Har El –is a Yeshiva for men between the ages of 21 and 30 located in the Old City of Jerusalem affiliated with Isralight, accepting its first students in time for Zman Elul 5772 (August 2012).
Offering a unique program, our core curriculum is built around the traditional yeshiva subjects and objectives. We are distinguished, however, both by what we learn and how we learn enriched with the clarity of why we learn. Students will explore classical Jewish sources including Talmud, Chumash and Jewish philosophy while developing skills to facilitate independent learning. Today it is insufficient to base religious observance upon obedience alone. Our learning day will begin with the study of the powerful and transformative works of the Hassidic masters. This will provide a meaningful context for the learning of the rest of the day. Students will be inspired to internalize the Torah and make it their own, learning to express themselves creatively. We will encourage our students to draw upon their life experiences to develop their avodat hashem and yirat shamayim.
Educational Overview
Teaching Torah to college graduates
Students in their twenties who embark upon the study of Torah, in general, and the Talmud in particular, are blessed with intellectual and emotional maturity yet handicapped by the lack of background required to overcome the considerable technical obstacles involved. These include language, syntax and structure of the Talmudic sugya. Focusing primarily upon the analysis of the sugya may be intellectually rewarding for both teacher and student but it is educationally irresponsible since it leaves serious gaps in the education of the student that will greatly hinder his future ability to decipher the Talmudic text independently. On the other hand, focusing on “skills” alone is a rather barren activity which lacks horizon and does not challenge or cultivate the emotional and intellectual maturity of our student. We will cultivate a “can do” attitude in both aspects of study. Competence in textual deciphering and interpretation together with independent thinking are essential for attaining the knowledge, understanding and self-confidence that will serve them as leaders in the future.
Every aspect of our Yeshiva’s curriculum will be designed not only to meet the needs of these students, but also to take advantage of the skills and experiences that they bring to Torah study.
