Since 1995 Moreshet Institute has provided professional undergraduate training for women who wish to enter the field of Jewish education (chinuch), outreach (kiruv), and community work. Women admitted to the Institute must be, at a minimum, graduates of a one-year post-high school seminary, have full facility with Hebrew texts, and have a passion for chinuch and kiruv work. They must also represent the highest embodiment of Torah values and personality traits.

Students who successfully complete the Moreshet Program are prepared to meet the criteria for attaining:

A recognized bachelor’s degree with a core of courses in education or psychology
A provisional New York State teaching certificate
A Morah LaGolah certificate from the Ministry of Education of the State of Israel
Seminary certification in education and community work

The full-time program of the Moreshet Institute includes teaching and counseling within the schools and affiliates of Neve Yerushalayim and supervised internships and field work in the many Jerusalem-based educational and outreach programs.

Upon completion of studies, graduates are trained to staff formal education programs in Hebrew Day Schools, community programs such as informal Jewish education for youths and adults, and special kiruv schools. They are also qualified to train other religious women in methods of dealing with the unaffiliated.

Graduates of the Moreshet Institute are highly regarded for their competence, confidence, and professionalism. They are making their mark in schools, organizations and communities in Israel, the United States, Canada, England, and South Africa.

A four-week Moreshet Seminar is held during the summer for teachers in religious schools, outreach workers, and Post-Shalhevet graduates. For more detailed information about the summer program, click here. For information about the week-long Moreshet Mid-Winter Kiruv Seminar held in January, contact the New York office. Click here for address.

Program Structure

The Moreshet curriculum is made up of Jewish studies (limudei kodesh) and general academic studies, all of which can be applied to an accredited undergraduate degree. All Moreshet courses are included in the Maalot Yerushalayim/Zaidner Institute curriculum. These courses were reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) and found to be comparable to courses given at major American colleges and universities. Classes are given in Jewish philosophy, analysis of difficult Biblical texts, and examination of issues of primary importance to Jewish women. Courses are also given in principles of education, Jewish curriculum, psychology, general counseling, and public speaking. The course of study is at least one year in duration, but may be longer depending on the student’s prior seminary or college background.

Teachers and Students

The faculty includes leading educators who have had great success in the fields of education and outreach. They give generously of their time in order to create a cadre of qualified and inspired graduates.

The Moreshet Institute is under the directorship of Rabbi David Kass.