Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School (YCT) is a "Modern Open Orthodox" yeshiva founded in 1999 by Rabbi Avi Weiss.

Currently located in Riverdale, New York, it seeks to "recruit, professionally train, and place rabbis" who will promote its founder's philosophy. Supporters state that YCT expresses commitment to and observance of Halakha (Jewish law) while maintaining an openness to modern culture, the broader Jewish community, and sensitive approaches to addressing contemporary issues.

YCT's rabbinic education program combines a classic curriculum in Tanakh, Talmud, and the codes of Jewish law with a program in Pastoral counseling, leadership retreats, and education in fund-raising and other realities of contemporary religious leadership.

YCT ordained its first graduating class of rabbis in June 2004 and has continued to do so every June since. Its current Rosh HaYeshiva (head of school) is Rabbi Dov Linzer, a Talmudist and student of Jewish law.

In addition to its rabbinical studies program, the yeshiva offers a public Jewish educational program, in association with the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, at its Riverdale campus in the Bronx, New York. YCT also runs a variety of events open to the entire Jewish community, including its annual yemei iyun ("study days") on Bible and Jewish Thought and a public lecture series. In April 2006, YCT applied for accreditation with the Rabbinical Council of America, the major American association of Modern Orthodox rabbis, which would have made YCT graduates eligible for RCA membership. Their application was denied.