Mount Zion Archaeology Project
In the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
About Us
Advancing a Scientific Approach to Biblical Archaeology
The Tomb of King David Archaeology Program at Mount Zion is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to advancing the scientific study of Biblical history at one of Jerusalem’s most significant and inspiring locations.
Our faculty will be a fully accredited academic faculty operating under the auspices of Diaspora Yeshiva, our program will offer university‑level degrees in Biblical Archaeology.
The program will integrate rigorous fieldwork, advanced research methods, and deep engagement with the textual and historical foundations of the Jewish people.
Our mission is to train the next generation of scholars and explorers, to illuminate the ancient past with modern tools, and to responsibly investigate the Mount Zion complex — including the subterranean chambers long associated with the royal heritage of Israel.
This is not only an academic endeavor; it is a historic opportunity to strengthen Jewish continuity, deepen global understanding, and contribute meaningfully to the archaeological record of Jerusalem.
Meet The Team
As a part of the well known Diaspora Yeshiva,we are in the process of setting up an exciting new dimension in Torah Learning where Torah record, science and archaeology intersect in a new approach to reconciling and better understanding the archaeological and historical records of the Jewish people and our mesorah. Join us as we assemble a world class team of professionals and visionaries
Rosh Yeshiva
Rabbi Yitzchak Goldstein Shlit"a
Rabbi Yitzchak Goldstein has a penchant in caring for students
Rabbi Yitzchak Goldstein, Shlit”a is a son of the founder of Diaspora Yeshiva Toras Yisrael, HaRav HaGaon Mordechai Goldstein, ztz”l.
Rabbi Yitzchak will head the newly to be established faculty of Biblical Archaeology at Diaspora Yeshiva on Mount Zion and will imbue students with a wealth of Torah knowledge and history of the Jewish people in the Iron Age (1,200 BCE to 500 BCE) through to the Classical Era (500 BCE to 500 CE). His ability to inject a special type of energy into his lectures sets him apart and attracts students from a wide background.
He has been a lifelong student of Torah. He studied for over ten years in Slabodka Yeshiva, where he was talmid muvhak of the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, Shlita, with whom he learned as chavrusa for 11 years. He also learned at the Mir Yeshiva in Brooklyn, New York.
Rabbi Yitzchak received smichah from the Chief Rabbi of Israel and has also received smichah as a dayan (judge) from the Av Beis Din HaGadol of Jerusalem, Rav Avraham Sherman, Shlit”a.
He has published a book of chiddushim on the Talmud.
Following in the footsteps of his illustrious father. What sets Rabbi Yitzchak apart is his unconditional love for his students, considering them as his children, and caring for all of their needs.
He gives daily shiurim at the Yeshiva on Mount Zion, in Hebrew and English, especially Talmud B’Iyun, Mussar, and on the weekly parashah, for example.
He serves as Rosh Yeshiva of Diaspora Yeshiva Toras Yisrael, and as the Chief Rabbi of Mount Zion and King David’s Tomb, appointed by the Ministry of Religion of Israel.
Program Director
Avraham Salinger is a dedicated student of archaeology
Reb Avaham (Rod) Salinger
Avraham Salinger is the Program Director for the new Biblical archaeology faculty at Diaspora Yeshiv on Mount Zion.
He has been a student of Diaspora Yeshiva Toras Yisrael and adviser in relation to archaeology on Mount Zion, Jerusalem for many years.
Avraham brings an extensive experience in use of geophysical exploration techniques in the mining and oil and gas industry. These tools are becoming more common place in archaeology programs around the world and his commitment is to ensure that students become familiar with the operation of advanced exploration techniques
His contribution towards the renovation of the flooring in beis hamidrash across from the monument of King David’s Tomb was a great help in the completion of that space for the yeshiva for Israeli baalei teshuva who now learn there.
A few years ago, he generously donated the money to pay the Yeshiva’s hakira (lease) debts to the Israeli Land Authority for its campus on Mount Zion, after it went unpaid for a few years. This made it possible for the Yeshiva to make a new lease agreement with Israeli government, B”H.