Mesivta Torah Vodaath Seminary

Brooklyn, New York, United States · Est. 1918

Historic Haredi yeshiva in Brooklyn, educating students from preschool through rabbinical seminary since 1918.

  • Founded 1918 in Brooklyn, New York
  • Private nonprofit Haredi Jewish yeshiva
  • Over 1,000 students across preschool, elementary, high school, and rabbinical divisions
  • Located in Flatbush, Brooklyn with satellite programs in Marine Park and Boro Park
  • NYS Board of Regents certified high school; recognized by U.S. Department of Education
  • Known as 'mother of the Yeshiva movement in America'

Academics

Yeshiva Torah Vodaath operates multiple educational divisions: Gan Avrohom Yaakov Preschool, Yeshiva Ketanah (elementary), Mechina Ohr Yonah (preparatory), Mesivta Torah Vodaath (NYS Board of Regents certified high school), Beis Medrash, and Kollel Nachlas Dovid (postgraduate). The institution combines traditional Talmud study with Jewish education and, uniquely among major Haredi yeshivas, allows students to attend college while studying at the yeshiva. The curriculum emphasizes reaching every student and enabling each to reach maximum potential through innovative teaching methods and contemporary resources.

History & Mission

Established in 1918 by Binyomin Wilhelm and Louis Dershowitz, Torah Vodaath was conceived to serve families relocating from the Lower East Side to Brooklyn. Originally named after a 1905 yeshiva in Lida founded by Rabbi Yitzchak Yaacov Reines, it was modeled on European yeshivas with religious studies in Yiddish and traditional Talmud methodology. A mesivta (high school) opened in 1926, followed by a rabbinical seminary. The institution has maintained its legacy for nearly 100 years while remaining dynamic and innovative.

Campus & Locations

The main campus is located at 425 East 9th Street in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York. The yeshiva occupies three buildings on the main campus and operates satellite programs in Marine Park and Boro Park. The institution also maintains a beit midrash (study hall) in Monsey. The Harry Herskowitz School building houses the Mesivta division.

Leadership & Community

As of 2018, the three roshei yeshiva (heads) are Rabbis Yisroel Reisman, Yosef Savitsky, and Yitzchok Lichtenstein. The yeshiva has produced numerous notable alumni including scholars, rabbis, educators, and public figures. The majority of graduates pursue careers outside Torah education, reflecting the institution's philosophy of combining religious study with secular engagement.

Founded
1918
Courses
7
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationHaredi Judaism
Websitehttps://torahvodaath.org/
HousingNot available
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
7
Avg career outcomes
Not yet verified
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
No
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources