Yeshivat Drisha

What is the Hashkafa of Yeshivat Drisha?

The three pillars of our yeshiva are Torah study, Tefillah and commitment to mitzvot. The yeshiva approaches all of these with intensity.

● Torah: Yeshivat Drisha offers an unparalleled curriculum of Talmud study, featuring five sidrei iyyun and four sidrei bekiyut each week for all students. Our unique pedagogical approach involves personal mentorship by staff to ensure that students understand and internalize the skills and materials covered.

● Tefillah: Although there is no minyan, all students and faculty in the beit midrash daven together as one community three times a day. Our Tefillah is enriched by faculty-led hachana l’tefillah, which sets a tone of mindfulness and seriousness for davening.

● Commitment to Mitzvot: We believe that our students’ observance of Mitzvot should flow from their serious Torah study and deep understanding of Halakhah. The Yeshiva environment cultivates full observance of all areas of Halakhic practice.

Does the yeshiva have a particular approach to Talmud study?

Each member of our faculty has learned in multiple batei midrash and some have academic training as well. They bring a variety of methods and tools to their teaching, exposing students to the breadth of approaches as relevant to the sugya at hand. In addition to high level conceptualization, there is a strong emphasis on skill building and personal growth in learning. Our Talmud curriculum is complemented by classes on Tanakh, Halakhah and Machshava, which enriches and deepens students’ appreciation for the topics covered in the sugyot.

Does the Yeshiva provide food for students?

The Yeshiva provides three meals a day for students, and dorms are equipped with fully functioning kitchens. Allergies and dietary restrictions are accommodated.

What is the cost of the program and is there financial aid available?

The cost of the program is $25,000. Need based financial aid is available.

What trips does the Yeshiva offer?

While learning is the main focus of the Yeshiva, learning about Eretz Yisrael is also a key part of the Shana Alef experience. The Yeshiva goes on a couple of larger trips around Israel throughout the year, and smaller, local outings are offered on Fridays when Shabbatot are spent in the Yeshiva. Due to the focus on learning, the larger trips are reserved for bein hazmanim. Students will also have opportunities to visit the home communities of their Israeli classmates, gaining an insider’s view into many different parts of the land. The Yeshiva does not conduct its own Poland trip, but can make arrangements for interested students to join on another seminary’s trip.

What will students do on Shabbatot and Chagim?

Shavuot, Simchat Torah, Channuka, and Purim will be celebrated together at the Yeshiva, as well as one Shabbat every 2-3 weeks. Additionally, students are always welcome to stay in their dorms and join for meals and Tefillot with married students or members of the Kibbutz. Yeshiva staff make sure that every student always has somewhere to go for Shabbatot and holidays.

Is there security on the kibbutz?

The Kibbutz is gated and secured by the IDF as well as private security, which patrols the area of our dormitories. There is a small army base located on the Kibbutz itself, as well as a larger one next door.

What is available in the way of public transportation?

There are buses to and from Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh which stop at Tzomet HaGush, where the mall is. There is also a bus to and from Efrat where there is more shopping and restaurants.

Are the dormitories used when students are not on The Kibbutz?

No. This is your home, we do not give it to others.

Is there a curfew?

No. We believe in building trusting adult relationships in a small, warm and supportive environment. However, it is expected that students are informing someone when they leave the kibbutz.

How many students are in the Yeshiva?

There are currently 53 students learning in the Yeshiva, half Shiur Alef and half advanced students.

I’m going to be going to Stern College. Will I be able to get credit for learning in the yeshiva?

Students taking a full course load will be provided with a transcript. We are currently working with YU to ensure that students will receive credit.

I want to apply to the Tikva program. Will I be eligible to participate in that program?

Yes.

Is there a support system for Americans specifically?

Yes. The support system for American students will consist of on-site staff, including overseas program director, Eim Bayit, madricha, and guidance counselor. Students will also have the option to be welcomed into an adoptive family on the kibbutz. There are student families from among the advanced learners who live in the same apartment complex and who also serve as more “homes away from home” for our overseas students.

Will students have the ability to maintain relationships with teachers after Yeshiva?

Yes. Our teachers and staff are tremendously invested in each student, and in the relationships they will build and continue to nurture between them.

How do I apply?

You can apply through our website at yeshivat.drisha.org/apply or contact [email protected] for more information!

● We offer a gemara curriculum of five sidrei iyun and four bekiut a week. All classes include seder as well as shiur, where students first prepare the sources b’chavruta in the beit midrash before reviewing and enriching their understanding in class.

● Our leadership and core faculty are women, led by Rosh Yeshiva Hanna Godinger (Dreyfuss), and their deep and ongoing learning is a source of inspiration for all students.

● Each student is personally mentored by Yeshiva staff to cultivate the development of strong skills and deep and nuanced understanding of the materials studied. This caring, pedagogical approach is core to our mission.

● We are a small, intimate Beit Midrash community.

● Though the Yeshiva's language of instruction is Hebrew, the beit midrash staff includes English-speaking faculty who meet with students, as needed, to support understanding and integration of the material learned in shiur. As such, supplemental review shiurim for gemara are provided in English to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation.

● The learning culture of the beit midrash is anchored by young women who have been learning for several years.

Campus

The Yeshivat Drisha campus is situated 20km south of Jerusalem in the beautiful Kibbutz Kfar Etzion, near Alon Shvut. Kibbutz Kfar Etzion was founded in 1927 and re-established in 1967.  The Kibbutz grows cherries, flowers, olives, almonds, and grapes. Kfar Etzion is currently home to approximately 1200 individuals. 

The kibbutz is gated and is enclosed by a fence which is monitored 24/7. There is also private security who patrols nightly around the area of the Yeshiva apartments. There is also a small army base on the kibbutz, and a larger one next door. 

Dorms

Our dormitories are located in a beautiful outdoor area of the kibbutz. Each dormitory unit houses two bedrooms and is shared between overseas students and Israelis.  Overseas students will be offered their own room. Each room is furnished with new beds and individual closets for each student. Each unit is equipped with a mini fridge and kettle. Students also have access to the Yeshiva's student kitchen which is equipped with a stove, oven, and microwave. There is internet access throughout the Yeshiva’s facilities. There are communal laundry machines, free of charge, which are conveniently located.