Long-term
Bring Your Authentic Self to Serious Text Study
We invite you to be a vital part of a community of learners and seekers committed to understanding and appreciating how our ancient traditions work in the world today.
The Lishma study program provides an immersive experience in the world of Torah study and day-to-day Jewish life. Courses focus on traditional texts such as Talmud, Tanakh, and Midrash as well as Jewish Philosophy and Prayer, while maintaining a dialogue with modern scholarship and a focus on contemporary applicability.
The Hebrew term Lishma literally translates as “for its own sake.” Our canon of ancient and traditional texts offers wisdom and insight on issues we face daily as members of the Jewish community and as citizens of the world. Learning Lishma enables you to put aside preconceived notions and connect authentically with the text and how it relates to your own lives.
We pride ourselves on being an open and inclusive community welcoming all denominations, standards of practice, races, sexual orientations, and gender identities. While the ritual life of the Yeshiva community follows traditional Jewish practice, we are committed to being egalitarian and a safe space where pluralism of ideas and people flourishes. Prior knowledge of Hebrew and Jewish text are not a requirement.
Our staff are ready to help you customize your studies to suit your individual needs and interests, so that all students can make the most of their learning experience.
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Our Beit Midrash
Across classes, learning is conducted in the traditional Jewish method of chevruta (paired student learning) coupled with engaging shiur (classroom time) with the teacher.
Nestled in the warm archways and Jerusalem stone of our Epstein/Geller/David Beit Midrash (house of study or seeking) are a wide array of primary and secondary sources and plenty of space for students to study together. The buzz of the Beit Midrash is an inspiring sound that exemplifies and celebrates the sweetness and dynamic nature of traditional Torah study. Class sessions are rich with lively discussion. You will join the voices and opinions of students from around the world, spilling out into the heart of Jerusalem, where you can live your learning.
Financials
Tuition
Tuition is charged on a per-semester basis and includes all student-related activities, such as the Thursday day trips and the Shabbaton.
- Full-time study: $5,000 per semester
- Part-time study: rates available upon request
- Rabbinical students: through your institution
Scholarships & Financial Aid
All full-time applicants are automatically considered for support from the Schindler Scholarship Fund.
Long-term study at the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center is recognized as a Masa program. If you are eligible for Masa you can can apply for additional funding and support, in the forms of both a Masa grant and need-based aid.
Omek: Pathway to the Rabbinate
The Omek track allows those on the path of rabbinic training or other leadership positions (pedagogy, liturgy, etc) to engage in a specialized trajectory that addresses specific areas of personal focus. This track equips you with greater readiness for the next step in your professional Jewish journey.
Through ongoing mentorship and guidance, Omek students will deepen their Jewish literacy, refine their practices and clarify their personal and professional goals. You will be encouraged to self-reflect and take an active role in your education, a process that will inform your future successes and increase your overall excellence and proficiency in Jewish study, community building, and worship innovation.
If you consider Israeli Beit Midrash-style learning as integral to your path to rabbinics and desire to study at a Rabinnical school in the future, we encourage you to apply to the Omek program. Click here to see the broad range of institutions from which our Rabbinical students have hailed.
Schedule & Courses
- Classes meet 4 days a week, Sunday through Wednesday, with Thursdays being devoted to day trips throughout Israel as part of our Israel Education Program
- After Shacharit services, the mornings are for Talmud, followed by afternoon and evening classes covering topics from Bible to Halakhah to Hassidut, and more
- While the day formally ends with Ma’ariv (the 3rd communal prayer) many choose to participate in evening learning, in either organized group sessions (chavurot) or independent study pairs (chevrutot) on topics of personal interest
- Throughout the year the Yeshiva hosts special events and days of learning focused on Jewish and Israeli holidays
- Twice a year, we organize a shabbaton in an area of interest around Israel and with a community Shabbat. Students and Faculty work together to create a space of meaningful prayer, learning, and connection beyond the walls of the Beit Midrash
Day Trips
Throughout the year our students go on several day trips, primarily around Jerusalem. This exposes you to the rich and complex layers of Israeli culture, from ancient history to modern life.
Our modules include:
- Jerusalem: Then & Now
- Modern Israel: 1948 to Today
- People of the Book
- Winter Holidays in Israel
- The Conflict
- Memorials
- Shabbatonim
Institutions Our Students Attend
Student Testimonials
Semester Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center accepts applicants on a rolling basis throughout the year, convening the Finance and Scholarship Committee periodically to review applicants and requests for scholarships and stipends. In order to ensure applications are processed in a timely manner, prospective students are encouraged to complete their application form and send in the necessary documents without delay.
For more information, please visit our Student Life FAQ page.