Q&A: Recommended Yeshiva
Recommended Yeshiva
Question
Hello Rabbi,
From your acquaintance, in which non-Haredi yeshiva is the level of Talmud study the highest? (a hesder yeshiva or a higher yeshiva)
Is the level there significantly lower than in Haredi yeshivas? Is it possible to reach a high level in them?
Answer
I don't know enough. I don't think this question is all that important. If you choose a yeshiva with a good level, that's perfectly fine. Whether it's the very highest level or not doesn't really matter. Study in a place your heart desires, and do it seriously. Also, defining "level" is not simple, so it's hard for me to answer the general question you asked at the end. There are lots of yeshivas of every kind, and this has no real significance.
Discussion on Answer
If you mean Yeruham, then I definitely recommend it.
Indeed, that was what I meant. I've heard good things about it, but I've never been there.
Interesting what the level of learning is like there.
I was there about two weeks ago and met a few guys. The students' level is very high. I'm sure that studying there seriously would be excellent.
Hello Rabbi, if I don't want to do the hesder track, do you recommend going to yeshivas like Ma'ale Adumim, Yeruham, etc., and doing the higher-yeshiva track there, or going to Mercaz / Beit El?
Do you think the fact that I hold a worldview similar to yours could really make things difficult for me in a conservative yeshiva?
If you'd rather not speak about specific yeshivas, I'll understand; I just can't decide where to go next year.
And another question that came to me:
Suppose someone wants to study in a Haredi yeshiva because of the level of learning, but as is known, currently there is no enlistment law, so he is defined as a draft evader. Do you think it is morally / halakhically justified to study there in order to acquire that style of learning, even though at the same time one is breaking the law?
(I'll just note that I do not mean to avoid fulfilling my civic duties, only temporary study).
As I wrote, in my view choosing a yeshiva is not a critical matter, as long as it is a good yeshiva.
But if you come to the conclusion that there is a Haredi yeshiva in which you will advance best, I don't see any obstacle to going there. The formal law is not really important, so long as you fulfill your obligations on the principled level. I once wrote that the law of the land is not a formal matter in the way ordinary Jewish laws are (one should behave like a reasonable citizen, and not nitpick every detail of the law, whether you are technically discharging your obligation or not).
As for the question whether worldview will interfere with you, I assume it will. Not only because of how the yeshiva will relate to it, but also because your esteem for the rabbis and the head of the yeshiva may be harmed because they talk nonsense in other areas. But it's hard for me to give you a clear and general answer about this, because I haven't experienced it myself. Maybe others here will come and testify from their experience. In other threads there were conflicting testimonies on this matter. Maybe it would be worthwhile for you to go to the yeshiva you're interested in and stay there for a week or two and form your own impression.
Thank you very much.
And what about his dough?