Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Midrash Shmuel located?
Midrash Shmuel is in the salubrious English speaking Shaarei Chessed neighborhood of Jerusalem.  It is 25 minutes from the Kosel, close to Sacher Park and steeped in the holiness and history of Yerushalayim of old.
How many talmidim are in Midrash Shmuel?
There are approximately 110 bochrim and 140 avreichim.
How many talmidim do you accept each Elul?
We accept approximately forty boys.
How many first year Rebbeim are there?
Altogether there are five first year Rebbeim and two Mashgichim.  In addition, there are many avreichim in the Kollel who serve as unofficial Rebbeim and Roshei Chaburas, giving vaadim and shiurim throughout the week.
How many first year shiurim are there?

There are three iyun shiurim for the first year boys. In addition all first year boys are encouraged to attend the Rosh Yeshiva’s afternoon shiur which takes place three times a week and is on the same Gemara they are learning.

Are the shiurim divided according to level?
The shiurim are not divided according to level.  A bochur will be assigned to a shiur at the start of the year but has flexibility to switch his shiur with guidance.  Our top priority is that a boy should feel connected to his learning and his Rebbe and should feel accomplished.
How are chavrusas organized?
Through consultation with the bochrim, the Rebbeim take responsibility to ensure that each bochur has a suitable and productive chavrusa for each seder.  The Rebbeim tactfully assist if changes are required.
Where do the boys sleep?

The Yeshiva dormitory facilities, Kollel families and Yeshiva premises are all within a few minutes of each other.

Typically there are three to four boys per room.  Our priority is that the boys are happy and to that end we make sure friends are together and that the apartments are well-maintained.  Great care is taken to ensure that boys are placed in a way that satisfies them socially and personally.

What time is curfew?
Curfew is at 12:15am.
Where and what do the boys eat?
The Yeshiva dining room provides a varied and balanced menu of three nutritious and tasty meals per day.  Any special dietary requirements are also provided for.
Do boys have to be in Yeshiva for Shabbos?
Approximately once every three Shabbosos the boys are expected to be in Yeshiva.  On these Shabbosos, the Rosh Yeshiva or one of the Rebbeim join the bochrim.  These Shabbosos are memorable for the lively Oneg Shabbos on leil Shabbos and an array of fascinating and stimulating shiurim throughout.

On an out-Shabbos there are minyanim and meals in Yeshiva.  Boys who want to eat in Yeshiva must sign up by Thursday lunchtime.  Many boys enjoy taking advantage of the warm hospitality provided by the kollel families in the neighborhood.  Of course, the boys are free to go away for Shabbos to family and friends.

Do you have extra-curricular activities?
We strongly encourage the boys to pursue their hobbies and outlets and we aim to provide a safe framework within which to do them.   The Yeshiva offers indoor basketball / soccer and a state of the art fitness center.   We ensure that the interests of each individual are catered for including art, music, yoga and drama. We ask every boy to fill out a Bochur Interest Survey so we can know and acquaint ourselves with his interests and provide for them.
Do the boys go on Tiyulim?
Tiyulim take place about once a month on a need-to-have basis.  The purpose of the tiyulim is to give the boys a well deserved break and reinvigorate them.  Typically the boys go on a hike or to the beach.  In the summer there is an overnight trip and in the winter, depending on the weather, a skiing trip to the Hermon.  Rebbeim and avreichim accompany the boys as well as a qualified medic.
Does the Yeshiva have a dress code?
Hats and jackets are required for davening.  The boys are expected to dress in a respectable and dignified way.
Bein Hazmanim
There are three breaks during the year:

  1. From Motzei Yom Kippur until Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan.
  2. The month of Nissan.
  3. From Motzei Tisha B’Av until Rosh Chodesh Elul.

During these times the yeshiva apartments are supervised as usual. There are minyanim and a morning learning seder each day. The yeshiva provides breakfast, but not lunch or dinner, and the boys are given an allowance to buy food locally. Most boys stay for the Sukkos break and go home for the Pesach break.

Tuition
For information about the cost of tuition and scholarship availability please contact Administration – Rabbi Doniel Stahl.
Email: dstahl@midrashshmuel.org
Insurance
The Yeshiva works together with Harel Insurance which offers the dollar-a-day comprehensive insurance plan.  It is absolutely imperative that every boy have insurance.
Visas
The Yeshiva organizes the boys’ visas once they have arrived.
Does the Yeshiva give credits?
Yes.  Credits have been used towards degrees granted by Brooklyn College, Touro College, and others.  However it is up to the discretion of each college/university whether or not to accept the yeshiva credits.