This coming Elul/September, a group of recent high-school graduates will have the opportunity to be part of a one-of-a-kind and exciting new experience in Israel, as Yeshivat Hesder AMIT-Orot Shaul [Yeshivat AMIT] launches its overseas program. This is an opportunity for young men to join Israel’s fastest-growing Yeshivat Hesder, to spend the year forming strong bonds with Israeli peers, gain firsthand insight into Israeli society, and learn Torah in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually meaningful from some of Israel’s foremost thinkers and leaders. The roshei yeshiva, Rav Yuval Cherlow, a leading Israeli Modern Orthodox intellectual and posek, and Rav Dr. Tamir Granot apply their well-known vision of Torah learning informed by social responsibility and personal spirituality to foster an environment of serious learning, open-mindedness, creativity and exploration. At Yeshivat AMIT, each student is encouraged to find his unique voice and understand how the Torah speaks to him.

Introducing “Torat Eretz Yisrael”—An Innovative Approach to Learning

Yeshivat AMIT’s unique educational mission is to introduce students to “Torat Eretz YIsrael.” “Torat Eretz Yisrael” begins, as in any traditional yeshiva, with the study of Gemara in depth [iyun] and breadth [bekiut], based upon the commentaries of the Rishonim and Acharonim. However, it expands students’ learning by turning to modern commentaries that ask new questions and seek the social, spiritual and philosophical implications of the Talmudic sugya.

At Yeshivat AMIT, Torat Eretz Yisrael is vibrant and alive as students seek to understand the teachings of the Tannaim, Amoraim, Rashi, Rambam, Shulchan Aruch and Reb Chaim, and wrestle with the ways in which that Torah speaks to a modern society, asking: How do the values of Judaism interface with democracy, technology and changing social values? How do all of these factors contribute to the formation of modern Jewish ethics and identity? These questions resonate acutely in Israel where Judaism and Jewish values are at the forefront of national consciousness.

To teach a Torah that is deep, relevant and connected to the world, Yeshivat AMIT offers high-level classes in Tanach and Jewish Philosophy. The Tanach program consists of classes that study specific books in depth, and classes geared towards helping students develop broader familiarity with Nach, specifically those portions that pertain to the history of Klal Yisrael.

The Jewish Philosophy Curriculum will be tailored to the needs of overseas students, with the goal of developing familiarity with great ideas and thinkers and exploring meaningful questions and topics, with classes such as:

• Great Thinkers and Ideas

• Introduction to the thought of Rav Kook

• Introduction to Chassidut

• Overview of Religious Zionist Thought

Integration: Israeli Society From the Inside

For overseas students, living and learning in a Yeshivat Hesder, where their Israeli peers combine Torah study with service in the IDF, provides an opportunity to encounter and share in real life in the State of Israel. As part of its unique commitment to integration, Yeshivat AMIT will encourage overseas students to participate in Hebrew-language shiurim, spend Shabbat and holidays with families of fellow students and create lasting relationships.

With an eye towards the specific needs of overseas students, there will also be English language shiurim, tiyulim, Shabbatonim and special programs. The challenges facing students on university campus will receive special attention. Each week overseas students will participate in a candid and open discussion that will tackle the intellectual, theological and social challenges that can arise during the college years. Additionally, with faculty members who include some of Israel’s best-known public figures and thinkers, who are deeply involved in all areas of Israeli society, including education, medical ethics, law and the arts, students will have the opportunity to learn and witness how religious people play a leadership role in general society.

The Yeshiva is located on AMIT’s beautiful Kfar Batya campus in Ra’anana. Located in central Israel, Ra’anana is a flourishing city and home to a large community of English-speaking Olim. Achuza St., Ra’anana’s main shopping area, home to numerous cafes, pizza shops and restaurants, and Ra’anana Park, a large municipal park, is a short walk from the yeshiva.

Numerous staff and Kollel families of the yeshiva live on campus and provide a warm environment. During breaks, students will have the opportunity to enjoy the quiet grass and trees of the campus, or play ball in the outdoor basketball and tennis courts and indoor athletic facility.

Meet the Rosh Yeshiva

Rav Yuval Cherlow will be in the U.S. from November 16-22. He will be delivering shiurim and meeting with students at high schools throughout the New York and New Jersey area, and will be present at Israel night for SAR, Long Island and New Jersey.

For more information about the yeshiva or to apply, you can contact Rabbi Uri Goldstein: [email protected], or visit the yeshiva’s website: www.yeshivatamit.org.