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Beit Midrash

The Beit Midrash Program offers a one of a kind program of Talmud study, preparatory learning, and community for students exploring and readying themselves for rabbinic ordination.

Beit Midrash Program

What is the Beit Midrash Program?

The Beit Midrash program is a one-year immersive program for Orthodox women exploring and preparing for rabbinical school. The program is designed to enhance prospective semikha students’ Jewish textual literacy, fluency, and skills, and it is primarily aimed at ordination program applicants in order to offer a year of preparation before they apply to the four-year ordination program.

The Beit Midrash Program offers full day and morning learning options as well as opportunities to join with the full Maharat student body for yemei iyun and other special programming. Classes include gemara, chasidut, Aramaic, and tefilah.

How to apply to the Beit Midrash Program?​​​​

Applications for admissions generally open each year in November and are due in January or February. Applications include:

  1. Written application: This includes sections about your educational background, personal history, personal statements, and two references.
  2. Learning Skills Assessment: Applicants offered an LSA will meet with a Maharat faculty member to discuss your learning experiences and assess your Hebrew and Aramaic reading and translation skills, understanding of concepts and structures in Talmud and key commentaries, and capacity for learning advancement.
  3. Admissions Interview: Applicants offered an interview will meet with members of the admissions committee to discuss their educational background and candidacy.