Student Catalog - Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim

‫ירושלים‬
‫אור‬
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim
2015-2016
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Contents
Letter of Introduction
•3
Background Information
•5
Educational Philosophy
•7
Daily Schedule
•9
Admissions Policy
• 11
College Accreditation
• 11
Staff
• 13
Eretz Yisrael
• 14
Campus Life
• 15
Location
• 15
‫ירושלים‬
‫אור‬
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim
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Dear Applicant,
t
his booklet is intended to serve as a guide to Yeshivat Ohr
Yerushalayim for the upcoming 2015/2016 academic year. We
hope it will help you choose the program best suited for your
needs. While we try to provide you with the background information
that will give you a feeling of the nature of our yeshiva, there is
nevertheless in every institution an intangible spirit that cannot be
captured merely by description. The Ohr Yerushalayim experience is a
multifaceted one that combines academic and non-academic features.
It is a difficult “Reb Chaim” or a perplexing commentary of Ramban al
HaTorah. It is a spiritually uplifting tish with the Rebbe of Kaliv, or an
informal visit with the Rishon LeZion (the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of
Israel). It is study until midnight; it is rising at dawn to daven Shacharit
at Masada. It is a heated debate with a rebbe; it is a casual conversation
with a friend. The most effective means of learning about Ohr
Yerushalayim is, therefore, to speak to some of the close to two
thousand students who have studied at the yeshivah who can convey to
you on a firsthand basis their personal experience.
We look forward to receiving your application and should we be
mutually suited to each other, we anticipate greeting you personally at
Ohr Yerushalayim in the coming year; a year that we have every reason
to believe will be a most productive and fulfilling one.
Sincerely,
RABBI MOShE Ch. SOSEvSkY, Ed.D
Rosh HaYeshiva
RABBI ShMuEL WAgnER
Mashgiach Ruchani
‫ירושלים‬
‫אור‬
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim
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BACkgROunD InfORMATIOn
o
hr Yerushalayim is a Beit Midrash program for students
from the united States, England, and other Anglo-Saxon
countries who wish to spend a year or more of intensive
study in Israel. It is located on Moshav Beit Meir, a religious moshav
situated in the Judean hills, some 9 miles from Jerusalem, off the
Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. The moshav is adjacent to a nature reserve,
in an extremely scenic locale, which enjoys a panoramic view of the
coastal plain and foothills stretching all the way to the Mediterranean.
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim is unaffiliated politically or
philosophically with any political parties or formal religious
movements. Its goal is to emphasize the primacy of high level Torah
study and love of Klal Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael.
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EDuCATIOnAL PhILOSOPhY
eshivat Ohr Yerushalayim was founded on the premise that a year of
Torah study in Israel, drawing upon the awakening maturity of the post
high school years plus the emotional pull of Eretz Yisrael, should provide
the setting for the most significant year in a student’s life. What is therefore
needed is not simply a continuation of past learning, but a program newly
designed both in form and in intensity to take advantage of the unique
opportunity presented. In both its curricular and extracurricular components
Ohr Yerushalayim seeks to meet this challenge.
Y
The primary objective of Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim is to provide the
student with a highly intensive learning atmosphere in combination with very
personalized instruction. Shiurim are kept small and the student-teacher ratio
is most favorable. In addition, Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim sponsors a kollel of
young men who are interested in eventually entering chinuch or the rabbinate.
As part of their daily schedule, members of our kollel learn with our students.
The emphasis of study at Ohr Yerushalayim is on the acquisition of the
requisite learning skills for proper independent study. This is particularly
relevant to in-depth Talmud study where, under the careful guidance of the
Rebbe-instructor, much of the burden of preparation of the text and essential
commentaries is placed upon the student. Concurrently, ample opportunity is
provided in the bekiut study session to broaden the student’s scope of
knowledge in talmudic sources through the study of at least one entire tractate
(between 70-90 pages of gemara text).
guided study of the weekly parsha with the commentaries of Rashi and
Ramban enables the student to acquire a solid foundation in the Scriptures.
Much emphasis is placed on the development of those positive character-traits
which ought to personify the true yeshiva student. This is accomplished
through personal guidance, sichot, and the study of machshava texts related to
different aspects of middot development.
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DAILY SChEDuLE
MORnIng SEDER
7:30 - 8:20
8:25 - 8:55
8:55 - 9:30
9:30 - 12:45
12:45 - 2:20
Shacharit
Supervised halacha Seder (Sun. - Wed.)
hashkafa (sicha) (Thursday)
Breakfast and Cleanup
Seder Iyun (Preparation and Shiur)
Lunch and Afternoon Break
(note: numerous voluntary shiurim on various texts are offered during the afternoon break)
AfTERnOOn SEDER
2:20 - 2:40
2:40 - 3:30
3:30 - 3:40
3:40 - 4:30
4:30 - 5:20
Mincha
Review of morning lyun Shiur or hashkafa texts
Break
Machshava texts
Parshat haShavua Shiur with emphasis on commentary of Rashi and Ramban
TALMuD – hALAChA TRACk: ShAnA BET
3:45 - 5:20
Advanced integrated study of Talmud
incorporating preparation of sugyot in Talmud and study of TurShulchan Aruch text.
5:20 - 6:30
6:30 - 7:00
Sports or rest time
Supper
EvEnIng SEDER
7:00 - 8:25
Bekiut Shiur (for advanced levels: self-study under intensive
8:25 - 9:30
9:30 - 9:50
9:50 and on
Bekiut review
Ma’ariv
voluntary Beit Midrash
guidance of rebbe-instructor)
(note: All night rebbeim remain until 10:30 to be available to students. A number of faculty members
remain in the Beit Midrash until at least 12:00 A.M.) note: The above schedule constitutes a close
approximation of the student’s daily routine. Minor schedule changes could occur based on the
judgment of the hanhala.
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ADMISSIOnS POLICY
eshivat Ohr Yerushalayim welcomes applications from serious-minded
students who consider themselves capable of living up to the challenge of a
demanding and stimulating program. The admissions committee gives
consideration to those applicants who can submit supporting material (transcripts,
references) attesting to their character, intellectual ability, and willingness to put
forth the effort necessary to succeed. A number of spaces are made available in our
mechina program for dedicated students who come with a more limited background.
Personal interviews can be arranged in most major north American cities through
the office of our American representative or through your Yeshiva high School.
Applications can be attained from the Israel guidance Director at your school, from
our offices in America or Israel, and from our website at www.yoy.org.il.
Y
COLLEgE ACCREDITATIOn
eshivat Ohr Yerushalayim has entered into joint programs with the
universities and colleges listed below. Students registered in a joint program
with any of these institutions become eligible to receive two semesters of
credit (approximately 32 credits) for their year of study at Ohr Yerushalayim.
1. Yeshiva university, new York
2. Touro College, new York
3. hebrew Theological College of Skokie, Illinois
4. Talmudic university, florida
Y
Alternately, a student may request that a transcript from Ohr Yerushalayim be
sent to a university of his choice. Some universities grant a substantial number of
transfer credits for overseas study while others grant few or none. It is the sole
judgment of the particular institution to determine the number of credits it will or
will not grant. When pursuing this option it is therefore advisable to clarify with
the college in question their policy concerning this matter.
For a detailed list of course descriptions and credits,
please visit our website
www.yoy.org.il
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STAff
eshivat Ohr Yerushalyim's faculty consists of talented and caring
mechanchim. They are outstanding Talmidei Chachamim who excel
both in the classroom and in developing a personal relationship with the
students.
Y
Yeshiva employs a wide array of Rebbeim, young and vibrant, experienced
and seasoned, allowing for a unique blend of traditionalism and energy.
Indeed, what sets Ohr Yerushalyim apart is its atmosphere of excitement for
learning, which leads students to a genuine love for Torah study. The Rebbeim
are complemented by a talented cadre of 'Shoel u'Meishivs', which allow for a
most favorable student/teacher ratio, and underscores the Yeshiva's
commitment to the individual needs of every student.
Our Rebbeim are well known for their warmth, sensitivity, and devotion.
The trusting relationships forged between Rebbe and Talmid in Yeshivat Ohr
Yerushalyim extend well past the year in Israel. Alumni of Ohr Yerushalyim
maintain a close connection with the Rebbeim, and seek advice and
encouragement in all areas of life well into their future.
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ERETz YISRAEL
hile officially unaffiliated with any political parties or religious
movements, Ohr Yerushalayim seeks to foster a great love of both Eretz
and Medinat Yisrael. The Yeshiva offers the prayer for the Medinah,
celebrates Israel Independence Day, marches with Mercaz harav kook to the kotel
on Yom Yerushalayim, and plans many activities that lead its students to a serious
appreciation of the significance of Medinat Yisrael. Many of its faculty members
have served in the Army Reserves (including the Rosh Yeshiva and Mashgiach).
Some have attained the level of high-ranking officers in the army.
W
A deep-rooted love of Eretz Yisrael is developed via a number of tiyulim,
shabbatonim, and field trips throughout the country, plus contact with the moshav
adjoining the yeshiva. frequent invitations to the homes of faculty members, plus
visits to various communities in Israel, also serve to enhance the student’s feel for
life in Eretz Yisrael.
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CAMPuS LIfE
LOCATIOn
eshivat Ohr Yerushalayim is situated on Moshav Beit Meir, a religious moshav
of some 100 families, located in the midst of a nature reserve in the Jerusalem
hills (about nine miles from Jerusalem) off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. It
enjoys a panoramic view of the country stretching some 35 miles to the
Mediterranean.
Y
ACCOMMODATIOnS
hr Yerushalayim enjoys a fine air conditioned Beit Midrash and an
exceptional dining facility, all part of the beautiful setting of Moshav Beit
Meir. The students are housed in an outstanding dormitory facility
consisting of beautifully appointed rooms with private bathrooms and showers, all
of which are air conditioned and centrally heated. As testimony to the excellence of
our campus, the Orthodox union has chosen to rent our facility for its Summer
kollel camp for the past nine years.
o
MOShAv fACILITIES
utside of the regular classroom and dormitory facilities, there is a grocery
store in close proximity to the yeshiva that is available to students during
regular shopping hours. In addition there is a student lounge available
during the various breaks in the day, including a kiosk which sells snacks and
refreshments. The moshav enjoys an excellent sports facility, which includes
basketball and field-hockey courts. This facility is available to the students of Ohr
Yerushalayim. There is also an exercise room available for the students, in addition
to a music room where our yeshiva band practices. The most recent addition to our
campus is a beautiful, enclosed, heated swimming pool that is available to the
students at appropriate times.
o
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‫ירושלים‬
‫אור‬
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim
Tel: (02) 533-2424 • fax: (02) 534-1589
Website: www.yoy.org.il • Email: office@yoy.org.il
Direct line to Israel: (718) 874-8165 • Direct fax to Israel: (206) 350-9882
Please visit our website for more information: www.yoy.org.il