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About Yesodei HaTorah
Our Mission
Our Style
Our StoryOur Mission: "Torah Learning for Everyone."
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Yesodei HaTorah is a versatile and wide-ranging Torah learning program for people who wish to advance their skills, gain knowledge, and grow as Jews. Our mission is to offer everyone in the community, regardless of background, the opportunity to engage in authentic Torah learning. Some of our Talmidim (students) come as experienced learners eager to enhance their skills, while others are just starting out. Many have specific goals such as improving their ability to help their children with Hebrew homework, to prepare divrei Torah for the Shabbos table, or to lein (read and understand) a blatt Gemora independently. Whatever the skill level, whatever the goals, Yesodei HaTorah has the shiur (class) to fit.
Our shiurim (classes) span the gamut: Gemora (Talmud)--with two program series encompasing over 10 levels ; Mishna--beginning and intermediate; Halacha (Law); Hashkofa (Philosophy); Parsha (Torah portion of the week); and more! Since most of our students have many responsibilities (such as career, family, or education) our shiurim are designed to fit a variety of busy schedules. In addition to regularly scheduled shiurim, we also offer special guest lectures on various topics by highly respected Rebbeim. Torah personalities such as HaRav Weinberg zt"l, Rav Shraga Neuberger, Rav Yaakov Hopfer, Rav Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Rav Menachem Goldberger, and many others have participated.
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Our Style: Pure Torah
in an Authentic Yeshiva Atmosphere.
Nothing compares to learning with a chevrusa (study partner) in a real Beis Medrash (Study Hall). Infused with the electricity of many learning at one time, together in one place, Torah study takes on a whole new dimension. This is the strength of Yesodei HaTorah: Our programs combine the exciting interactions of chevrusa learning with shiurim (classes) taught by a corps of outstanding instructors. Their obvious love of Torah shines through when they teach and has a powerful, contagious effect on their talmidim.
Perhaps the greatest strength of Yesodei HaTorah is the educational philosophy of our Menahel (director), Rabbi Tzvi Goode: His approach is one of total dedication to truthfully conveying our mesora (tradition). Rabbi Goode and his rebbeim feel that Torah stands on its own. It is infinitely beautiful and exciting, and it doesn't need any external embellishment or "spin".
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Our Story:
Since 1990 and Growing Every Day.
Yesodei HaTorah owes its existence to the vision of Mr. Boruch Levine, of Baltimore, MD. He realized that, although Baltimore is home to Ner Israel, one of America's foremost Yeshivos, there was a need to create a structured environment, where men with a wide variety of backgrounds could develop their learning skills. Mr. Levine and co-founder Mr. Dovid Kanter approached Rabbi Shmuel Glazer, executive director of the Ner Israel Kollel, for help. Rabbi Glazer, in turn, approached the Rosh HaYeshiva of Ner Israel, HaRav Yaakov Weinberg zt"l. Rav Weinberg knew immediately that our Menahel (director), Rabbi Tzvi Goode, was the right man for the job.
Rabbi Goode launched our program in September 1990 with about 35 students in four shiurim. Thank G-d, we have steadily grown in both size and scope since then. We now encompass more than twenty shiurim and over two hundred talmidim. Our growth is not limited to Baltimore alone. Several other communities, inspired by YHT's success, have started programs modeled after Yesodei HaTorah. Major Jewish communities including Atlanta, Silver Spring, Cincinnati, Lakewoood, St. Louis, and Denver now have Yesodei HaTorah branches. Further expansion is on the horizon, as Yesodei HaTorah programs are being planned for more cities.
Here in Baltimore, Yesodei HaTorah is undergoing a whole new stage of growth. The opening of our very own Beis Medrash Complex (hall of study and classrooms) has provided our students and faculty with the perfect environment for Torah learning.
Come learn with us and see why so many other Jews have chosen to make Yesodei HaTorah their source for Torah and Jewish growth! To learn more about us, try the many other informative topics below.
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