Who We Are

The Migdal Oz Beit Midrash is built on the conviction that the world of Torah and limmud are means through which each student can blossom and deepen her connection to Hashem.  Migdal Oz is geared towards students who are seeking to grow spiritually and intellectually in a warm community of thoughtful, passionate and idealistic women from Israel and abroad. We believe that the Beit Midrash is a place where today’s women can forge their own personal connection to their avodat Hashem and develop their Torah personalities, yirat shamayim, halachic commitment, and national identity. The Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash for Women, headed by the dynamic educator and scholar, Rabbanit Esti Rozenberg, was established in 1997 by Yeshivat Har Etzion under the leadership of  the late Roshei Yeshiva Rav Aharon Lichtenstein Zt”l and Rav Yehuda Amital Zt”l . Their colleagues, Rav Baruch Gigi, Rav Yaakov Medan and Rav Mosheh Lichtenstein, continue to teach in Migdal Oz and to offer guidance and educational expertise on an ongoing basis.  

What’s Special About Migdal Oz?

*Talmud Torah – Be challenged and inspired by serious Torah study. Embark on a deeply rewarding journey to yirat shamayim and religious growth.
*Avodat Hashem ­– An unparalleled religious experience awaits you. Shabbatot, Chagim, and special tefillot in the Beit Midrash will enrich your year and your future spiritual life.
* Community – Enjoy a supportive and welcoming environment, deep friendships, and the chance to feel at home in the world of Torah.
* Religious Growth – An emphasis on religious observance and commitment that is accompanied by a sense of personal responsibility for your connection with Torah and mitzvot, and dedication to Am Yisrael.

*Israel – Migdal Oz is an Israeli Beit Midrash that gives you the opportunity to be part of Israeli society, expand your horizons, develop your Hebrew, and feel a real sense of belonging and connection to Medinat Israel.

About the Program

Every year Migdal Oz accepts about 130 shana aleph students, aged 18-20, from Israel and abroad. Students from abroad are fully integrated into every aspect of the Beit Midrash experience. They live and study with their Israeli contemporaries, which greatly expands their cultural perspectives, learning opportunities and language skills. The students also benefit from second, third and fourth year students in the Beit Midrash, from the Advanced Talmud Scholars and from the proximity to Herzog College, which offers a plethora of courses in Jewish Studies taught by world experts.
 The curriculum focuses on four main areas: Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Jewish Thought. Much of the study revolves around the Beit Midrash, and involves independent study and chevruta preparation. The course selection includes school-wide lectures as well as smaller classes and seminars which allow for more discussion. Each student is encouraged to build a personal schedule that fits her specific needs and desires. Beit Midrash staff and madrichot for overseas students are available for guidance and assistance all day long.  

 

 Beyond Book Learning

A wide variety of activities complement the academic Beit Midrash studies. Hikes, guest lectures, seminars and workshops, Shabbatot and Chagim, are all part of the spiritually uplifting experience at Migdal Oz.  The Beit Midrash is well known for its beautiful selichot and for the tefillot held on Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, Yom Kippur, Yom HaAtzma’ut and other special occasions. All-night learning on Shavuot, Chanuka and Purim celebrations, volunteer work, Rosh Chodesh events, weekly workshops and monthly Beit Midrash discussions all combine to create an atmosphere of joyous engagement with Torah, mitzvot and klal Yisrael. 

 

Experience Real Life in Israel

At Migdal Oz, overseas students will experience Israeli society and living in Israel on a daily basis. The overseas students are completely integrated into the Israeli program, both in the classroom and in the dorm, enabling students to form close friendships with Israelis and Americans alike. Overseas students will spend many Shabbatot at the homes of their Israeli friends, gaining exposure to Israeli culture and the mosaic of different communities in Israel.  Throughout the year, students will hear guest lectures and enjoy experiences that will acquaint them with current affairs and issues in Israeli society.

 

The Campus and Facilities

The beautiful, green, landscaped Stella K. Abraham Beit Midrash campus is located in Kibbutz Migdal Oz, in the hills of Gush Etzion. It is a 20-minute drive to Jerusalem and a 15-minute walk to Efrat, where there are shops, buses, medical and dental clinics, restaurants etc.
The students live in an air-conditioned and heated dormitory. Each dormitory unit is designed for five girls and includes a kitchenette, bedroom, and full bathroom. The Main Building, which is also modern, air conditioned, heated and fully maintained, houses the Beit Midrash, Dining Room, Library, Computer Room, Exercise Room, and Lounge.
Students are served three meals a day and the campus is equipped with  laundry facilities. In addition to the kibbutz’s extensive security system, the campus has its own 24/7 security.
Warm and friendly support staff is also available round-the-clock. There is a full-time Director of Overseas Students, an Eim bayit and madrichot for the overseas students who live on campus, and there is medical staff on the kibbutz grounds at all times