Yeshiva Program:
Full-Time, Part-Time, Short-Term
Click here for Application Instructions and Applications for Admission and Financial Aid
The above link will take you to a list of the Application pages that should be viewed and printed.
If you are unable to open the
necessary files, please e-mail us at
registrar@machonchana.org and we will send you a copy.
Click here for Yearly Calendar and Daily Schedule Machon Chana's Yeshiva Program is designed for women of any age
and level of knowledge or observance, who desire to immerse
themselves in full-
or part-time intensive Torah study on a year-round, semester, or short-term
basis.
Based on that premise, the yeshiva program provides a broad, multi-disciplinary sequence of Jewish studies, including courses in Biblical Studies, Jewish History, Hebrew Language, Yiddish Language, Jewish Law, Jewish Thought
and Ethics, Prayer and Chassidic Philosophy. S
Courses are offered on
beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Students have the option of taking
courses for personal growth, or towards the Machon Chana Teaching Certificate or
the Certificate of Advanced Jewish Studies (full-time students only).
Machon Chana will assist part-time and short-term students in planning a suitable schedule to
fit their needs and time. No
matter what a student's schedule -- whether she can only come mornings, has flex-time at home or work to
take one course a semester, if she wants to squeeze in one class before
work, if she has one free day or morning a week, or if she has a long weekend
vacation -- Machon Chana welcomes and encourages every woman to attend classes
at Machon Chana. It's an opportunity no woman should miss to learn, grow and experience
Torah and Judaism like never before!
Welcome to Machon Chana... Applicants to Machon Chana's full-time Yeshiva Program must have a high
school diploma and be proficient in the English language. Those interested in
applying to study at Machon Chana's full-or part-time Yeshiva Program should
print out Application Instructions and the appropriate applications and
agreements by clicking on the application link at the top of this page.
Full-time applicants must complete the 4-page Application for Admissions
and submit it together with two letters of recommendation, a recent photo, and
a $25 application fee. Part-time applicants must complete and submit the
Part-time Student Registration Form along with a recent photo and a $25
application fee. All students must submit the Payment / Financial
Aid Agreement. If financial aid is needed, an Application for Financial
Aid can also be printed by clicking on the application link. For more
information on fees and financial aid, go to
Tuition & Fees or
Financial Aid. Upon receipt of the completed application, an in-person or phone interview
will be scheduled. At the interview, students will receive further information
regarding classes, housing, job opportunities and, if needed, financial aid.
Machon Chana welcomes applications from
foreign citizens who have a diploma from an accredited secondary school and
meet university entrance requirements in their native countries. Foreign
students whose native language is not English will be required to
present
credentials attesting to their proficiency in English. Students who are not
proficient in the English language will be required to attend an ESL program
which is offered by the school prior to each semester. Machon Chana will
assist foreign students in obtaining a student visa (l-20) who have been
accepted to learn full-time in Machon Chana for at least one year. 
Admission Requirements & General Regulations
Foreign Students
Foreign Student Application Process and Fees
Applicants must contact
us to begin
the application process at least 2 months prior to arrival at Machon Chana.
Applications and application instructions can be
printed by clicking on the
Application link at the top of this page. At least one, but preferably two,
detailed letters of recommendation written on
the personal or business
letterhead of the person submitting the letter are also required. These can
be emailed, faxed, or mailed to the school. After acceptance to Machon Chana,
one must submit in writing (email is preferred) one's full name EXACTLY as
it appears on her passport, date of birth, country of birth, country of
citizenship, home address in her country, and a mailing address to where the
l-20 should be sent. There is an Student Visa application fee of $100, as
well as a $30 Student Visa Processing Fee that is payable when we begin processing the student visa. When the l-20 is approved and ready to be
mailed, it will be mailed by regular mail to the address provided by the
applicant. Should overnight or special mail services be requested or
required, the applicant needs to provide payment in advance by credit card.
Advisement & Selection of Courses
Students develop individualized programs reflecting advanced placement and transfer credits, where appropriate, in consul-tation with faculty advisors. The Yeshiva Program has three levels of study: Beginners,
Intermediate, and Advanced. Placement will be determined by testing of previous knowledge in Judaic studies. All courses are instructed in English; texts of study are in Hebrew or Yiddish.
Beginners: No previous knowledge required.
Intermediate: Basic knowledge of Hebrew and Judaic studies required.
Advanced: Background in Hebrew, Yiddish, Tanach, Chassidus, and Halacha are required.
Grades
Students are expected to maintain at least a B average in their studies. Class attendance will be considered (along with timely completion of all required course work, i.e., assignments, term papers and scheduled examinations) in determining term grades.
Incompletes
A grade of INC (incomplete) indicates that no grade for the course has been submitted because the requirements have not been met. Students have one semester from the final session of a course to complete the work for that course. Failure to complete the work will result in removal of the course from the student's record at the end of that time. Students must specifically request the privilege of taking an incomplete; only those who have successfully completed at least half of the course work by the end of the semester are able to request an incomplete. Excessive absence will result in a grade of either INC or no credit.
Leave of Absence/Continuing Matriculation
Occasionally, circumstances obligate students desiring a degree to take a leave of absence from their studies. Those students are required to complete a "Leave of Absence/Continuing Matriculation" form. Any student who does not register for new course work and who does not complete the "Leave of Absence/Continuing Matriculation" form will be presumed to have lost interest in pursuing her degree. Students who wish to return to Machon Chana after a period of such inactivity will be required to re-apply. In any case, students will be allowed to remain "on leave" only for a maximum of six consecutive semesters (excluding summers). Students seeking reactivation after more than six semesters have elapsed will be required to reapply.
Certification
Courses at Machon Chana may be taken for credit or audited for personal growth. The Certificate of Advanced Jewish Studies is awarded to those who have completed all the requirements of the two-year full-time course. The Machon Chana Teaching Certificate is awarded to those who have taken the required additional credits in education at Machon Chana Teachers Training Institute or a comparable institute. This certificate is a seminary degree which qualifies the student to teach Jewish education in primary grades, and is recognized by Hebrew day schools in the United States and throughout the world.
By completing an additional two months of study in Israel, students holding a Machon Chana Teaching Certificate may earn an official teaching degree certified by the Israeli Board of Education.
Tuition & Fees
Full-time Yeshiva Program *
Machon Chana Application Fee: $25
Registration: $250 for first year students
Tuition: Certificate in Advanced Jewish Studies -
$3,000/semester or $600/month
Dormitory and Tuition: $5,000/semester or $1,000/month
Full year, Dormitory and Tuition: $10,000
Part-time Yeshiva Program *
Machon Chana Application Fee: $25
Individual Course: $90 per credit, per term
Individual Class: $7 per class
All fees are payable at registration or in monthly installments.
* Note: It is the policy of Machon Chana not to turn students away due to their inability to meet tuition costs.
Financial Aid
Scholarships and tuition deferrals are available on a first-come, first-served basis for students who demonstrate financial need. Students applying for financial aid are required to submit a signed statement of moral obligation which asks for the student's commitment to repay any deferred tuition when able.
Distribution Requirements for a
Certificate in Advanced Jewish Studies
The Certificate in Advanced Jewish Studies is awarded to those who have
completed all the requirements of the two-year, full-time program.
Credits are given for each course.
Advanced Biblical Studies Chavrusa Program Advanced Ethics Courses Talmud Summer Courses
LETTER:
B Biblical Studies W Women's Studies/Jewish Home FIRST NUMBER: SECOND NUMBER: Biblical
Studies:
1 Chumash 2 Parsha 3 N'viim (Prophets)
4 Kesuvim (Later Biblical Writings)
Chassidic Philosophy:
1 Tanya
2 Mamaarim
Jewish Law:
1 Kitzur Shulchan Aruch
2 Shulchan Aruch HaRav
Ethics:
1 Redemption
2 Pirkei Avos
3 13 Principles of Faith
4 Chassidic Way of Life
Others:
1 Standard Text for that particular subject
0 No specific text
THIRD NUMBER:
1 First Semester
2 Second SemesterCore Program
Biblical Studies
Chassidic Philosophy
Jewish Law/Talmud
Ethics/Jewish Thought
Jewish Home
Sichos
Electives
Independent Study
History
Course Descriptions
COURSE CODE LEGEND
P Chassidic Philosophy
J Jewish Law (Halacha)/Talmud
T Liturgy (Tefillah)
E Ethics/Jewish Thought
H History
L Language
S Sichos in Yiddish
PS Psychology
1 Beginners
2 Intermediate
3 Advanced
BIBLICAL STUDIES
The Torah is composed of two parts; the Written Torah and the Oral Torah, both imparted by G-d to the Jewish People on Mount Sinai. The Chumash (Five Books of Moses or Pentateuch), Nevi'im (Books of the Prophets), and Kesuvim (Books of Writings) comprise the Written Torah.
Chumash B112 - 3 credits
This introduction to the Chumash, through the study of selected chapters, is designed for students with no previous knowledge of the Hebrew language. Relevant classical commentaries will be discussed to introduce the student to the many levels of meaning of the Hebrew text.
Chumash
Sequel to Chumash I, this course is aimed at developing the student's ability in reading and comprehending the unique script of Rashi, the classical Jewish commentator of the Torah, and understanding his
expeditionary method. Alternate selections of Chumash will be studied.
Chumash
B312 - 3 credits
Those who have mastered beginner's Rashi will study further selections from the Chumash in depth. Primary aim will be to develop the student's comprehension of great Torah commentators in addition to Rashi, such as Ramban, Sforno, Or HaChaim, and Kli Yakar.
Parsha B122 - 1 credit
A study of the Parshas Hashavua with Rashi, and an exploration of basic concepts and Midrashim on the weekly Torah portion. This course familiarizes the student with all of Chumash.
Parsha B222 - 1 credit
A deep analysis of the weekly portion expounded by Chassidic sources and insights. In keeping with the Alter Rebbe's directive "to live with the times," this course provides lessons in how to live one's life, week by week.
Nevi'im Rishonim B132
Textual study of the Book of Yehoshua, which covers the period spanning the Exodus from Egypt to the capture and settlement of the land of Israel. Rashi, Midrash, and other commentaries are studied.
Nevi'im Rishonim B232 Textual study of the Book of Shoftim, covering the history of the Jewish people during the period of the Judges. Includes student preparation of Rashi and commentaries.
Nevi'im Achronim
B332 Prerequisite: Some knowledge of Biblical Hebrew; prior courses in Nevi'im
Textual study of the books of Shmuel, covering the reigns of Kings Shaul and David. Rashi, Midrash, and various commentaries are studied.
During a period in history when Jews were forbidden to read the weekly Torah portion on Shabbos, a chapter of Nevi'im was read each week instead. This practice continued even after Torah was no longer forbidden, and thus was born the concept of the Haftorah. A study of the weekly Haftorah as it relates to the Parsha and to our lives today.
Megillos Esther and Ruth, read on Purim and Shavuos, respectively, are dramatic testimonies to the unique power and greatness of women. The megillos are studied with a view to understanding the prototypical roles of these two outstanding female figures, in the context of the larger religious themes.
A textual study of the moral and ethical ideas in the Book of Mishlei and their application for the contemporary Jew, as explained by the various commentaries.
When the Written Torah was transmitted, so were certain explanations, rules, reasons and laws. Only when this, the Oral Torah, was in danger of being lost (after the exile of the Jews from Israel) was it recorded. In addition to the Mishna and Talmud ( Gemorah ), all other divinely inspired material that has accumulated through the ages is included in the Oral Torah.
Halacha J112
Using the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch as a guide, the course will cover all Halachos pertinent to the daily life of a Jew.
A more extensive scholarly study of the laws of Shabbos, such as Muktzah,
objects which cannot be touched on Shabbos, carrying on Shabbos, as well as an
in-depth study of the laws of cooking on Shabbos. The Shulchan Aruch Harav
is the primary text.
The Jew is required, with regard to particular acts, to utter thanks to G-d, thereby maintaining conscious appreciation of the physical gift, and of G-d the Giver. This course is designed to familiarize students with these blessings and the circumstances in which they are recited. The Rav's Shulchan Aruch is the course text.
Marriage represents the highest union that exists within Torah. The renowned strength of the traditional Jewish family is in large part attributed to strict adherence to the laws that Torah sets for governing marital relations. These laws and their meaning are taught in depth.
Talmud J132 This course begins with selected portions of Ein Yaakov, the Aggadic portion of Talmud.
The classic method of Gemorah study is used. The course then moves into
more standard Gemorah study. Talmud J232 - 1 credit Advanced Gemorah
Study
As a channel of communication between man and G-d, prayer is integral to Jewish life. It is a service of the heart and an expression of the Jew's striving for closeness to his Creator. By ascending the four rungs of the ladder of prayer, as clarified by Chassidus, the Jew undergoes spiritual refinement, bringing him closer to G-d.
The structure and meaning of the prayers contained in the Siddur (daily prayer book) are studied. Their function in reinforcing the basic principles of Jewish faith, as well as their timeless relevance, will be reviewed with the aim of enabling the student to participate comfortably in the service.
This course explores the origins and goals of the Shabbos and Holiday prayers as enlightened by Chassidic thought, with the aim of enabling the student to participate in the service.
An optional class offered during the time allotted for morning services in which an instructor leads the class in oral prayer. Through practice, the student acquires the knowledge and speed required to daven independently.
The Jewish Home courses study and
analyze in-depth the laws and expectations of the Jewish woman in her home and
in society. Jewish Home W112
A foray into the Talmudic, Chassidic, and Midrashic sources and their explanations of the unique qualities of women, which facilitate the fulfillment of their lofty role in Judaism. Students are encouraged to submit questions and other material for scrutiny.
Jewish Home W212
A further analysis of such concepts as modesty, "Shalom Bayis" (family harmony), dating, marriage, the laws of family purity, social relationships.
Jewish Home Economics
W101
W102
A hands-on course learning practical skills for the Jewish home.
Jewish Women of the Bible H111 - 1 credit H112 A textual analysis of Jewish women of the Bible. This
course takes students o a journey of self-discovery through the lives and
actions of the Jewish matriarchs and prophetesses.
Written Torah
(Tanach)
Chumash (Biblical Studies)
Chumash is taught with the goal of providing students with proficiency in Biblical Hebrew and the analytical skills for deciphering text. Therefore, intermediate and advanced courses are conducted in small groups, with time allotted for individual study and preparation under the guidance of a mentor. Beginner's level Chumash includes textual study and an overview of the weekly Torah portion throughout the year.
B111 - 3 credits
Prerequisite or taken concurrently: Hebrew Reading
B211 - 3 credits
B212 - 3 credits
B311 - 3 credits
B121 - 1 credit
B221 - 1 creditNach (Prophets and Writings)
B131 - 1 credit
B231 - 2 credits
B331
B132
B142
* This course satisfies the requirement for Women's Studies.
B241
A textual study of the moral and ethical ideas in the Book of Koheles by King Shlomo, and their application for the contemporary Jew as explained by the various commentaries for the contemporary Jew.
B242
Prerequisite: Knowledge of Hebrew; prior courses in Nevi'im.Oral Torah
Halacha (Jewish Law)
J111- 2 credits
J221
J222
J300
Talmud
The Talmud, also known as Gemorah, is a composite of practical law, logical reasoning, analytical argumentation, and moralistic teachings, all of which serve to help clarify the Torah.
J131- 1 creditTefillah (Liturgy)
T111 -
T212
Prerequisite: T111
T100 - WOMEN'S STUDIES/JEWISH HOME
W111 - 2 credits
W211 -
Jewish Thought & Ethics
-
Redemption and Moshiach
E111E112
From ancient times to the present, Jews have believed in Moshiach and the Messianic Age. But who is Moshiach, and what will the age of redemption be like? Students will study Torah and Chassidic sources which offer insights and preparation in light of the imminence of the redemption.
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Redemption and Moshiach II
E211E212
A further study of the End of Days, the World to Come, and Moshiach.
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Pirkei Avos
E131 -E132
Textual study of selected chapters of the Ethics of our Fathers and their application to interpersonal relationships, with profound insights into human nature.
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Yediah Klalis / General Knowledge
E101E102
This course covers the Jewish calendar, fundamental Torah concepts and principles and an overview of the life cycle.
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Thirteen Principles of Faith
E142 -Maimonides formulated Thirteen Principles, which represent the core beliefs of Judaism. Beginning with the belief in the creation of the world and continuing through the belief in eventual Messianic Redemption, all Thirteen Principles are explored. The original Hebrew text, plus commentaries, is used throughout the course.
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Chassidic Way of Life
E121 -A glimpse into the lives of outstanding Chassidim and their quest for refinement and closeness to G-d. A look at Chassidus as compared to other ideologies and a study of the Chassidic way of life.
Chassidic Philosophy: Chassidus
Kabbalah, the mystical aspect of Torah, was made accessible by presentation in philosophical terms in the early 18th century by Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi in his monumental work, the Tanya. By emphasizing and amplifying the capacities of love and awe by which man is enjoined to serve G-d, the Tanya facilitates the spiritual strivings of the contemporary Jew. Succeeding Rebbeim (Chassidic leaders), including the Lubavitcher Rebbe, have applied this system of thought, known as Chabad Chassidus, in expounding the path of Torah in Ma'amorim (discourses) and Sichos (essays).
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Chassidus
P111 - 3 creditsAn introduction to Chabad Chassidus, by way of the "Tanya", the seminal masterpiece of Rabbi Schneur Zalman: the nature of the Jew's two souls competing for good and evil and resolution of this conflict toward mastery of the self. The first 19 chapters are covered.
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Chassidus
P112
Prerequisite: P111This course is the sequel to Chassidus P111 and further analyzes the underlying infinite love every Jew has for G-d, by virtue of his divine soul. Also analyzed are: how to attain simcha (happiness) and how to develop one's innate love for G-d. Selected chapters from the second half of Tanya are studied.
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Chassidus
P221A variety of pivotal topics of Jewish faith, such as Divine Providence, creation of the world, and Cosmic Unity, have been expounded in Maamorim which will be studied in this course from the Hebrew text. In addition to broadening one's knowledge of Chassidus, special emphasis will be placed on developing the student's capacity for learning a Maamor independently.
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Chassidus
P222A study of selected Maamorim from the Alter Rebbe covering central themes in Chassidic philosophy. Likutei Torah and Torah Or are the texts used for this advanced course.
Chassidus
P311
P312
Knowledge of Chassidus and Hebrew textual study of the second Book of Tanya, "Shaar Ha'Yichud V'HaEmunah", which explores the Chassidic concepts of the unity of G-d and this world, resolving the paradox of G-d's transcendence and His eminence. This course will also teach, "Iggeres Hatshuva," the third Book of Tanya, which discusses the different levels of Tshuva.
Sichos in Yiddish
Drawing from the wellsprings of Chassidus, the Lubavitcher Rebbe derived a specific message for the contemporary Jew from each weekly Torah reading and from particular Jewish holidays. Basic Chassidic concepts for daily life and fluency in Yiddish reading, vocabulary, and grammar are developed.
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Sichos
S111-
S112Selected sichos from Books I and II will familiarize the student with the fundamental Chassidic concepts. The student learns to read and understand the Yiddish text and acquire a grasp of Yiddish grammar and vocabulary.
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Sichos
S211
S212Advanced volumes of Sichos will be explored, penetrating into deep, complex concepts; further development of Yiddish will facilitate independent study of Yiddish text.
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Rashi Sichos
S311 - 1 creditA study of the Rebbe Shlita's unique approach in analyzing Rashi introduces the student to the many levels of meaning of this foremost commentator of the Chumash.
History
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Early Jewish History
H101H102
Creation of the world; exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the Jews as a nation; the giving of the Torah; settlement of the Land of Israel; and construction and eventual destruction of the First and Second Temples are all highlights of this survey of the initial stage of Jewish history. Although it is primarily a lecture course, there will be assigned readings in Hebrew and English.
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Medieval Jewish History
H201Exile from Israel to Babylon; exile from Israel to Rome; codification of the Oral Law beginning with the Mishna through Rabbi Caro's Shulchan Aruch; Sefardic Jews in North Africa and Spain; and Ashkenazic Jews in Western Europe. This course will highlight the extraordinary Torah contributions of the Jews in their respective societies.
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Modern Jewish History
H202Beginning with the 16th century, this course focuses on the tumultuous events which occurred in and around the Jewish communities in Europe, including false messiahs, pogroms, the Russian Revolution, The Haskalah (Enlightenment) Movement, World Wars I and II, and the resettlement of Jews in the United States and Israel.
