Foundations in Torah Program
An Introduction to Essential Jewish Sources & Living
Establish a Firm Foundation
Foundations in Torah is a three month program designed to provide you with an introduction to Jewish history and sources, from the Torah, Writings, and Prophets, to the Talmud and Halachah, Mussar, Midrash, Kabbalah, and more—as part of a community of Torah students and teachers.
Learn what a life of Torah learning and observance looks like from Rabbis dedicated to helping those who are seeking to draw near to HaShem, His Torah, and His people, while making friends with other Jewish men on the same journey.
Duration
This is a three month program for those who are seeking to establish a firm foundation in the basics of Torah Judaism as part of a supportive community. Program starts the 1st of Iyar, 5784 (May 9th, 2024).
Cost
Tuition is 4,000 NIS per month,* and includes three seders of learning per day, a shared room on Mount Zion, and three meals per day, including Shabbos.
*Ask us about subsidies if necessary.
Apply Today
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed to ensure its completeness and your fitness for the program. An initial meeting between you and the Mashgiach will then be scheduled.
Who the Program is For
The Foundations in Torah Program is for Jewish men who meet the following criteria:
- Seekers with little to no experience with primary Jewish sources.
- Looking to get a clear sense of what Torah Judaism is all about.
- Wanting to connect with other Jewish men on the journey.
- Ready to commit to three months of daily learning and growth.
- Seekers with little to no experience with primary Jewish sources.
“I am so grateful for my time at Diaspora Yeshiva, and I look forward to being there again soon.”
– Yehudah
Foundations in Torah Program Curriculum
Torah, Writings, Prophets
An introduction to the Torah, the Writings, and the Prophets, also known as the Tanach, the Jewish Scriptures, with a focus on establishing the principles of Jewish Faith.
Talmud and Halacha
An introduction to the authority and teaching of the Sages of Israel, as established by the Torah and the Judges of Israel, its historical transmission and order.
Godly Character
An introduction to the fundamental qualities of the godliness, without which it is not possible to be truly righteousness.
Jewish Prayer
An introduction to the Prayers of Israel, and the opportunity to develop the holy discipline of praying three times a day with a minyan.
Jewish Life
Experience an authentic taste of Jewish Life as a guest of the vibrant Jewish community on Mount Zion, Jerusalem.
“…they will be able to be an example — a moral example — for the whole world, to keep morality, justice, love, care, that the world is looking for, that the world is searching for the Jewish nation, for the Jewish state, to show them in the world.”
The Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai Goldstein zt”l
Founder of the Diaspora Yeshiva
Father of the Ba’al Teshuvah Movement
Other Features of Yeshiva Life on Mount Zion
At the center of the Yeshiva campus, where we have weekly shiurim, and Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services.
Minutes to the Kotel
Right outside the Old City’s Zion Gate, minutes to the Jewish Quarter, and less than ten minutes on foot to the Kotel.
Close to the Center
Located right outside Zion Gate, a short walk or bus to the city, plenty of amenities, and to public transit across Israel.
Sports Pavilion
Overlooking the Temple Mount, the Yeshiva’s new Sports Pavilion provides a perspective to fitness like no other.
Regular Special Events
With regular Oneg Shabboses, Shabbos meals, Festival events, and simchas in general, a life of Torah is full of simchah.
Trips Across Israel
Three monthly trips, from Tzfas in the North to Eilat in the South, learning about the Holy Land in relation to the Torah.
Regular Shabbos Dinners at the Yeshiva
Diaspora Yeshiva provides three full Shabbos meals for the students at the Yeshiva during regular learning (excepting bein hazmanim). As often as you prefer to stay put and rest on Shabbos with the Yeshiva, you are always welcome. You are also free to go out for Shabbos meals as often as you like.
Program Schedule
07:30 – 08:45
Shacharis
08:45 – 09:00
Daily Inspiration from the Life of David HaMelech
09:00 – 09:30
Breakfast
09:30 – 10:30
Overview of Jewish History, Famous Figures and Works
10:30 – 11:30
Introduction to the Torah and Famous Commentators
11:30 – 12:30
Introduction to Ketuvim (the Writings)
12:30 – 13:30
Introduction to Nevi’im (the Prophets)
13:30 – 13:45
Minchah
13:45 – 14:15
Lunch
14:15 – 15:00
Rest / Free Time
15:00 – 16:00
The Path of the Upright (Ramchal’s Messilas Yesharim)
16:00 – 17:00
Introduction to the Talmud and Talmudic Personalities
17:00 – 18:00
Introduction to Halachah
18:00 – 19:00
Introduction to the Midrash & Zohar
19:00 – 19:15
Maariv
19:15 – 19:45
Dinner
19:45 – 21:00
Rest / Free Time
21:00 – 22:00
Introduction to Jewish Prayer
The above is the weekly program schedule in general, Yom Rishon (Sunday) to Yom Chamishi (Thursday), subject to change at the discretion of the program coordinator and/or the Rosh Yeshiva. Current exceptions to this schedule include a weekly Oneg Shabbos for the Third Seder in the evening of Yom Shishi (Thursday evening), and Yom Shishi (Friday) students are free to review their learning or delve into other areas of learning at their discretion, and to prepare for Shabbos in general, apart from a shiur with the Rosh Yeshiva before Minchah on the weekly parashah and about King David at the Tomb of King David. Additionally, students of this program will take three monthly trips to locations across Israel.