Yeshiva

A yeshiva (Hebrew: ישיבה, lit. "sitting"; plural: yeshivot or yeshivos) is a Jewish institution that focuses on the study of traditional religious texts, primarily the Talmud and the Torah. The term is derived from the Hebrew root י-ש-ב (y-sh-b), which means "to sit," reflecting the central role of seated study in Jewish learning. Yeshivas are found in communities worldwide, with significant concentrations in Israel, the United States, and Europe. They serve as educational institutions for both children and adults, with some yeshivas offering advanced studies for those pursuing rabbinic ordination. The curriculum often includes Jewish law (halakha), Jewish thought, and Hebrew language. In some contexts, the term yeshiva may also refer to the study hall or synagogue where these teachings take place. The concept of yeshiva has evolved over centuries, with notable historical yeshivas playing crucial roles in the preservation and development of Jewish scholarship.