Background

Launched in November 2007, WebYeshiva is the first fully-interactive Torah study program on the web. It uses the latest video-conferencing technology to offer real-time, interactive classes taught by outstanding Rabbis and teachers. With a round-the-clock schedule of classes on a variety of different subjects and levels, anyone with access to the internet can enter the world of online Torah learning.

WebYeshiva offers the benefits of distance learning at a time and location to suit you, with the environment and atmosphere of a yeshiva/midrasha (women's seminary) necessary for growth in Torah study. It is perfect for college students, business people, stay-at-home parents, retirees, or anyone looking to set aside regular times for Torah learning without leaving their computer!

WebYeshiva was initiated by Rabbi Chaim Brovender, a veteran Rosh Yeshiva with many years of teaching experience, who recognized that not everyone has the luxury of spending time in a "real" Beit Midrash or Yeshiva so easily. His dream was to make Torah accessible to Jews all over the world and to help them improve their learning skills in an interactive classroom environment, using the latest internet technology. WebYeshiva offers "live", growth-oriented, cumulative courses for serious students who want to be actively involved in Torah learning.

How WebYeshiva Works

To join WebYeshiva, all you need is a computer with a broadband internet connection, and speakers or headphones.  (A microphone and a web camera are optional, although recommended, so that you can be seen and heard by the teacher and other class participants).

From the comfort of your own home or office, you can log into a virtual classroom where you both can see and hear the teacher and the other students in your class.  In this way, you are able to participate in an interactive session where you can ask questions, and engage in your learning. Below is a snapshot of a recent Gemara shiur taught by WebYeshiva's Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Chaim Brovender:

The text being studied appears on the left of your screen, and the teacher can highlight the material that he or she is referencing (shown above in blue). Video displays and instant chats appear on the right-hand-side of the screen. Each student is able to see the instructor (Rabbi Brovender’s picture is in the upper left frame), and up to seven other class participants simultaneously . 

When you sign up, you will receive clear instructions on how to use the web technology to join your shiur. WebYeshiva also provides free, live, 24-hour technical support. You can contact technical support by clicking here

Use these links to  view the shiurim offered, our staff and our schedule.

WebYeshiva offers more than just shiurim - it provides a virtual yeshiva community where you can interact, ask questions, and continue to grow in Torah and mitzvot, on your own time and at your own pace. WebYeshiva replicates the nurturing and spiritual intensity of a conventional yeshiva or midrasha by incorporating the following elements into its program:

Benefits of WebYeshiva

Interactive Shiurim:

By utilizing an easily accessible yet advanced video conferencing program, we enable our students to see and hear each other, as well as the teacher, and to participate fully in our virtual classroom.

Shoel u-Meishiv:

Teachers and tutors are available around the clock, exclusively to WebYeshiva students, to answer your questions and discuss the material that you are learning.  The WebYeshiva staff can also help you track your progress as you learn and grow.  We aim to be accessible to assist students in every time zone at every hour.

Chazara:

Chazara (review) is fundamental to success and growth in Torah learning. All shiurim are archived online for students to access and review.  Whether you missed a class, or want to review it to reinforce what you learned before moving forward, the shiur archives are available to any student registered in that class.

Chavruta Study:

Students are encouraged to prepare textual material prior to the shiur with a chavruta (study partner) in order to help improve their Torah learning skills. Chavrutot are facilitated through WebYeshiva based on student availability and learning level.  You can supplement your learning program by setting up a chavruta with a study partner, or with one of the WebYeshiva tutors or rabbis. To view our chavruta board click here  You can also enhance your study with private one hour sessions. To learn more, click here.

How to Sign Up

The Spring 2010 Zman begins on January 10th, 2010 and runs until until March 19th, 2010.

Register by clicking here and following the instructions on the page. When you are done registering you can add any classes you wish to join or wish to view the archives.

Who Can Sign Up?

Web Yeshiva is for anyone who is interested in a serious Yeshiva and Midrasha program.  While WebYeshiva welcomes Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations, it is an Orthodox institution governed in accordance with Halacha.  At the moment WebYeshiva does not offer any classes to non-Jews.  (According to halacha, a Jew is defined as someone with a Jewish mother.)  If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please contact us.  

We offer a variety of shiurim at different levels, tailored to a spectrum of students from beginners to advanced learners. As a student of WebYeshiva, you will be expected to seriously dedicate yourself to learning and understanding the material. Shiur attendance is essential and class participation is strongly encouraged. It is recommended to prepare and review the class material with a chavruta.

You can learn more about WebYeshiva by viewing our video. 

Also see our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

"My area is loaded with learning opportunities, but I can't get to most of them for various reasons… thank G-d, I stumbled across your site!  Web Yeshiva doesn't limit me to taking the "traditional women's courses" and vice versa for the guys. If I can follow the lecture, I can take the course."

Tehilla Leah, New York

"Living in the middle of nowhere… who would have ever dreamed it would be possible to sit in a real classroom setting on the internet!  The best part of all - is being able to sit in a class with Jews all over the world and learn together.  How exciting and awesome is that!"

Yochana Coleman, Ohio

"It is wonderful to be able to log on, and both see and listen to the Rabbi
teach the class. If you take a class live, you can participate in real time by both chatting so all can see, or using a microphone -- just like in a real class! ...It has been invaluable to me and has added much to my Jewish
learning experience.

Sherri Manning, California

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