philosophy

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Shiurim at Sha'arei Mevaseret are taught from intermediate to advanced levels, with an emphasis on methods of Talmudic analysis. Rabbi Azarya Berzon shlita, our Rosh Yeshiva, is known throughout the chinuch world for his knowledge and charisma. Led by the exceptional cadre of talmidei chachamim and experienced mechanchim who serve on our faculty, students are challenged to penetrate the depth and breadth of a Talmudic sugya. They learn to acquire a methodology of learning, and to apply what they have learned to their lives. Rabbi Berzon and several other faculty members are talmidim of the Rav, Rav Soloveitchik zt"l, and his methodology of both learning and hashkafa is reflected in many aspects of the Yeshiva.

Gemara shiurim are offered in both iyun - teaching students the skills of Talmudic analysis through clear, comprehensive inquiry - and b'kiyut - allowing students to acquire knowledge of sizable sections of the Talmud. Throughout the year, our students frequently make siyumim as they complete masechtot of the Talmud.

Shiurim during the afternoon Seder are given on a wide range of topics including sefarim of Tanach, Jewish Philosophy, Halacha and Mussar (ethics). These comprise an essential part of the program. Afternoon seder is flexible, and students are given a variety of shiur, chabura and chavruta options.

LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

Shiurim are offered in both Hebrew and English, and students are encouraged to make the transition to Hebrew-speaking shiurim as the year progresses.

DIVERSITY

One of the cardinal principles in Yeshivat Sha'arei Mevaseret Zion's educational philosophy is our conviction that every student is an individual, with his own interests, talents and needs. We are committed to providing a program of learning which is tailor-made for each student. The program is supervised by members of our faculty who meet

with students on a regular basis to discuss their progress and modify the student's schedule, whenever needed. One-on-one chavrutot with the Meretz Kollel further enhance this philosophy.

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

A major ingredient in the Yeshivat Sha'arei Mevaseret Zion experience is the special family spirit that pervades YSMZ. We view the development of relationships among students and staff to be integral to the process of learning and growing. Young men from diverse backgrounds create strong bonds, learning to respect each other's individuality as they forge a sense of common purpose and destiny.

The Rosh Yeshiva and other members of the administration make a point of knowing each student personally. Our Rebbeim are not merely teachers for a year, rather they become chaverim for life. The bond between our Rebbeim and our students truly transcends time and space. Our Rebbeim are themselves inspiring role-models, and give of their time to the students both inside and outside the Beit Midrash. Made possible by the low student-Rebbe ratio, relationships with teachers extend beyond the classroom to include Shabbat visits, personal conversations and ongoing correspondence long after alumni have returned to their respective countries.

Sha'arei Mevaseret is known for its warmth, its sense of achdut and the close personal relationships unique to the Yeshiva. To us, these are not merely phrases, but values which embody the very essence of what our Yeshiva is all about..

SPECIAL FEATURES

Another unique feature of Sha'arei Mevaseret is the fact that we share our Beit Midrash with the Meretz Kollel-Rabbinical Teachers Institute of Mevaseret Zion. This institute is comprised of over sixty dedicated young men who have chosen to devote four years to intensive Torah study after completing their Hesder service (five years combining Torah study with military service). This provides a unique opportunity for students to accelerate their development in learning by building relationships with older mentors.

ISRAEL & ZIONISM

At Sha'arei Mevaseret, one of our primary goals is to inspire our students with the vision of "עם ישראל על פי תורת ישראל, בארץ ישראל" - to encourage them to develop a strong love for, and bond with, the Land of Israel. Many of our shiurim are taught in Hebrew. Chavrutot with Israeli members of the Meretz Kollel give our students exposure to Israeli society. Tiyulim and Shabbatonim are instructive, educational and inspirational. We also encourage our students to be involved with various chesed projects during their free time, which give them an additional connection to Israel.