Borokhov

• On the corner of Yafo and Raoul Wallenberg is the beautiful house that Meshiach Borokhov built for his wife. (It now houses a branch of the Mercantile Bank.) A blue plaque points out architectural details.
• Cross Yafo at the light (http://jerusalemblog.blogspot.com/2006/07/not-jaywalking.html ) and enter the dark alley. Wonder what the glass cases lining it once displayed.
• Turn right and you soon come to the little half amphitheater where guides introduce groups to the neighborhood ( http://jerusalemblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/stupid-question.html ). Continue and you will reach the large orphanage -- actually it was more of a boarding school for poor boys -- built in the second half of the 19th century by Borokhov and another Bukharian Jew with the stipulation that no contributions be taken from anyone else. Mid to late afternoon its gates are usually open, and you can go in and see the large, now quiet, courtyard.

Copyright 2007 Jane S. Fox