 A strong proponent of Religious Zionism , Gold helped found in New York the first branch of Mizrahi ( the Religious Zionists of America ) in the United States in 1914 ( he would subsequently assist in the founding of many of its other branches in North America ) . That year , the congregation purchased for the growing Talmud Torah the First United Presbyterian Church building at South 1st and Rodney Streets , at a cost of $ 20 @,@ 050 ( today $ 474 @,@ 000 ) . Many classrooms were added in the lower auditorium , and the building was dedicated as the " Talmud Torah of Williamsburg " in December . 
