(Courtesy of YU) Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, has announced the launch of a new pilot graduate program in Israel, beginning in fall 2022. Called YU Torat Tziyon, this program will allow students to connect with educational, communal and entrepreneurial thought leaders in Israel’s booming economic and cultural landscape, while delving into the rich heritage of the country.
Torat Tziyon—based on YU’s characteristic daily schedule of combined Torah studies and academic classes—will offer an unforgettable experience for YU students, connecting them with educators innovating new frontiers in Jewish and general studies. In addition to academic excellence, the students can take advantage of a vibrant Jewish campus life filled with cultural enrichment, engaging student activities and extracurricular programs, both during the week and on Shabbat.
“We are thrilled to launch this pilot program, which will provide participating students with excellent degrees and career connections with YU alumni in Israel that will help them advance their professional goals,” Berman said.
Through this program, graduate students—especially those interested in pursuing careers in Israel or making aliyah—will be able to study in one of several Yeshiva University asynchronous, online graduate programs while living in Israel. Housing (on a limited basis) and meal plans will be available to graduate students.
The Israel graduate program is open to qualifying students in a range of YU online, programs:
1. M.S. in Cybersecurity (Katz)
2. The Mitzner M.S. in Real Estate (Syms)
3. Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) (Syms)
4. M.S. in Accounting (Syms)
5. M.S. in Jewish Education (Azrieli)
6. M.S. in Jewish Curriculum Development (Azrieli)
7. M.A. in Jewish Philosophy (Revel)
Students will benefit from a robust Torah curriculum, with classes taught by the faculty of the YU Jerusalem Campus, including Rabbi Assaf Bednarsh and Rabbi Chaim Eisenstein.
We are thrilled to announce that renowned educator and Stern College for Women graduate Rabbanit Shani Taragin will serve as the Rosh Beit Midrash of the women’s learning program.
“Our goal is to infuse the students’ unique Torat Tziyon experience with unprecedented insights, philosophical and practical learning, and hands-on tours of Eretz Yisrael that bring their Torah studies to life and help guide them in their spiritual, academic and career journeys,” said Rabbanit Taragin.
The YU Israel campus will be led by our campus couple Rabbi Josh and Rabbanit Margot Botwinick, who will be the center of a vibrant student-focused community. “We are excited to have such amazing leaders who bring incredible excitement and experience in building a warm, dynamic campus community,” said Stephanie Strauss, executive director, Yeshiva University in Israel. She added that the incoming cohort of students will greatly benefit from career guidance and placement, as well as a wide range of Shabbat programs, local guest speakers and special activities.
Alumni of Yeshiva University, the Botwinicks previously served as the founding directors of OU-JLIC at IDC in Herzliya. Rav Botwinick obtained semicha from YU’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) and received his M.A. in Jewish philosophy at YU’s Bernard Revel Graduate School, while Rabbanit Botwinick is a graduate of the Legacy Heritage Fund Scholars program for Jewish Educators at Stern College.
Twenty students from the first cohort of this pilot program will be selected to receive the Torat Tziyon Scholarship of 50% off of the price of their preferred degree.
To learn more about the Torat Tziyon graduate program, please visit www.yu.edu/Torat-Tziyon/graduate or email [email protected]. Join us at the virtual info session on April 11 at 3 p.m. ET.
