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Maharat’s Beit Midrash Program is a one-year immersive learning program for Orthodox women designed to enhance prospective semikha students’ Jewish textual literacy, fluency, and skills. The program is primarily aimed at Core Semikha program applicants. 

 

Please note that the Beit Midrash has a Learner Track and a Semikha Track. Students on the Semikha Track receive a stipend and full tuition coverage. Students on the Learner Track pay modest tuition on a sliding scale. The application will ask you to indicate to which track you are applying.

 

Application Deadline: January 12, 2026

Recommendations Deadline: January 20, 2026

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application overview 

 

Who should apply to the Beit Midrash Program? 

• women with familiarity and some experience learning Jewish talmudic and mishnaic texts

• easily recognize, read, and articulate Hebrew letters & have at least a basic understanding of speaking & reading Hebrew 

• hold a college degree or the equivalent

• be engaged in Jewish communal life 

• find personal meaning in living halakhically (according to Jewish law)

• be excited about having an immersive Torah learning experience

• be open to, curious about, or interested in the possibility of pursuing rabbinic education and a rabbinic career in the future

 

How do I apply to the Beit Midrash Program?

1. Written application: This includes sections about your educational background, personal history, personal statements, and two references. 

2. Learning Skills Assessment: Meet with a faculty member to discuss your learning experiences and assess your Hebrew and Aramaic reading and translation skills, understanding of concepts and structures in Talmud and key commentaries, and capacity for learning advancement. More details about the LSA can be found in this overview.

3. Admissions Interview: Applicants offered an interview will meet with members of the admissions committee to discuss their educational background and candidacy.

Questions? Contact Liba Berger, our​ Director of Recruitment and Admissions. To stay informed on upcoming deadlines and opportunities, sign up for our newsletter.

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