OTS Programs
Ohr Torah Stone is a Modern Orthodox movement committed to illuminating authentic Torah Judaism which is rooted in halakha, yet relevant to contemporary life. OTS envisions a world in which every Jew has access to dynamic Jewish learning opportunities and vibrant, welcoming Jewish communities capable of engaging our children and inspiring our grandchildren. Fueled by 30 educational institutions, social projects, outreach programs and leadership development initiatives for men and women, OTS is effecting a transformative impact on Jewish life, learning and leadership all over the world, educating and preparing the next generation to strengthen society, perfect the world, and serve as a light unto the nations. Click to view our 2020-21 Impact Report.
You are invited to make your generous contribution to an array of specific programs that are meaningful to you (listed below with links to the program pages for more information) or as a general gift. Should you wish to designate your gift to a program not listed below, please contact Ryan Hyman, Executive Director at [email protected]/212-935-8672 to discuss where you would like to direct your gift. However you choose to designate your gift, know that you will be making a profound impact on the Jewish community in Israel and around the world.
Yad La'isha: The Monica Dennis Goldberg Legal Aid Center - Provides support for over 600 women annually whose husbands have refused to provide a get, a Jewish divorce document. The agunot, or "chained women" are represented in Rabbinical courts by to'anot, Ohr Torah Stone's women advocates, all of whom have Israeli law degrees and are experts on Jewish divorce law.
Elaine and Norm Brodsky Darkaynu Program for Men and for Women - Provides students with special needs the opportunity to spend a transformative gap year in Israel, immersed in Torah study, experiencing the Land of Israel and learning valuable life skills. Darkaynu – which means “Our Way” – is the first “sidestreaming” program in existence; the student body functions as an independent unit, but within the larger, mainstream environments of Midreshet Lindenbaum for the women and Yeshivat Har Etzion for the men.
Susi Bradfield Women's Institute of Halakhic Leadership (WIHL) - Located at Midreshet Lindenbaum, WIHL is an unparalleled, full-time learning initiative providing qualified female scholars with a singular opportunity to participate in the ongoing halakhic discourse of the Jewish people and engage in Talmud Torah on a level high enough to join the top circle of Torah scholars and spiritual leadership. In setting the bar ever higher for women’s learning and leadership, the WIHL is enabling women to make a difference to the Jewish world by turning their studies into a career choice, while providing young women and girls with crucially-needed, identifiable role models.
Robert M. Beren Machanaim Hesder Yeshiva - Located on the Israel Henry Beren Campus, the Robert M. Beren Machanaim Hesder Yeshiva enables post-high school students to combine intensive Torah study with full service in the Israel Defense Forces. However, one of the things that sets Machanaim apart from other hesder yeshivas is its unique focus on melding secular knowledge with Jewish study and observance, so that rather than being forced to straddle two very distinct worlds, students are encouraged to develop a language and worldview which incorporates both. For Machanaim students and soldiers, Torah study informs life and life informs Torah study.
International Halakha Scholars Program - Founded by our honorees, Dr. Yardaena Osband and Jennifer Raskas, this four-year, part-time program features a course of advanced study of halakha (Jewish law) in the subjects of Shabbat, Aveilut (Mourning), Kashrut, and Nidda (Family Purity and fertility) for a select group of women from the US, England, France and Australia. The International Halakha Scholars Program is part of Ohr Torah Stone's Susi Bradfield Women's Institute of Halakhic Leadership (WIHL), a full-time five-year program in Israel.
Yachad Program for Jewish Identity - The Yachad program understands that the average Israeli is thirsty for meaning, connection and community – but not for coercive ritual. Yachad’s goal is therefore not to indoctrinate, but rather to empower the general population to engage in an active search for their roots and reclaim the sources and traditions of Judaism on terms which are meaningful and relevant to their own lives. Yachad brings meaningful content to over 400,000 Israelis, and growing, every year.
Beren-Amiel Educational Emissaries and Straus-Amiel Rabbinic Emissaries - The word ‘Amiel’ literally means “to my people,” and reflects OTS’s unwavering commitment to the rejuvenation and cultivation of world Jewish community. The Beren-Amiel Educational Emissary Program is dedicated to the comprehensive training of committed, motivated and engaging educators who are sent to teach Judaic Studies in both Orthodox and non-Orthodox state and community schools across the Diaspora. The Straus-Amiel Rabbinical Emissary Program is committed to the spiritual continuity of the Jewish people everywhere, training rabbis to effectively strengthen Jewish identity and existence in communities across the Diaspora with a special track geared toward Sephardic community rabbis.
The Claudia Cohen Torah/Army School: Hadas - Hadas participants are women inducted into the IDF as a group and strengthened by intense Torah study before, during and after active army service in the Education Corps, the Intelligence Corps, the Israeli Air Force, and providing combat support to the elite Maglan reconnaissance unit. 20% of Hadas soldiers accept invitations to train to become officers, and continue to serve the IDF in important positions of command.