Year Program

Academics

Study at the Conservative Yeshiva focuses on traditional texts such as Talmud, Tanach, and Midrash, and on Jewish Philosophy and Prayer. Learning is conducted in the traditional yeshiva method (chevruta and shiur) with an openness to modern scholarship and students’ interests.

Four mornings per week are devoted to Talmud study. Our five levels of Talmud shiurim (classes) help students, from beginner to advanced, learn and improve their Talmud skills. The fifth morning of the week is devoted to Tanach (Bible).

Afternoon classes include Tanach (Bible), Halacha (Jewish law), Mishnah (early Rabbinic text), Midrash (Biblical exegesis), Philosophy and more. The day formally ends with Ma’ariv, but many students choose to participate in evening learning, either in organized group sessions or in chevrutot in topics of their own interest.

Since students at the Conservative Yeshiva come from a diversity of backgrounds, they are encouraged to custom-make programs of study to suit their individual needs. Extra help is always available in order to allow each student to get the most out of his or her learning experience.

The Beit Midrash is the focal point of the Conservative Yeshiva. In it, surrounded by reference books and each other, students and faculty learn. The buzz of the Beit Midrash is a unique, stimulating sound.

Chevruta and Shiur

Chevruta study is an age-old method of Jewish text study in which two students learn a text together. It gives students an opportunity to explore and struggle with the text as they learn from each other and often creates a unique bond between them.

During shiur, teachers lead students through a discussion of the prepared text. Students raise questions and difficulties; teachers explain these difficult areas and offer background, skills and methodology.

Special Events

Throughout the year the CY has special days of learning and activities. Sometimes these events are focused around a holiday and other times they are focused on Israeli culture and life. Examples of special events include:

• Yom Iyun (Dedicated Learning) for Chanukah, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Yom HaShoah and Yom HaZikaron
• Tu B’Shvat Seder
• Purim Megillah reading and a Shpiel organized by students
• Tiyulim in Jerusalem and surrounding areas
• Shabbatonim – 3 or 4 weekends during the year which consist of a trip to an area of interest around Israel followed by a community Shabbat