1) When does the zman begin and end?
2020-2021:
Elul Zman 5780: Tuesday, the 5th of Elul 5780/ August 25th, 2020 - Monday, Motzei Yom Kippur, 5781/September 28th, 2020.
Please note that there will be regular seder on Tuesday morning, the first day of Elul Zman, and therefore all Bochurim are required to be in Yeshiva by Monday evening. The dormitory is open starting Sunday evening.
Winter Zman 5781: Monday, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, 5781 / October 19, 2020- Tuesday, the 25th of Adar 5781 / March 9, 2021. Talmidim could start leaving Monday night.
For more details you can check our information packet here.
Elul Zman 5780: Tuesday, the 5th of Elul 5780/ August 25th, 2020 - Monday, Motzei Yom Kippur, 5781/September 28th, 2020.
Please note that there will be regular seder on Tuesday morning, the first day of Elul Zman, and therefore all Bochurim are required to be in Yeshiva by Monday evening. The dormitory is open starting Sunday evening.
Winter Zman 5781: Monday, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, 5781 / October 19, 2020- Tuesday, the 25th of Adar 5781 / March 9, 2021. Talmidim could start leaving Monday night.
For more details you can check our information packet here.
2) What is the daily schedule in Yeshiva?
Please click here to see the daily schedule.
3) Is there a group flight?
The Yeshiva does not arrange group flight as we have found that parents prefer booking their own flights and finding the best deals. Talmidim usually know who else is coming to Yeshiva and are in touch with each other about traveling together.
4) When is the Poland trip scheduled? How do I find out more about it?
The Poland trip is not a Yeshiva Toras Chaim trip. Dates and itinerary are arranged by Nesivos Tours in coordination with Rabbi Chanina Geisler. If you would like more information please be in direct contact with Nesivos Tours:
US: 917-909-8843 / Israel: 972-54- 528-1991 / UK: 44-207- 442-5461 / Fax: 972-2- 652-6646
Email: info@nesivos.com /www.nesivos.com
US: 917-909-8843 / Israel: 972-54- 528-1991 / UK: 44-207- 442-5461 / Fax: 972-2- 652-6646
Email: info@nesivos.com /www.nesivos.com
5) What shiur am I in?
The Rebbeim will place each Bochur in a shiur that is most compatible to his style and will let the Talmidimknow when they come to Yeshiva.
6) What Mascheta is the Yeshiva learning this year?
2020-2021
מסכת בבא מציעא
מסכת בבא מציעא
7) What size mattresses are the beds in Yeshiva?
The beds are regular twin size mattresses - 90 in. by 190 in.
8) What are the fees for laundry service?
A washing machine/dryer rental service offers use of their machines in our dormitory. One of the Talmidim is the company’s liaison and he will collect the payment from your son. Your son will be able to pay with cash or credit card. Last year the fee was $120 (and is subject to change according to the company’s pricing).
9) Why do I need AIM Health Insurance? Can I sign up with another Israeli health plan or continue to use non-Israeli health insurance plan?
During 2020-2021 - we require all Talmidim to purchase AIM health insurance. Dr. Eagle, Medical Director at AIM, is taking responsibilty for the Yeshiva and Talmidim during the Covid-19 situation.
Bez"h when the Covid situation ends, the Yeshiva policy is more flexible. Every Talmid must have Israeli Health insurance. AIM is recommended because it is Anglo friendly, and they are always available to answer your questions and get involved in case of an emergency Ch"V. An AIM doctor visits the Yeshiva once a week. Because they pay doctors privately it can be argued that they have more pull when needed (though other companies will argue that they are bigger and therefore have a wider range of doctors at their disposal).
You can also choose to sign up with Harel or Meuhedet, or any other Israeli health insurance company. However, we we have no connection with them and would discourage you from doing so unless your son is confident he can manage the Israeli system on his own, schedule appointments and converse with the doctors in Hebrew. If you choose to do this, then let our office know which plan and the ID number. Speak with your son to make sure he understands how to use the policy.
Why can't you simply use your non-Israeli Health Insurance plan? In addition to the above considerations and concerns, in such case where your son needs immediate care, may it never come to this, he'll have to present a credit card and lay out the funds on the spot in order to be treated. Some hospitals may not admit your son or release him without payment upfront. In addition, he or you will have to get through all the red tape afterwards in order to be reimbursed and navigate the Israeli bureaucracy system. We therefore don't allow this.
Bez"h when the Covid situation ends, the Yeshiva policy is more flexible. Every Talmid must have Israeli Health insurance. AIM is recommended because it is Anglo friendly, and they are always available to answer your questions and get involved in case of an emergency Ch"V. An AIM doctor visits the Yeshiva once a week. Because they pay doctors privately it can be argued that they have more pull when needed (though other companies will argue that they are bigger and therefore have a wider range of doctors at their disposal).
You can also choose to sign up with Harel or Meuhedet, or any other Israeli health insurance company. However, we we have no connection with them and would discourage you from doing so unless your son is confident he can manage the Israeli system on his own, schedule appointments and converse with the doctors in Hebrew. If you choose to do this, then let our office know which plan and the ID number. Speak with your son to make sure he understands how to use the policy.
Why can't you simply use your non-Israeli Health Insurance plan? In addition to the above considerations and concerns, in such case where your son needs immediate care, may it never come to this, he'll have to present a credit card and lay out the funds on the spot in order to be treated. Some hospitals may not admit your son or release him without payment upfront. In addition, he or you will have to get through all the red tape afterwards in order to be reimbursed and navigate the Israeli bureaucracy system. We therefore don't allow this.
10) Where do I mail tuition payments?
All US tuition checks should be made out to: Yeshiva Toras Chaim
Mail checks to:
Yeshiva Toras Chaim
c/o Twersky Family
126 Richmond Pl
Lawrence, New York 11559
Send an e-mail to office@ytchaim.com to let us know that you mailed the check(s).
Whether you mail or drop off the checks, please make sure to place it in an envelope, with an explanation of what it is for and include your contact information.
Mail checks to:
Yeshiva Toras Chaim
c/o Twersky Family
126 Richmond Pl
Lawrence, New York 11559
Send an e-mail to office@ytchaim.com to let us know that you mailed the check(s).
Whether you mail or drop off the checks, please make sure to place it in an envelope, with an explanation of what it is for and include your contact information.
11) How do I make a bank transfer?
FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK OF ISRAEL TEL AVIV
SWIFT CODE NO. FIRBILITXXX
BRANCH: PAGI KANFEY NESHARIM
BRANCH NO. 182
ACCOUNT NAME: YESHIVAT TORAT CHAIM
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 743003
IBAN: IL120521820000000743003
SWIFT CODE NO. FIRBILITXXX
BRANCH: PAGI KANFEY NESHARIM
BRANCH NO. 182
ACCOUNT NAME: YESHIVAT TORAT CHAIM
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 743003
IBAN: IL120521820000000743003
12) What is the Yeshiva's refund policy?
The Yeshiva's refund policy is as follows:
A. The $250 registration fee is non-refundable.
B. Tuition payments use a quarterly system:
~ Until September 15th - %75 refund
~ Until December 1st - %50 refund
~ Until February 15th - %25 refund
~ After February 15th - no refund
A. The $250 registration fee is non-refundable.
B. Tuition payments use a quarterly system:
~ Until September 15th - %75 refund
~ Until December 1st - %50 refund
~ Until February 15th - %25 refund
~ After February 15th - no refund
13) What is a sample trip schedule for the year, and how much is the Talmidim's share of the cost?
Occasionally the Yeshiva goes on tiyulim, especially during the Bein Hazmanim. In addition, the Yeshiva periodically spends Shabbosim together in locations throughout Eretz Yisroel. This past year there was an incentive program that concluded with a special trip to Mezibuz Ukraine. The student’s share of the cost will be made using the credit card details we have on file. We send out a general notification of these upcoming charges in our weekly newsletter.
Number of trips will vary from year to year depending on what the Hanhala feels is needed for the Talmidim’s growth. Prices may vary depending on actual costs (usually between $25-$300). A small number of these trips may be for first year Talmidim only and some trips are optional.
We do not know what the trip schedule will be like this year. It will depend on what is needed as well as the Health Ministry’s guidelines and advice and guidance provided by Dr. Eagle, AIM’s medical director. Here is a sample listing of trips during a typical year.
1. Several trips at the beginning of the year for Talmidim to form a group - $75
2. Trip after Yom Kippur - Yeshiva provides Talmidim with safe trip options - $50
3. 3-day trip after Succos - Yeshiva provides Talmidim with safe trips during the bein hazmanim - $275
4. First-Year Shabbos - spent together with all the first year Rebbeim and families, to form a cohesive group within the larger Yeshiva - $75
5. Trip first half of winter zman - $50 – to recharge and refresh
6. 3-day trip after Chanukah - $300 – to recharge and refresh
7. This past year, there was an exciting Shabbos learning program during the winter zman that culminated with a trip to Mezibuz, Ukraine – Talmidim’s subsidized cost for the trip was $500.
8. Lag Beomer to Meron - $25
9. Summer zman trip - to recharge and give a push for end of year shteiging - $32.50
10. A "Shiur Shabbos" with Rebbeim and families - to strengthen connection between Talmidim and with their Rebbeim - $100
11. The Yeshiva may have an end of year grand "Yeshiva Shabbos" – 3-day trip including Shabbos together with staff - to review, internalize, celebrate, connect etc .- $285
Please note, the above listing and prices are only to give you an idea of what to expect. Dates, trips and prices will vary from year to year depending on a number of different factors.
Number of trips will vary from year to year depending on what the Hanhala feels is needed for the Talmidim’s growth. Prices may vary depending on actual costs (usually between $25-$300). A small number of these trips may be for first year Talmidim only and some trips are optional.
We do not know what the trip schedule will be like this year. It will depend on what is needed as well as the Health Ministry’s guidelines and advice and guidance provided by Dr. Eagle, AIM’s medical director. Here is a sample listing of trips during a typical year.
1. Several trips at the beginning of the year for Talmidim to form a group - $75
2. Trip after Yom Kippur - Yeshiva provides Talmidim with safe trip options - $50
3. 3-day trip after Succos - Yeshiva provides Talmidim with safe trips during the bein hazmanim - $275
4. First-Year Shabbos - spent together with all the first year Rebbeim and families, to form a cohesive group within the larger Yeshiva - $75
5. Trip first half of winter zman - $50 – to recharge and refresh
6. 3-day trip after Chanukah - $300 – to recharge and refresh
7. This past year, there was an exciting Shabbos learning program during the winter zman that culminated with a trip to Mezibuz, Ukraine – Talmidim’s subsidized cost for the trip was $500.
8. Lag Beomer to Meron - $25
9. Summer zman trip - to recharge and give a push for end of year shteiging - $32.50
10. A "Shiur Shabbos" with Rebbeim and families - to strengthen connection between Talmidim and with their Rebbeim - $100
11. The Yeshiva may have an end of year grand "Yeshiva Shabbos" – 3-day trip including Shabbos together with staff - to review, internalize, celebrate, connect etc .- $285
Please note, the above listing and prices are only to give you an idea of what to expect. Dates, trips and prices will vary from year to year depending on a number of different factors.
14) How should I order my son's seforim? Is there a way to get them through the Yeshiva or is it better for him to bring them from home?
We usually suggest the Bochurim buy the seforim in Eretz Yisroel so that they save on space and weight when coming to Yeshiva and also so they can know they are getting the correct copies of the seforim they need. There are several seforim your son can order.
To buy a Gemara and a Kovetz Meforshim (arranged by a Bochur), please email tcsforimshop@gmail.com. Write your son's name, which sefer or seforim you would like to order, and whether you would like to pay in cash once your son arrives in Yeshiva or through credit card (in which case, please send him your credit card information).
The Yeshiva arranges the purchase of a full set of Mishna Brurah at a discounted price. There will be signs posted throughout the Yeshiva in the beginning of the zman explaining to your son how he can order these seforim.
There are many seforim stores in the area of Yeshiva where your son can purchase the other seforim that he needs.
To buy a Gemara and a Kovetz Meforshim (arranged by a Bochur), please email tcsforimshop@gmail.com. Write your son's name, which sefer or seforim you would like to order, and whether you would like to pay in cash once your son arrives in Yeshiva or through credit card (in which case, please send him your credit card information).
The Yeshiva arranges the purchase of a full set of Mishna Brurah at a discounted price. There will be signs posted throughout the Yeshiva in the beginning of the zman explaining to your son how he can order these seforim.
There are many seforim stores in the area of Yeshiva where your son can purchase the other seforim that he needs.
15) How do I order a birthday cake for my son?
Please see below contact info for cake businesses that may be able to deliver to Yeshiva:
Chani's Delectables:
515-725-9637
www.chanisdelectables.com
Sweet Cakes:
347-761-3800
koshersweetcakes@yahoo.com
One Smart Cookie:
718-576-1430
www.onesmartcookieisrael.com
Let us know if your satisfied with their service so we can update our listing.
Chani's Delectables:
515-725-9637
www.chanisdelectables.com
Sweet Cakes:
347-761-3800
koshersweetcakes@yahoo.com
One Smart Cookie:
718-576-1430
www.onesmartcookieisrael.com
Let us know if your satisfied with their service so we can update our listing.
16) What are my son's college credit options?
Your son has 3 options for college credits: regular Yeshiva credits, Maalot Neve credits or the Touro/Skokie Overseas Programs. Click here for a detailed explanation for 2019-2020. There are several minor changes for the coming year, 2020-2021, and we will post these shortly. In the meanwhile this document will give you a general idea of how things are set up.
17) How do I apply for FAFSA?
Only Talmidim enrolled in either the Touro or Skokie overseas programs can apply for governmental financial aid via the FAFSA application as if in attendance at an American college. Overseas programs are looking for students that will complete their undergraduate degree at their college and will not accept students that do not intend to complete their degrees at the university. These programs are for one year only. Only Talmidim in their third year Beis Medrash or above may apply for these programs. Note: it can take time to find out if you are approved, so take care of this ASAP. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at the college to which you are applying for deadline information.
18) Can we receive a 1098T for tax purposes?
Unfortunately not. Only American Universities can do this.
The Maalot program, though US accredited, is based in E"Y and therefore will NOT enable you to get a 1098T form.
Our understanding is that if you are enrolled in either the Touro or Skokie overseas programs, then you will be able to do this. Confirm with those programs directly. Note: these overseas programs are looking for students that will complete their undergraduate degree at their college and will not accept students that do not intend to complete their degrees at the university. These program run for one year only. Only Talmidim in their third year Beis Medrash or above may apply for these programs.
The Maalot program, though US accredited, is based in E"Y and therefore will NOT enable you to get a 1098T form.
Our understanding is that if you are enrolled in either the Touro or Skokie overseas programs, then you will be able to do this. Confirm with those programs directly. Note: these overseas programs are looking for students that will complete their undergraduate degree at their college and will not accept students that do not intend to complete their degrees at the university. These program run for one year only. Only Talmidim in their third year Beis Medrash or above may apply for these programs.
19) Why doesn't the Yeshiva qualify for Masa scholarships? Are their any other scholarships you can recommend?
Unfortunately, we do not qualify for the Masa program. Their requirements do not fit with the Yeshivas outlook and hashkafa.
You may want to try local shuls. They sometimes have a Rabbi's discretionary fund.
Try asking your son's 12th grade Rebbi, they are sometimes aware of local scholarships.
Click here for more ideas.
You may want to try local shuls. They sometimes have a Rabbi's discretionary fund.
Try asking your son's 12th grade Rebbi, they are sometimes aware of local scholarships.
Click here for more ideas.
20) What is an Excelsior Degree?
The information below is accurate as of academic year 2019-2020. There are some changes for the coming year 2020-2021. We will update this shortly. In the meanwhile it gives you an idea of how the process works.
Excelsior college is an online university, accredited by middle states commission on higher education, that offers a bachelors in liberal arts degree and is relatively easy for Yeshiva students to earn. The process to receive this degree consists of three parts:
1) 81 kodesh credits earned from three years of learning at Yeshiva Toras Chaim, provided that you are registered with our Maalot program accredited by NCCRS.
2) 36 secular credits earned by taking NCCRS accredited tests at a testing agency. We introduce students to YeshDegree, a testing agency run by Rabbi Berlin that works with our Yeshiva bein hazmanim schedule.
3) The final step is to register with Excelsior college, transfer all your credits to them, take their Capstone course and graduate.
The total cost from start to finish is approximately $10,000.
Note, Maalot, YeshDegree and Excelsior are three separate organizations that have no formal relationship with each other. Toras Chaim researched to the best of their ability how to align these different programs with the goal of earning a degree. We cannot take responsibility for the decisions or changes any of these institutions will make.
The Excelsior degree is a good option if you simply want a bachelors degree or hope to apply for a graduate program. (Note: you should check with each specific graduate program if they will accept the Excelsior degree. It may not be a good enough degree for the more competitive schools). This is not a serious secular education but nevertheless, it is a real degree.
Click here for more information about our college credit options.
Excelsior college is an online university, accredited by middle states commission on higher education, that offers a bachelors in liberal arts degree and is relatively easy for Yeshiva students to earn. The process to receive this degree consists of three parts:
1) 81 kodesh credits earned from three years of learning at Yeshiva Toras Chaim, provided that you are registered with our Maalot program accredited by NCCRS.
2) 36 secular credits earned by taking NCCRS accredited tests at a testing agency. We introduce students to YeshDegree, a testing agency run by Rabbi Berlin that works with our Yeshiva bein hazmanim schedule.
3) The final step is to register with Excelsior college, transfer all your credits to them, take their Capstone course and graduate.
The total cost from start to finish is approximately $10,000.
Note, Maalot, YeshDegree and Excelsior are three separate organizations that have no formal relationship with each other. Toras Chaim researched to the best of their ability how to align these different programs with the goal of earning a degree. We cannot take responsibility for the decisions or changes any of these institutions will make.
The Excelsior degree is a good option if you simply want a bachelors degree or hope to apply for a graduate program. (Note: you should check with each specific graduate program if they will accept the Excelsior degree. It may not be a good enough degree for the more competitive schools). This is not a serious secular education but nevertheless, it is a real degree.
Click here for more information about our college credit options.
21) After completing the Maalot and YeshDegree credits, how do I apply to Excelsior College?
1) Apply to excelsior at https://www.excelsior.edu/
2) Select Bachelors for degree level
Select Liberal Arts for Academic Interest
Select Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts for degree you would like to earn
3) Transcript Information
This is the List all of the institutions who will be submitting transcripts
on your behalf.
a) Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies
456 Viola Road
Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977
b) Tor Academy
456 Viola Road
Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977
c) Maalot Educational Network
111 John Street
New York, NY 10038
d) and list any other places you have NCCRS accredited credits from (did you earn credits at another Yeshiva or College program?)
4) After you have finished the application be in touch with Rabbi Berlin at YeshDegree yeshdegree@gmail.com and request he send your transcript to Excelsior.
Contact Mrs. Baran at cbaran@nevey.org at Maalot to request a transcript request form. Fill it out and send it back to her, she will then send your Maalot transcript to Excelsior.
Contact any other accredited programs you have NCCRS accredited credits, and ask them to send your transcript to Excelsior.
Follow up with these places to get confirmation that it was sent.
Follow up with Excelsior to make sure they received it.
2) Select Bachelors for degree level
Select Liberal Arts for Academic Interest
Select Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts for degree you would like to earn
3) Transcript Information
This is the List all of the institutions who will be submitting transcripts
on your behalf.
a) Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies
456 Viola Road
Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977
b) Tor Academy
456 Viola Road
Spring Valley, N.Y. 10977
c) Maalot Educational Network
111 John Street
New York, NY 10038
d) and list any other places you have NCCRS accredited credits from (did you earn credits at another Yeshiva or College program?)
4) After you have finished the application be in touch with Rabbi Berlin at YeshDegree yeshdegree@gmail.com and request he send your transcript to Excelsior.
Contact Mrs. Baran at cbaran@nevey.org at Maalot to request a transcript request form. Fill it out and send it back to her, she will then send your Maalot transcript to Excelsior.
Contact any other accredited programs you have NCCRS accredited credits, and ask them to send your transcript to Excelsior.
Follow up with these places to get confirmation that it was sent.
Follow up with Excelsior to make sure they received it.
22) How do I request a transcript from Maalot? How do I request a transcript from YeshDegree? How do I request a transcript from Yeshiva Toras Chaim?
Note: transcripts will only be issued if your tuition balance is paid up.
For Yeshiva Toras Chaim transcripts for "Yeshiva credits" only (not Maalot or YeshDegree):
E-mail office@ytchaim.com, request a transcript and let us know the exact e-mail and/or mailing address.
For Maalot transcripts:
Contact Mrs Baran at cbaran@nevey.org to request a transcript request form. Fill it out and send it back to her.
Contact Mrs. Stein at bstein@nevey.org if you would simply like to view your grades.
For YeshDegree Transcripts:
E-mail Rabbi Berlin at yeshdegree@gmail.com
For Yeshiva Toras Chaim transcripts for "Yeshiva credits" only (not Maalot or YeshDegree):
E-mail office@ytchaim.com, request a transcript and let us know the exact e-mail and/or mailing address.
For Maalot transcripts:
Contact Mrs Baran at cbaran@nevey.org to request a transcript request form. Fill it out and send it back to her.
Contact Mrs. Stein at bstein@nevey.org if you would simply like to view your grades.
For YeshDegree Transcripts:
E-mail Rabbi Berlin at yeshdegree@gmail.com
23) May I come and see Yeshiva Toras Chaim?
Yes. Please e-mail us in advance and we will suggest the best time.
24) May I come visit my son in Yeshiva?
Yeshiva Toras Chaim welcomes parents and we love meeting you and sharing nachas. Fathers are more than welcome to come learn with their sons in the Beis Medrash (subject to the current guidelines of the Ministry of Health). However, please remember that it can be disruptive to your son's growth if you take him out of Yeshiva. Therefore, if you come to visit, please make sure to limit the amount of time you take your son out and try to arrange to do so during the breaks during the day. Rebbeim are generally available between 1:30 and 2:30 P.M.
25) What is the Yeshiva's exact address?
7 Harikma St.
Romema, Jerusalem 9446807
Israel
Click here to see us on google maps (5 years ago, before the Yeshiva was built!)
Romema, Jerusalem 9446807
Israel
Click here to see us on google maps (5 years ago, before the Yeshiva was built!)
26) Why am I not receiving the weekly newsletter?
First make sure you are on our newsletter list. Simply submit a join request via the website or by e-mail. If you are already signed up and still not receiving the newsletter, then your settings may be filtering out our newsletter. Check your spam and promotions folder. For gmail accounts the promotion folder can be found on the left side of your screen under where it lists e-mail folders (such as inbox, sent mail, drafts etc.) click on "more" and click on "categories" and you'll see the promotion folder. To change your settings and allow the newsletter to arrive in your regular inbox, click on "Not Promotions" on the top of the email. If you are still having trouble, email the office and we will be glad to assist you.
