The Center for Torah Study

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he aim of every serious student of Judaism is to achieve self-sufficiency in understanding Jewish texts, especially the Talmud. For the young man with intellectual capabilities and motivation who senses a disparity between his mastery of secular and Jewish subjects, the need to attain an ability to independently study Jewish classics is an urgent one. And if he only has one year to devote to this seemingly impossible effort before returning to his career or general studies he must find a program especially designed to achieving this breakthrough in such a space of time.

Such a program has been developed - with its own convenient facilities, with its own unique curriculum and with its own special staff providing instruction and guidance to small classes so that individual attention can be provided for each student.

To take advantage of this opportunity and achieve these goals, apply today for Yeshiva Year Abroad at...



Ohr Somayach - Tanenbaum College, the parent institution of the Center for Torah Studies, has proven itself a world leader in providing thousands of university students and graduates from throughout the world with an introduction to Jewish studies. Some of them have gone on to become distinguished scholars and educators while many others have gained the skills to continue studying on their own while pursuing their careers with distinction.

Aware that there are people like you who are anxious to make their own breakthrough in learning but can only afford a year in which to do so, we have designed a special one-year program. The people teaching in this program include some of the world's foremost Talmudic scholars and Jewish thinkers. They combine Talmudic expertise with secular erudition and present centuries of Jewish scholarship to contemporary Jews in a lucid manner that retains the rigorous analytical style of the Talmud itself. The learning program and residence facilities have been arranged to provide a comfortable feeling of exclusiveness which allow for the expression of individuality and creativity.

The main thrust of this program is to make you self sufficient in studying Jewish texts.
Towards this end you must ask yourself three questions:



Where will you be in a YEAR?




Special Features

  • Hebrew - Optional classes in Biblical and Conversational Hebrew are available for enhancing your language skills.
  • Transfer Credits are accepted for full or partial credit by most universities throughout the USA and Canada.
  • E-Mail facilities on campus enable students to obtain their own E-mail accounts through the Ohr Somayach Computer Department which also stocks a range of educational computer materials such as Judaica quizzes, review questions in Talmud and Halacha, vocabulary flash cards, and a survey of Torah literature.
  • Guest Lecturers by Torah scholars, political leaders and scientists, meetings with distinguished visitors, and the option of internship projects in civic affairs complement the basic curriculum.
  • Guided Tours to various parts of the country offer an opportunity to appreciate the past and present of life in Israel.
  • The Student Lounge adjoins the English Judaica Library with its extensive collection of Torah literature and Jerusalem Echoes audio cassettes which students can borrow.

When, Where, What and for WHOM?

The one year program runs from September through June.

The campus is located in the heart of Jerusalem, within walking distance of the shopping and commercial districts, the Old City and the Western Wall, Mea Shearim and the Hebrew University. Living in Israel is, in itself, an educational experience. The program enhances this experience with tours to various parts of the country and by organizing Shabbatot with families that represent the broad spectrum of religious life in Israel. A high teacher-student ratio ensures personal attention and ample opportunity for discussion. Participants are encouraged to develop personal relationships with the staff of Rabbis and educators, who also open their homes to students on Shabbatot and Yamim Tovim. The Center for Torah Studies campus includes the Beit Midrash, classrooms and seminar rooms. The library contains a vast collection of Torah classics including facsimile editions of rare manuscripts.

The campus offers full dormitory facilities and services. The dining room serves three meals daily and the college caters for all Shabbatot and Yamim Tovim. The dormitories and kitchen remain open during the semester breaks, including Pesach. Participants may also reside off-campus and attend classes at the college.

Admission to the program is highly selective and only applicants with exemplary academic ability and motivation are considered. Applicants must have some background in Jewish studies, and a personal interview is required in addition to the provision of suitable references.

We look forward to seeing you...

For more information, contact the Saul Mandel at the Ohr Somayach Main Campus in Jerusalem
e-mail center@ohr.edu tel. 972-2-581-0315 fax. 972-2-581-2890
Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.