Our Vision and Mission

At Yeshivas Emek Davar, our mission is to offer a profound Gap Year in Israel experience rooted in Torah learning, personal growth, and genuine connection to the mesorah. We believe in nurturing talmidim who are eager to delve deeply into Torah with clarity and integrity, preparing them for meaningful Jewish lives.
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Personal Mentorship and Guidance

At the heart of your gap year in Israel is the relationship you’ll build with your rebbeim. More than just teachers, our rebbeim serve as mentors, role models, and trusted guides both inside the beis midrash and beyond. Through one-on-one sessions, casual conversations, and shared experiences, you’ll receive personalized attention that’s tailored to your unique background, questions, and goals. Whether you’re navigating spiritual challenges or just looking for clarity, your rebbe is there present, accessible, and deeply invested in your growth.

Building Lifelong Relationships

Ask any alumn: the bond with their rebbe didn’t end when the year did. Our rebbeim stay in touch long after the program through college, dating, marriage, and beyond. These are relationships that endure, offering you a spiritual anchor for life. Many students describe their rebbe as their first real connection to a teacher who “gets them” and that connection only deepens over time.

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Rosh Yeshiva

Rabbi Menashe Bleiweiss

Rabbi Menashe Bleiweiss, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Emek Davar, brings over 40 years as a dynamic educator in multiple institutions, most recently serving as senior rebbe at Derech–Ohr Somayach (2008–2025). Based in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled, where he lives with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Rabbi Bleiweiss is a licensed tour guide in Israel and Europe, having coordinated a tour guide training course for Lander College, who uses sites throughout the country and abroad to bring the Jewish people’s heritage, philosophy, and thrilling history to life.

Rabbi Bleiweiss previously directed Ner LeElef’s Kiruv Program, he is a certified therapist in private practice, having served on the Domestic Violence Division at Neve Yerushalayim’s Family Therapy Institute, and he edited the Jewish Spectator quarterly. His forthcoming book, The Essential Ramban on Torah, will be published by Mosaic Press in 2026.

Our Staff

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried

Nassi

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, Nasi of Yeshivas Emek Davar, will provide halachic guidance for the yeshiva. A renowned talmid chacham and posek, Rabbi Fried received semicha and advanced training in halacha under leading Torah authorities in Israel, most notably Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l.For over thirty years, Rabbi Fried led...

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, Nasi of Yeshivas Emek Davar, will provide halachic guidance for the yeshiva. A renowned talmid chacham and posek, Rabbi Fried received semicha and advanced training in halacha under leading Torah authorities in Israel, most notably Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l.For over thirty years, Rabbi Fried led the Dallas Area Torah Association (DATA), which he founded in 1992 to build Torah learning and leadership in the American Southwest. He served as Rav of Mikvah Israel of Dallas and headed the city’s conversion court. His many sefarim on halacha and related topics — including Hilchos GerusYom Tov Sheni, and the Piskei Dinim of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach — are studied internationally. Today Rav Fried serves as Rosh Kollel of Ohr Hashemesh, a multifaceted kollel and community center in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled.Known for his clarity, integrity, and deep grasp of both halacha and contemporary issues, Rabbi Fried brings to Emek Davar the guidance of a seasoned Torah leader. 

Rabbi Rephoel Lemmel

Director

Rabbi Rephoel Lemmel—son of Rabbi Elie Lemmel, a pioneering leader of Torah outreach across France—grew up immersed in Jewish education.From a young age, he was actively involved in his family’s work: hosting students, spending summers in yeshivos and camp programs, and even managing logistics at seminar retreats. These early experiences...

Rabbi Rephoel Lemmel—son of Rabbi Elie Lemmel, a pioneering leader of Torah outreach across France—grew up immersed in Jewish education.From a young age, he was actively involved in his family’s work: hosting students, spending summers in yeshivos and camp programs, and even managing logistics at seminar retreats. These early experiences instilled in him the ability to connect with people of all backgrounds, navigate challenges with calm and tact, and go beyond the call of duty to make programs succeed. As a bochur, Rephoel learned at Yeshivas Shaarei Torah in Manchester and later at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. After his marriage, he continued his studies at the Jerusalem Kollel under the renowned Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, receiving semicha (Yoreh Yoreh) after years of rigorous training and immersion in halacha. This grounding shaped him into a principled ben Torah who carries the values of integrity, diligence, and care into every area of his work.

Rabbi David Mann

Maguid Shiur

Rabbi David Mann grew up in Ramat Beit Shemesh and studied at Yeshivas Or Yisrael in Petach Tikva and Yeshivas Netivot Chochma (Wolfson) in Jerusalem. From his yeshiva years onward, he has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in various yeshivos, serving as a counselor in both mainstream...

Rabbi David Mann grew up in Ramat Beit Shemesh and studied at Yeshivas Or Yisrael in Petach Tikva and Yeshivas Netivot Chochma (Wolfson) in Jerusalem. From his yeshiva years onward, he has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in various yeshivos, serving as a counselor in both mainstream and special-needs camps, and volunteering in outreach seminaries.
Today, Rabbi Mann lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled with his wife and four children, where he continues his full-time Torah learning in Kollel Aliba DeHilchasa and delivers a daily Amud Yomi shiur for young men. He is widely appreciated for his ability to assess any situation, and respond with wisdom, warmth, and positivity. With his energy, natural sense of humor, and genuine focus on others, he creates an environment where students feel understood, supported, and inspired.

Rabbi Dovid Milton

Maguid Shiur

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Rabbi Dovid Milton learned at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach and the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He currently learns in a kollel in Ramat Beit Shemesh and directs a weekly kollel dedicated to the in-depth study of Shemiras Halashon. Rabbi Milton brings to the yeshiva a blend of...

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Rabbi Dovid Milton learned at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach and the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He currently learns in a kollel in Ramat Beit Shemesh and directs a weekly kollel dedicated to the in-depth study of Shemiras Halashon. Rabbi Milton brings to the yeshiva a blend of warmth, energy, and thoughtful discipline. His animated personality and genuine care for others allow him to connect deeply with students, creating an atmosphere that is both engaging and growth-oriented. In his teaching, he combines clarity and structure with a lively, relatable style that helps students grasp complex sugyos and feel personally invested in their learning. The same balance of precision and heart defines his middos, relationships, and daily life. He lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled with his wife and two children, and enjoys sports and time with family.

Rabbi Binyomin Goldberg

Maguid Shiur

Rabbi Binyomin Goldberg is a widely respected talmid chacham who studied under Rav Osher Arieli, Rav Zvi Kushelevsky, and Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, among other distinguished rabbanim.He is renowned as a Gemara rebbe who builds a sugya from the ground up, guiding talmidim through its structure with clarity and depth—from foundational...

Rabbi Binyomin Goldberg is a widely respected talmid chacham who studied under Rav Osher Arieli, Rav Zvi Kushelevsky, and Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, among other distinguished rabbanim.He is renowned as a Gemara rebbe who builds a sugya from the ground up, guiding talmidim through its structure with clarity and depth—from foundational concepts to the most subtle and refined ideas. Rav Goldberg’s breadth of knowledge extends far beyond Gemara: he is deeply versed in literature, philosophy, science, history, and especially halacha, and he weaves these disciplines seamlessly into his shiurim, enriching the learning experience with both context and depth. For many years, Rav Goldberg delivered halacha shiurim on a wide range of topics at the prestigious Jerusalem Kollel under Rav Berkovits’s leadership, earning acclaim as an engaging mechanech known for his warmth, fiery passion, and ability to make complex subjects accessible and compelling. As a full-time rebbe at Yeshivas Emek Davar, he will bring that same energy and dedication to his multifaceted role within the yeshiva. 

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried

Nassi

Rabbi Yerachmiel D. Fried, Nasi of Yeshivas Emek Davar, will provide halachic guidance for the yeshiva. A renowned talmid chacham and posek, Rabbi Fried received semicha and advanced training in halacha under leading Torah authorities in Israel, most notably Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, zt”l. For over thirty years, Rabbi Fried led the Dallas Area Torah Association (DATA), which he founded in 1992 to build Torah learning and leadership in the American Southwest. He served as Rav of Mikvah Israel of Dallas and headed the city’s conversion court. His many sefarim on halacha and related topics — including Hilchos GerusYom Tov Sheni, and the Piskei Dinim of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach — are studied internationally. Today Rav Fried serves as Rosh Kollel of Ohr Hashemesh, a multifaceted kollel and community center in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled. Known for his clarity, integrity, and deep grasp of both halacha and contemporary issues, Rabbi Fried brings to Emek Davar the guidance of a seasoned Torah leader. 

Rabbi Rephoel Lemmel

Director

Rabbi Rephoel Lemmel—son of Rabbi Elie Lemmel, a pioneering leader of Torah outreach across France—grew up immersed in Jewish education.From a young age, he was actively involved in his family’s work: hosting students, spending summers in yeshivos and camp programs, and even managing logistics at seminar retreats. These early experiences instilled in him the ability to connect with people of all backgrounds, navigate challenges with calm and tact, and go beyond the call of duty to make programs succeed. As a bochur, Rephoel learned at Yeshivas Shaarei Torah in Manchester and later at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. After his marriage, he continued his studies at the Jerusalem Kollel under the renowned Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, receiving semicha (Yoreh Yoreh) after years of rigorous training and immersion in halacha. This grounding shaped him into a principled ben Torah who carries the values of integrity, diligence, and care into every area of his work.

Rabbi David Mann

Maguid Shiur

Rabbi David Mann grew up in Ramat Beit Shemesh and studied at Yeshivas Or Yisrael in Petach Tikva and Yeshivas Netivot Chochma (Wolfson) in Jerusalem. From his yeshiva years onward, he has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students in various yeshivos, serving as a counselor in both mainstream and special-needs camps, and volunteering in outreach seminaries.
Today, Rabbi Mann lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled with his wife and four children, where he continues his full-time Torah learning in Kollel Aliba DeHilchasa and delivers a daily Amud Yomi shiur for young men. He is widely appreciated for his ability to assess any situation, and respond with wisdom, warmth, and positivity. With his energy, natural sense of humor, and genuine focus on others, he creates an environment where students feel understood, supported, and inspired.

Rabbi Dovid Milton

Maguid Shiur

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Rabbi Dovid Milton learned at Yeshivas Ohr Somayach and the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He currently learns in a kollel in Ramat Beit Shemesh and directs a weekly kollel dedicated to the in-depth study of Shemiras Halashon. Rabbi Milton brings to the yeshiva a blend of warmth, energy, and thoughtful discipline. His animated personality and genuine care for others allow him to connect deeply with students, creating an atmosphere that is both engaging and growth-oriented. In his teaching, he combines clarity and structure with a lively, relatable style that helps students grasp complex sugyos and feel personally invested in their learning. The same balance of precision and heart defines his middos, relationships, and daily life. He lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled with his wife and two children, and enjoys sports and time with family.

Rabbi Binyomin Goldberg

Maguid Shiur

Rabbi Binyomin Goldberg is a widely respected talmid chacham who studied under Rav Osher Arieli, Rav Zvi Kushelevsky, and Rav Yitzchak Berkovits, among other distinguished rabbanim. He is renowned as a Gemara rebbe who builds a sugya from the ground up, guiding talmidim through its structure with clarity and depth—from foundational concepts to the most subtle and refined ideas. Rav Goldberg’s breadth of knowledge extends far beyond Gemara: he is deeply versed in literature, philosophy, science, history, and especially halacha, and he weaves these disciplines seamlessly into his shiurim, enriching the learning experience with both context and depth. For many years, Rav Goldberg delivered halacha shiurim on a wide range of topics at the prestigious Jerusalem Kollel under Rav Berkovits’s leadership, earning acclaim as an engaging mechanech known for his warmth, fiery passion, and ability to make complex subjects accessible and compelling. As a full-time rebbe at Yeshivas Emek Davar, he will bring that same energy and dedication to his multifaceted role within the yeshiva. 

Mentorship at Yeshivas Emek Davar

Students spend their days immersed in deep Torah study, guided by passionate Rabbeim who offer personalized mentorship and real-world wisdom. But growth doesn’t stop at the Beis Medresh. Weekly outings, Shabbatonim, and guided trips throughout Israel allow students to connect what they’re learning to the vibrant history, culture, and spirituality of Am Yisrael. This intentional rhythm anchored in learning, enriched by experience nurtures well-rounded young men who return home with stronger convictions, deeper knowledge, and a clearer sense of purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the yeshiva year begin and end?

The year begins in mid-August (Elul Zman) and runs through late July (Shiva Asar b’Tammuz). See our Yearly Calendar page for exact dates of each zman.

It’s a full-year Torah program in Eretz Yisrael designed for post-high-school students who want to grow in learning, hashkafah, and life. The schedule blends serious Torah study, inspiring shiurim, mentorship, and hands-on experiences throughout the country.

No. All shiurim and discussions are given in English.

In Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled — a growing Torah neighborhood surrounded by nature, yet close to major cities and attractions.

Tuition covers learning, room and board (three meals a day), dorm accommodations, staff supervision, and many Shabbatons and tiyulim.

No, students and families make their own travel arrangements. We’ll gladly advise on timing, recommended flights, and arrival coordination.

Yes. Students must have valid medical coverage in Israel. We’ll guide families toward good options and help arrange enrollment with a local provider before arrival.

Each day includes morning seder, shiurim, personal learning time, meals, and evening sessions. Some days have trips or workshops. A detailed sample schedule will appear on the Daily Schedule page.

Comfortable shared rooms with basic furnishings. There’s a warm atmosphere and staff members living nearby who are always available to help.

Filtered access will be provided in limited public areas to allow responsible use.

Yes. Students are expected to use them responsibly and not during learning sessions or tefillos.

We don’t impose a strict curfew. Students are trusted to act maturely and responsibly — an approach that reflects the yeshiva’s belief in personal growth and accountability.

Yes. Washing machines are available on site.

Nutritious and varied meals are served three times daily, with options that suit most diets. (Please notify us in advance of allergies or special needs.)

Yes. Shabbatons are a vital part of the program. They take place off-campus in communities across Israel and help strengthen the bond among talmidim and staff.

There are opportunities for sports, hikes, and informal evenings. We encourage balance — time to recharge alongside Torah learning.

Each talmid is paired with a rebbi who offers ongoing guidance, learning advice, and personal support throughout the year.

You’ll always find someone to talk to. The rebbeim and staff are approachable, understanding, and ready to help at any time.

Fill out the Apply Now form online. Your application will be reviewed, and you’ll be invited for a short meeting (in person or via Zoom) with one of our rebbeim before acceptance.

If needed, you can request a deferral; approvals depend on space availability. Please contact the office for details.

Testimonials

Gilad Prigan

I can’t overstate my hakaras hatov to Rabbi Bleiweiss for the Torah, hashkafa, insight, and personal guidance he’s given me – Both as a student and for years afterward. What sets him apart is that he’s a trueeved Hashem in every part of his life. He doesn’t just teach Torah — he lives it. In shiur, in conversation, and in how he treats people, you see real yiras Shamayim and ahavas Hashem. A talmid who learns with Rabbi Bleiweiss gains more than a teacher — he gains a lifelong rebbe and a role model.

Ezra Schwarz

Rabbi Bleiweiss understood me in a way no other rebbe had. He opened a path for me to become a Torah Jew in a sincere and personal way. His shiurim and one-on-one conversations gave me clarity and direction. Even now, listening to his shiurim and keeping up our relationship helps me stay grounded. I recommend his yeshiva to any thoughtful young person searching for meaning and authenticity.

Danny Schmidt-Pines

My twelfth-grade rebbe recommended that I attend the yeshiva where Rabbi Bleiweiss taught. Had Rabbi Bleiweiss taught somewhere else, he would’ve sent me there instead. When I arrived, it didn’t take long to realize he was right. Rabbi Bleiweiss is a talmid chacham who knows how to give his students what they need to reach their potential in Torah. He understands the challenges young Jewish men face in today’s world and provides them with the hashkafa and tools to face them head-on.

Yosef Borowski

Rabbi Bleiweiss brings warmth, seriousness, and consistency to the beis medrash. Always punctual and prepared, he sets a clear example. His personality — approachable, sincere, humorous, and genuinely caring — lets him connect with bochurim in a rare way. His shiurim are well-structured and engaging, always grounded in sources and precise analysis. But it’s his relentless thirst for emes — the way he questions, researches, and learns — that leaves the most lasting impact.

Daniel Amir

Rabbi Bleiweiss has been a mentor to me and influenced my growth more than I can express. His discipline in learning and integrity as a mechanech constantly inspire me to grow. He has a gift for making complex ideas feel real and accessible. His ability to weave together history, halacha, mussar, and hashkafa makes his teaching — and his tours of Eretz Yisrael — unforgettable. Rabbi Bleiweiss leads by example. Any student who learns with him will grow not only in Torah knowledge, but in character.

Nathan Goldford

Even ten years after being in his shiur, Rabbi Bleiweiss remains a major influence in my life. I wasn’t the easiest student — I was going through a tough time — but with care and insight, he helped me work through what was really bothering me and guided me toward avodas Hashem. He’s a thoughtful, responsive, and fearless educator — always ready for any question, always focused on emes.

Barak Bader

Rav Bleiweiss is one of the most broadly knowledgeable rabbanim I know. He can field challenging questions from every area of Torah and hashkafa. His excitement for learning is contagious, and his sharp wit keeps his students laughing and engaged.

Ezra Kolsky

Rabbi Bleiweiss is a masterful teacher — passionate, patient, and precise in every subject. He truly cares about his students and keeps up with them long after they’ve moved on. Years later, I still listen to his shiurim on repeat.

Yosef Yavner

My rebbe’s unwavering support — often late into the night — helped me through many personal struggles. What I’ll never forget is the clarity and sincerity with which he guided me toward a life of avodas Hashem.
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