Kollel for Contemporary Halakhic Studies

The Kollel for Contemporary Halakhic Studies is a four-week intensive learning program for advanced scholars. Geared for Orthodox men with semikha or equivalent level of learning and under the leadership of Rabbi Dov Linzer, YCT Rosh HaYeshiva and President, the YCT Kollel will develop Halakhic authorities for the Orthodox community who embody values of inclusion, human dignity, respect for diversity, and who will impact the community through their thought leadership, halakhic rulings, and scholarship. Furthermore, it will advance the highest level of Torah and halakhic scholarship on the pressing topics of today.

The Kollel focuses on a different theme each year. Chavrutot tackle a question of their choosing relating to this larger theme, and will produce a written teshuvah or halakhic paper on the topic. Rabbi Linzer delivers regular shiurim on halakhic approaches to the various aspects of disabilities and on methodologies of psak and teshuva writing. The learning includes hearing from guest speakers, both Torah/halakhic experts and experts from other fields, specifically pastoral counseling and medical ethics. At each monthly seminar, fellows will discuss and debate a halakhic Sheila that they will have been given in advance, thereby reinforcing and developing their halakhic skills and expertise.

YCT is proud to have Yeshivat Machanayim, Yeshivat Maalei Gilboa, Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak and Yeshivat Otniel as co-sponsors of the Kollel. 

Participation in the Kollel is determined by a nomination and application process. Fellows constitute a cohort which will continue to meet on a monthly basis during the following academic year. The Kollel provides up to a $5,000 fellowship for eligible students.

Curious to learn more about the Kollel? Read our FAQs page here.

We welcome our 2021-2022 inaugural cohort:

• Ilan Boukris, Student, Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak
• R. Tomer Bukovza, Semikha, Israeli Rabbanut, Ram, Yeshivat Otniel
• R. Barry Dolinger, Semikha, RIETS, Rabbi, Cong. Beth Sholom, Rhode Island
• Ben Zion Ferziger, Hesder, Yeshivat Har Etzion, Faculty, The Idea School
• R. David Fried, Semikha, YCT, Faculty, New England Jewish Academy, Editor, thelehrhaus.com
• R. Ben Greenfield, Semikha, YCT, Rabbi, The Greenpoint Shul
• Daniel Herman, Student, Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak
• R. Jason Herman, Semikha, YCT, Rabbi, Hudson Yards Synagogue
• R. Dan Margulies, Semikha, YCT, Former Rabbi, The Riverdale Minyan, Currently Faculty, Berman Hebrew Academy
• R. Haggai Resnikoff, Semikha, YCT, Rebbe and Director of Community Learning, YCT
• R. Amichai Samet, Ram, Yeshivat Otniel
• R. Yehuda Witt, Semikha, Strauss Rabbinical Seminary,  Former Co-Director, OU JLIC at Boston University, Faculty, Netivot: the Montessori Yeshiva

 Click here to see our FAQ on the Kollel