Yeshiva

A Yeshiva (Hebrew, pl. Yeshivos/t) is an ancient institution traditionally assigned for the exclusive study of Torah.It is primarily associated with Orthodox Judaism . The vast majority of Orthodox Jews received their education in Yeshivos.

Most active today are the Lithuanian Yeshivos based on the model that was developed by Jews in Lithuania, particularly the Yeshiva of Slobodka founded by Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel .

The largest Yeshivos currently include Beis Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, NJ, The Mirrer Yeshiva of Jerusalem and The Pononvezh Yeshiva in Bnei Brak, a suburb of Tel Aviv.

There are three types of Yeshivos in our days:

• Yeshiva High School - also called Mesivta, combines a secular high school education together with Torah Study
• Beis Medrash - Is for High School Graduates
• Kollel - For married students

They following is a typical daily schedule for Beis Medrash students

• 7:00 am - Optional Seder (Study Session)
• 7:30 am - Shacharis (morning prayers)
• 8:30 am - Halacha Seder
• 9:00 am - Breakfast
• 9:30 am - Morning Seder - In depth study of Gemara
• 12:30 pm - Lecture - Advanced students sometimes dispense with this lecture
• 1:30 pm - Lunch
• 2:45 pm - Mincha - afternoon prayers
• 3:00 pm - Second Seder - Rapid Gemara study
• 7:00 pm - Supper
• 8:00 pm - Night Seder - Review of lecture, or study of choice.
• 9:25 pm - Mussar Seder - Study of Jewish Ethics
• 9:45 pm - Maariv - Evening Prayers
• 10:00 pm - Optional Seder

This schedule is generally maintained Sunday through Thursday. Fridays afternoons are free and Saturdays have a special Shabbos(Sabbath) schedule.

The year is divided into three periods called zmanim. Elul zman starts from the beginning of the Jewish month of Elul and extends until the end of Yom Kippur. This is the shortest (approx. six weeks), but most intense zman as it comes before the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays).

Winter zman starts after Succos and lasts until after Purim, a duration of five months, or six months on a leap year.

Summer zman starts after Pesach (Passover) and lasts until the beginning of the Jewish month of Av, a duration of three months.

Method of Study

Studying is usually done together with a partner called a Chavrusa.

Halacha - Torah Law

The most common text studied is the Mishna Berura written by the Chofetz Chaim. The Mishna Berura is a compilation of all Halachic opinions rendered after the time of the writing of the Shulchan Aruch.

Gemara Beiyun - in depth Talmud study

A week is typically taken to study one Amud (column or page) of Gemara (Talmud).

Study partners read a few lines together with Rashi (a commentary on the Talmud) and Tosfos (another commentary), and then look at various other Meforshim (commentators).

Gemara Bekius - quick study of the Talmud

Typically an Amud is covered each day, and only the only commentary used is Rashi.

Mussar - Jewish Ethics

The preeminent Mussar text studied in Yeshivos is the Mesilas Yesharim (Path of the Just). It was written by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato.

Other prominent Sefarim include:

• Orchos Tzaddikim (The paths of the Righteous) Its authorship and time of writing is uncertain, but as it quotes Maimonides, it was written some time after his works were disseminated.
• Chovos Halevovos (Duties of the Heart/Mind) Written by Rabbenu Bachya.
• Maalos Hamidos (The benefit of good character traits.)

Parshas Hashavua - the weekly Torah portion

The weekly Torah portion is usually read together with Rashi and an Aramaic translation by Onkelos.