Limudei Kodesh

Ateres Yaakov's comprehensive Limudei Kodesh curriculum aims to imbue the talmidim with a love for Torah and provide them with the skills they need to pursue a lifetime of independent learning.

Our strategic approach employs proven pedagogic techniques and features an organized approach to each of the four years in Gemara, Chumash, Navi, Halacha and Hashkafa.

On their first day in school, from the moment they enter our beautiful new bais medrash, our students are embraced by an environment that promotes respect, love and awe of Torah learning. Rabbeim offer stimulating and challenging shiurim for all levels. Each talmid has the opportunity to consolidate his learning and reinforce his skills through chavrusa learning in the Bais Medrash. During chavrusa learning, a designated Shoel U'Meishiv approaches each talmid to provide individualized support, remediation, or enrichment. Shiurim designed to meet clearly articulated goals (see box below) increase in intensity yearly. Time in chavrusa study also increases as the students gain proficiency in independent learning. Learning incentive programs and supplemental shiurim provide further avenues to enhance learning skills.

While Gemara is the primary focus, our Mesivta provides a well rounded Limudei Kodesh curriculum. Shiurim in Bekiyus, Mishnayos, Chumash, Navi, Halacha and Hashkafa, as well as Yomei Iyun, Mussar Shmuessen, guest speakers and Shabbatonim help mold our students into fi ne Bnei Torah. The yeshiva's Kollel, enrichment yungeleit, bais medrash bochrim, alumni and community shiurim afford our talmidim opportunities to be involved constantly in the seviva of Torah.

Ateres Yaakov's approach to Limud HaTorah creates freshness and excitement in learning, maximizes development of Gemara and Biblical exegesis skills and deepens talmidim's understanding and internalization of the learning process learning, resulting in improved Avodas Hashem and dedication to Am Yisroel.

Grade	Standard Track	Honors Track Adds:
9	Demonstrate relationship between Gemara, Rashi, and Tosafos Clearly identify the questions and answers Acquire fluency and comfort reading Gemara and some Rashi	Introduce key mefarshim Acquire fluency and comfort reading Rashi & Tosafos
10	Begin preparing the Gemara prior to shiur Learn to read back Rashi learned in shiur Introduce Tosafos in the text	Introduce "laining" skills Consolidate mastery of Gemara, Rashi, and Tosafos
11	Continue emphasis on fluency Develop clear understanding of flow and structure Demonstrate Rashi's purpose and role	Able to make a Gemara/Rashi "Laining" Establish facility in Tosafos Learn to deconstruct mefarshim and clarify diff erences (i.e., Maharam, Rashash, Maharsha)
12	Establish comfort in Gemara/Rashi Establish facility in parts of Tosfos Ensure clear understanding of the learning process	Self-sufficiency in Gemara Able to make "laining" in Tosafos Develop lomdos and confidence in the learning process

Gemara B'iyun
Thought provoking shiurimare designed to challenge our talmidim as they develop a fluency in Gemara, Rashi, Tosofos, and Mefarshim. The Rabbeim concentrate on the breakdown of the sugyas HaGemara as they clarify and resolve conflicts between the different Rishonim and Achronim understanding the svaras and lomdus presented.

Gemara Bekiyus: Skill Building
This innovative program highlights the technical skills needed for independent study of Gemara and Rashi with an emphasis on language, syntax structure, and an appreciation of what Rashi adds to the havanas HaGemara. As talmidim advance in their abilities, they are placed in more quickly-paced shiurim. Learning is incentivized; talmidim who complete an entire Mesechta are rewarded with special recognition

Chumash
The Chumash B'iyun shiurim delineate between drush and pshat as found in the classical mefarshim. The Rabbeim use the Parasha to bring out lessons on Hashkofas HaTorah that relate to us as individuals and as members of Klal Yisroel. The talmidim are tested weekly on Parashas HaShavua with Rashi, and by their senior year are expected to master each parasha with all Rashis. Rabbeim urge the talmidim to focus on why Rashi is so essential to Torah study and challenge them to understand "what is bothering Rashi."

Navi
Our Navi program exposes our talmidim to the various sifrei HaTanach giving the boys an overview of our rich Jewish history. Th is critical foundation of Torah Sh'Beksav and Torah Sh'Baal Peh helps the talmidim understand issues and p'sukim that relate to their Gemara learning, their tefillos, and areas of hashkafa. They come to appreciate how critical events have impacted the development of Am Yisroel and develop a deepened love for Eretz Yisroel.

Mussar and Hashkafa
Each Rebbe stresses proper Torah attitudes and character development using the classic mussar texts. Shmuessen and mussar vaadim allow talmidim to express themselves and ask questions, as well as to learn the opinions of daas Torah on many important issues. The talmidim develop a personal kesher with our Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Yehuda Horowitz, a Talmid Muvhak of Rabbi Moshe Wolfson, the famed mashgiach of Yeshiva Torah Vodaath. Rabbi Dr. Yaffe and Rabbi Horowitz conduct regular Middos and Hashkafa workshops for the entire Mesivta.

Tefilla
The sweetness and spirit of tefillos permeate our new Beis Medrash three times daily, on Shabbos, Yom Tov, and the Yomim Noraim. Our talmidim have numerous occasions to daven for the amud, lain and participate in all facets of running a minyan. Peirush HaTefilla learned in shiur help the bachurim daven with additional kavanah and dedication. The seriousness and decorum of our minyanim are an inspiration and model for the entire community.

Yedios Klalios
Most Rabbeim begin the day by discussing relevant halachos, inyanei d'yoma, or learning Mishnayos. Every talmid is required to master a standardized general knowledge curriculum which covers many areas of Torah and halachic knowledge.

Yomei Iyun
Th roughout each year the entire Mesivta focuses jointly on a significant amount of halachic themes and varied topics relating to the Yomim Tovim, the churban, taaneisim, important days of historical significance both past and present, and current life challenges. Special guest speakers highlight the practical aspects of each topic and how it relates to klal yisroel. Students develop and understanding of and appreciation for halachic development from the Gemara through the piskei haAchronim.

Last Updated on October 2014