The Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies opened its new Jerusalem campus.
The Beit Legacy Heritage Classroom Building, which was dedicated last week, was designed by Israel Prize-winning architect Ada Karmi-Melamede and built near the old site. It will house programs for Israelis and foreigners, including the largest master's program for Jewish studies in Israel.
The $8.5 million project was funded by The Jerusalem Foundation and private donors.
Although not formally affiliated with the Conservative movement, the Schechter Institute was built on land owned by the Jewish Theological Seminary since the 1950s.
"At Schechter I’ve found something quite rare -- a streak of modesty and humility -- a humility that Israel has somehow lost. Yet I think Israelis are longing to find it again," Karmi-Melamede said at the induction ceremony.
Others on hand for the ceremony included Daniel Shapiro, the U.S. ambassador to Israel; Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat Mayor; Colette Avital, a former ambassador and Knesset member; and Saul Sanders, chair of the Schechter board of trustees.