Kehillas Hagra was founded in 2000 by a small group of English speaking Bnei Torah. Its founding members were primarily English speaking Olim who moved to Ramat Bet Shemesh from the USA, Canada, UK and South Africa. Its vision was to create a vibrant Torah community which would help its families meet the challenges of life in Israel.  That small Shul, which was started over a decade ago, has become Kehillas HaGra, one of Ramat Beit Shemesh’s premier Torah communities which now serves more than 150 families

Under the leadership and guidance of our Rov, HaRav Elimelech Kornfeld, shlita, a full-time Kollel was established.  In addition, a baale battim learning program called Yeshivas HaGra was developed to provide a broad spectrum learning experience for men of all ages, backgrounds, and experience. It offers four levels of daily Gemara Shuirim, as well as exciting shiurim on many topics, from Parashat Ha’shavuh and Mussar, to practical Halacha and Navi. In addition, there are many other shiurim which take place from morning until late evening which attract people from all around the Ramat Beit Shemesh community

The spirit of individual and communal responsibility is a theme that permeates the entire Kehilla. The actualization of this responsibility is evident by the fact that many of the kehilla’s men and women have taken leadership positions in many communal chesed initiatives and educational institutions in Ramat Beit Shemesh and beyond.

Through its dynamic programming, guided by HaRav Kornfeld, Kehillas HaGra fulfills its goal of imbuing its member families with a life of Torah, Chesed and Avodas Hashem.