Our Rosh Yeshiva
Rabbi Menashe Bleiweiss, founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Emek Davar, brings over 30 years of experience as a dynamic educator, most recently serving as senior rebbe at Derech–Ohr Somayach. Based in Ramat Beit Shemesh Daled, he is also a licensed tour guide, certified therapist, and former director of Ner LeElef’s Outreach Program. Known for his engaging teaching and holistic approach, he integrates Torah, history, and emotional growth. His upcoming book, The Essential Ramban on Torah, is set for release in 2025.
Rabbi David Mann
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.
You’ll meet the team here soon.
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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 alum: 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.
