Noach and Avraham

 

Yeshivat D’var Yerushalayim represents the difference in principle, if not in actuality, between Noach and Avraham. In the corrupt generation of the Deluge, Noach walked with G-d את הא' החהלך נח(Bereshit 6:9). He saved himself and his family whilst everyone else drowned. In a morass of immorality, he was able to protect himself in a tightly sealed ark filled צהר תעשה לתיבה with light but was not able to save others.. Avraham walked infront of G-d  התהלך לפני ה'(Bereshit 17:1); he went out to the idolators and the corrupt nations and “called upon the name of G-d”. This was symbolized by the Tent of Avraham which had a door on every side, open for all. The Ark on the other hand, needed to be closed and secure.

            Similarly the majority of Yeshivot fulfill the important task of keeping our youth close to Torah and away from the negative influences of the secular environment. We must have a solid basis of Noach before we can progress to Avraham. We must be able to protect those who have been bought up in the light of Torah from childhood and see that they remain pure and protected from the weakening influences of permissive and atheistic society.

            At the same time, we must not forget that the People of Israel were created to become a Kingdom of Priests (Shemot 19:6). It is our duty to concern ourselves with those who are drowning. We must have closed Yeshivoth so that nothing of the impurity of the environment will enter into the  minds or hearts of our children. But we must also have open Yeshivoth so that those who are in danger of becoming lost entirely to any Jewish identity will find their way back. Avraham Avinu kindled a light in front of G-d, a fire that warmed him, but was able at the same time to bring the warmth and the light of His Teaching to those who were still out in the cold darkness.

 

Yeshiva or Academy?

            The majority of Jewish youth today are over-satiated at an early age with materialism and seek spiritual meaning in life. Therefore, there must be a place of warmth and light which will be open to receive them as they are and gradually bring them back to intellectual, emotional and practical involvement with the perfect program of life – the Torah – revealed to us by our Creator.

            This is the program of Yeshivat D’var Yerushalayim, the Jerusalem Academy of Jewish Studies. We purposely keep two names. The barrier today is so great that most of “the outsiders” who are out in the cold, when they hear the name “Yeshiva” immediately identify it with the concept of the Ark, which is closed to them. In order that they can find their way over the threshold, we are also The Jerusalem Academy of Jewish Studies.

 

Individual Approach

            Following the maxim “Educate the young according to his path” the Yeshiva offers a wide option of Torah subjects and each student is given a course of study which suits his character, his interests, his knowledge and his ability. The courses include: Siddur, Chumash, Nach, Mishnah, Talmud, Halacha, Ethics-Mussar, Philosophy, Mysticism, Hashkafah, “Any Questions” Sessions, Hebrew Ulpan and Guest Lecturers are regularly invited. The wider student body of D’var Yerushalayim includes Kollel members, and advanced students who learn as Chavruta with the students.

            The International Beginners Program creates an opportunity for Kiruv activities, challenging interaction and broadening ones outlook. There is an optional training course in Kiruv. Students can receive credits from Touro College and other Universities. A diploma in Jewish Studies is awarded for attendance at the one year course, successful examination and presentation of thesis.

 

Self-Fulfillment

            When someone first arrives at the Yeshiva in search of his roots, he has often reached the last point in a long journey. A journey through any number of the options which the alternative in Europe or North America holds open to those who are too sensitive or too dissatisfied to settle into socially acceptable roles. At Dvar Yerushalayaim, the doors are open, the pressure is off and it is possible to begin to find oneself again, to rebuild a new world out of the shattered remains of the values and expectations which have become bankrupt.

            There are those who stay a week, a month, a year. Each one passes through this institution which offers him a personal refuge, a willing ear for his problems, a second chance to learn the teachings of a Jewish tradition which speaks both to man’s soul and his social situation. The changes which a few months of real growth bring about are remarkable. The person who emerges from the Yeshiva does so with renewed vigor and a new understanding of his Jewish identity and finds his self-fulfillment.