- 1991 – After a stint running the Chabad House in the Tzemach Tzedek shul (from 1988 to 1990, following the debacle of 1986-1988), R’ David Sterne founded the only Chabad institution in the old city that is actively involved in outreach to those who are not yet religious. It is called “Jerusalem Connection Resource Center,” and is located in the Hurva Square of the old city, directly opposite the Hurva shul (refurbished from 2005-2010). Jerusalem Connection was founded with a blessing from the Lubavitcher Rebbe (communicated through R’ Leibel Groner shyihiyeh) that arrived during the first gulf war in 1991. It took some time to locate the appropriate location and then begin the project, but R’ Sterne officially opened operations during the week of Gimmel Tammuz 1994, rounding up students for classes in pnimiyut haTorah.
- 1995 – The following year, Jerusalem Connection opened its doors for Shabbat hospitality, inviting students and tourists to special Shabbat and festival meals in the old city. The Shabbat hospitality was immediately successful and became a huge draw, attracting dozens of non-religious Jews for lovely Shabbat meals, every Shabbat. In the meantime, Jerusalem Connection developed into a full-service outreach center, offering classes, Shabbat and festival hospitality (meals), counseling, field trips all over Israel, and more…
- 1998 – Mayanot opened a yeshiva for men in Yerushalayim. Originally located in the Nachlaot section of the city, the yeshiva soon moved to Geula, where they are presently located on David Yellin Street #28. R’ Vichnin was soon appointed Rosh Yeshiva.
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