yeshiva

Jewish college of religion; in Orthodox Judaism, a day school providing religious and secular instruction. On average, college students will attend yeshiva for five years, studying the Hebrew Bible, the Talmud, Midrash, and Jewish philosophy in depth, as well as completing a university course. Continued studies in rabbinical law will lead to the student becoming a rabbi. Jews often go to Israel to attend an Israeli yeshiva.

Girls in the Orthodox Jewish tradition will study a more structured course at a seminary. In Reform and Liberal Jewish traditions, women may become rabbis as well as men.

Education has always been central to Jewish upbringing. The Torah and Talmudic teaching needs to be learned in order to follow Judaism correctly, and the education of children is a parental duty. In ancient Israel, children were taught at home, and learning through study and discussion continued throughout adult life. In the Middle Ages, it was considered an honour to offer support to yeshiva students. Studying Judaism in depth remains an important aspect of education in Jewish schools. Modern synagogues offer extensive cultural and educational groups, including a cheder, or study, for younger children, usually on a Sunday or after school.