Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem

For other uses of "Ohr Somayach", see Ohr Somayach (disambiguation).

Ohr Somayach entrance sign

Ohr Somayach (also Or Samayach or Ohr Somayach International) was founded in 1970. It is a yeshiva based in Jerusalem, Israel, catering mostly to young Jewish men, usually of college age, who are already interested in learning about Judaism. It is known as a "baal teshuva" yeshiva since it caters to Jews with little or no background in Judaism, but with an interest in studying the classic texts such as the Talmud and responsa. Students are recruited either locally or from other countries where the yeshiva has established branches, such as in the United States, Canada, South Africa, United Kingdom, Australia, Ukraine and Russia.

History

In 1970, Rabbis Noah Weinberg, Mendel Weinbach, Nota Schiller, and Yaakov Rosenberg, founded Shema Yisrael Yeshiva to attract young Jewish men with little or no background in Jewish studies.^[1][2][3] Weinberg left the yeshiva over a difference in philosophy and founded Aish HaTorah in 1974.^[2] Shema Yisrael then changed its name to Ohr Somayach, the title of a commentary on the Mishneh Torah written by Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk.

Notable faculty

• Rabbi Mendel Weinbach, rosh yeshiva
• Rabbi Nota Schiller, rosh yeshiva
• Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb, a former professor of analytical philosophy at Johns Hopkins University
• Rabbi Dovid Kaplan, author of Impact and The Kiruv Files
• Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky, famous in English-speaking Haredi circles for his speeches, which include kosher stand-up comedy
• Rabbi Berel Wein, known for his many books and audio tapes on Jewish History
• Rabbi Natan Gamedze, an African prince who converted to Judaism while studying at Ohr Somayach

Programs

• J.L.E. - Jewish Learning Exchange - Summer program includes tours of Israel and lectures
• The Shoresh Program: Introduction to Talmud and Jewish thought
• The Intermediate and Mechina Program: Beginner to Intermediate Talmud learning
• The Beis Midrash Program: Advanced learning
• Derech: One or two year post-high-school program
• The Center Program: Intensive learning for college graduates (one or two year program)
• Ohr LaGola: Smicha program
• Yesod: Meaning foundations - a beginners program.
• Chai Israel: A gap year program consisting of classes, internships, trips, volunteer work and experiences designed to emphasize Israeli culture. Rabbi Dani Zwick is the current program director.

See also

• Ohr Somayach, Monsey - counterpart in the United States
• Ohr Somayach, South Africa
• Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

References

1. ^ Donn, Rabbi Yochanan. "Conscience of the Lost Jews: Harav Yisroel Noah Weinberg, zt"l". Hamodia. http://www.hamodia.com/inthepaper.cfm?ArticleID=142. Retrieved 13 January 2011. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Today's Yahrtzeits and History – 11 Shevat". matzav.com. 26 January 2010. http://matzav.com/todays-yahrtzeits-history-11-shevat. Retrieved 15 January 2011. 
3. ^ "Did You Know That #16". Ohr Somayach International. 1 March 2003. http://ohr.edu/ohr_somayach/did_you_know_that/713. Retrieved 13 January 2011. 

External links

• Ohr Somayach home page