Serious learning. Personal growth.
Serious Shana Alef in Yerushalayim
A warm, structured, growth-oriented yeshiva for post-high-school bochurim ready for serious learning, personal attention, accountability, and real development as a ben Torah.
Students, parents, rabbeim, menahelim, Israel guidance counselors, and other trusted adults are welcome to inquire.
Advertising disclosure: Old City Luxury Apartments is advertising this Shana Alef admissions page on behalf of Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah.
An honest fit conversation
Serious Learning, With Warmth and Structure
Gemara learning is central, the environment is structured, and the rebbeim aim to know each talmid personally.
Students are expected to take responsibility for seder, shiur, tefillah, and their own growth. A student does not need to be the strongest learner in his class. He should be ready to work, learn productively with a chavrusa, accept guidance, and participate in a real yeshiva schedule.
The purpose of the year is meaningful Torah learning, accountability, personal development, and growth as a ben Torah.
A clear fit
Is Bircas the Right Environment?
The best Shana Alef choice starts with an honest understanding of the student and of the yeshiva.
Bircas may fit a student who…
- Wants to grow seriously
- Is ready to work during seder
- Can learn productively with a chavrusa
- Values warmth and personal attention
- Is willing to accept structure and guidance
- Wants a real yeshiva experience in Jerusalem
It is probably not the right fit if…
- The goal is primarily tourism or a party year
- A real daily learning schedule feels unwanted
- The student is not ready for accountability
- He is looking for a casual, drifting experience
The learning environment
What Makes Bircas Different
The official Post High School program describes a structured, serious beis medrash where talmidim work, ask real questions, and develop clarity in their own learning—within a warm environment where rebbeim know them personally.
Serious Seder and Shiur
Seder matters, shiur matters, and a student is expected to participate in a real yeshiva program.
Learning How to Learn
The goal is not passive listening. Talmidim are encouraged to enter the sugya, ask questions, and build independent clarity.
Known Personally
Individual attention helps ensure that a talmid’s progress, challenges, and potential do not disappear in the crowd.
Yerushalayim
A Warm, Focused Yeshiva in the Jewish Quarter
Bircas HaTorah is located above the Cardo in Jerusalem’s Old City, close to the Kotel and central Yerushalayim.
The setting is distinctive, but the purpose of the year remains focused Torah learning, personal development, and growth as a ben Torah.
Individual attention
Personal Guidance and Direction
Every student arrives with his own background, abilities, questions, and goals.
Personal relationships with rebbeim can help a bochur understand where he is, where he wants to go, and how to make meaningful progress during the year.
Parents and prospective students are invited to discuss whether Bircas HaTorah is the right fit before beginning the admissions process.
The aim
Clarity, responsibility, and growth
Bircas combines the demands of a serious beis medrash with the relationships and guidance that help each talmid move forward.
People and guidance
Meet Bircas HaTorah
Leadership, program contacts, and the people who can help a prospective student or parent take the next step.
Rosh Yeshiva
Rabbi Nissim Tagger
Rosh Yeshiva of Bircas HaTorah and leader of its learning vision.
Primary Admissions Contact
Rabbi Gavriel Leventhal
Primary contact for current Shana Alef and Shana Gimmel inquiries.
Program Contact
Rabbi Akiva Flax
Backup program contact for Shana Alef admissions inquiries.
Director of Development
Rabbi Raphael Kirzner
Administers this inquiry page and supports admissions follow-up.
By submitting, you consent to contact about Bircas HaTorah admissions by email, telephone, or WhatsApp using the details supplied. See the privacy policy.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Shana Alef program intended for?
The page is intended for post-high-school bochurim and their parents who are considering a serious yeshiva year in Yerushalayim.
Can parents speak with someone before applying?
Yes. Parents may submit the admissions form and request a conversation about the program and the student’s potential fit.
Is this a tour or casual travel program?
No. Bircas HaTorah is a serious yeshiva option focused on Torah growth, guidance, and direction.
Where is the yeshiva located?
Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah is located above the Cardo in the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, close to the Kotel and central Yerushalayim.
What is emphasized in the learning program?
The official program emphasizes serious seder and shiur, high-level Gemara, learning how to learn, individual attention, and personal growth within a warm beis medrash environment.
How do we begin?
Complete the admissions inquiry form. Rabbi Gavriel Leventhal, Rabbi Akiva Flax as backup program contact, Rabbi Raphael Kirzner, or another designated member of the admissions team will follow up regarding the next step.
The next step
Choosing the Right Yeshiva Starts With an Honest Conversation
Ask questions, discuss program fit, and understand what Bircas expects before beginning a full application.
Request Admissions Information