusalem
where the scholars can fully apply themselves to their studies and supplications through which they hope to bring the Final Redemption speedily in our days.