About the Yeshiva

Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak is a Hesder Yeshiva located in the community of Efrat in Gush Etzion.

Heads of the Yeshiva

The Yeshiva is currently led by Rabbi Yair Dreyfus, Rabbi Dr. Noam Samet, and Rabbi Dr. Uri Lipschitz.

History and Key Milestones

    • Founding (1996): The Yeshiva began as a small Beit Midrash (study hall) in Jerusalem, established by Rabbi Shagar and Rabbi Yair Dreyfus. Initially called “Yeshivat Siach,” it was intended for Hesder Yeshiva graduates, emphasizing open dialogue between the world of Torah and general society.

    • Move to Efrat and Joining the Hesder Program: In 1999, the Yeshiva moved to its current location in Efrat. In 2001, it joined the Hesder program, beginning to accept graduates of religious high schools as well.

    • Name Change (2003): Its name was changed to “Yeshivat Siach Yitzchak” in honor of Dr. Yitzchak Breuer.

    • Passing of Rabbi Shagar (2007): Rabbi Shagar passed away, and Rabbi Yair Dreyfus served as the sole Rosh Yeshiva until 2019 (5779).

    • Study Programs and Expansion:

      • “Tzirufim” (2014): An annual Torah study program for individuals aged 24 and older, aiming to develop Torah leaders.

      • “Nehalech BeRagash” (2016): A Beit Midrash for Haredi Avrechim (married men dedicated to Torah study) focusing on the teachings of Rabbi Shagar.

      • “BeTorato Yehgeh” (2017): A two-year program for advanced Torah studies in the path of Rabbi Shagar.

    • Expansion of Yeshiva Leadership (2019): Rabbi Dr. Noam Samet and Rabbi Dr. Uri Lipschitz joined Rabbi Yair Dreyfus as Roshei Yeshiva.

    • “Bina Le’Itim” Institute: The institute reopened, centralizing research activities and article publication. In 2020 (5780), it launched an online journal called “Tzirufim Chadashim” (New Combinations).

    The Yeshiva fully resumed operating as a Hesder Yeshiva in 2016. Since then, it has again been accepting graduates of religious high schools and general high schools prior to their army service.

Yeshiva staff

The Yeshiva staff comprises rabbis and spiritual figures who combine spiritual depth, attentiveness to the soul, and an ongoing effort to encounter God’s word in the world in a vibrant way. The staff accompanies students in both their studies and their personal journeys, with great love and a sense of family.

Rabbi Yair Dreyfus

Rabbi Yair Dreyfus was Rabbi Shagar’s partner in founding the Yeshiva and currently serves as its President and Head. He is the author of several books, including: “Re’im Ha’ahuvim – Drashot Chatunah” (Beloved Friends – Wedding Sermons), “Chatunah Shel Avudim – Kriah Chadasha Bema’aseh Me’shiv’at HaKabtzanim Shel Rabbi Nachman Mi’Breslav” (A Wedding for the Lost […]

Rabbi Noam Samet

Rosh Yeshiva (Head of the Yeshiva), Rabbi Dr. Noam Samet holds a Ph.D. in Jewish Thought from Ben-Gurion University. His doctoral thesis focuses on Talmudic scholarship in the modern era and the book ‘Ktzot HaChoshen’. He leads the in-depth Talmud (Gemara) study at the Beit Midrash.

Rabbi Uri Lipschitz

Rosh Yeshiva (Head of the Yeshiva), Rabbi Dr. Uri Lipschitz holds a Ph.D. in Jewish Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University. His doctoral dissertation focuses on the editing and meaning within the Babylonian Talmud. He leads the Halakha Kollel studies (advanced study of Jewish Law) in the Beit Midrash. He is the author of the book “Sichah […]

Rabbi Benaya Yanai

Rabbi Yanai serves as a Ram (Senior Rabbi/Lecturer) in the Yeshiva, teaching Gemara, Hasidut, Pnimiyut HaTorah (the inner dimension of Torah), and Kabbalah. He also leads the annual student program “Makom LeSiach” (A Place for Dialogue).

Rabbi Elchanan Nir

Rabbi Nir teaches Jewish thought in the Yeshiva. He is also a poet and the author of the books “Im Ratz Libcha” (If Your Heart Runs) and “Yehudi BaLayla” (A Jew at Night).

Dr. Eitan Abramovitz

Dr. Abramovitz teaches Jewish thought in the Yeshiva. He holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University; his doctoral dissertation focuses on Jewish identity in the writings of Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of “Tzirufim Chadashim”, the Yeshiva’s journal.

Dr. Zohar Maor

Dr. Maor teaches Jewish thought in the Yeshiva. He is also a senior lecturer in modern history at Bar-Ilan University and the author of the books “Torat Sod Chadasha: Ruchaniyut, Yetzirah U’Le’umiyut Be’Chug Prague” (A New Secret Teaching: Spirituality, Creativity, and Nationalism in the ‘Prague Circle’) and “Martin Buber (Biography)”.