Machon Shlomo - The Heiden Institute

Building the Jewish Leaders of Tomorrow.

Machon Shlomo offers an immersive Torah education, equipping students with the values, knowledge, and leadership skills to reclaim their heritage and build a meaningful Jewish life.

Hear from Our Alumni

Our alumni share how Machon Shlomo shaped their path in Torah, personal growth, and community leadership.

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Hear from Our Alumni

Our Mission, Our Tradition

About Us

For more than forty years, Machon Shlomo has been teaching highly motivated students who arrive with minimal Jewish education. Located in Jerusalem, our intensive, full-time programs, offered in one and two-year tracks, provide a robust Torah-based foundation for spiritual, intellectual, and ethical growth.

Our Students

Machon Shlomo students have a deep desire to learn, to grow, and to be part of a shared, growth-oriented experience.

We serve Jewish, English-speaking college graduates in their 20s and 30s. Our students come from the world’s best universities and companies, deciding to pause their studies and careers to spend a year or two devoted to Torah learning and self-growth.

History

Machon Shlomo was founded in 1982, far from the bustle and distractions of downtown Jerusalem. The yeshiva’s founder, Rabbi Yaakov Rosenberg zt”l, hand-picked an unassuming location where motivated students could build themselves to achieve greatness.

A Comprehensive Torah Curriculum

In 9 months, many of our students go from not understanding Hebrew to being able to read, translate, and discuss entire pages of Jewish law in the original text.

Through pair-based learning, dynamic lectures and individual tutoring, our curriculum prepares students to be Jewish fathers, husbands and leaders.

We study the Talmud in its original Hebrew-Aramaic, dive into each week's Torah portion and have a special focus on character development.

A Glimpse Into Our Yeshiva

Student Testimonials

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"The warmth of the rabbis and the depth of the learning made all the difference in my journey."

Dr. Michael Bunzel

Medical Physician

"An experience that transformed my perspective on Torah, leadership, and life itself."

Daniel Eisenberg

Physician (Radiologist)

"The learning, the mentorship, and the friendships I built here will stay with me forever."

Dr. Michael Bunzel

Medical Physician

"The warmth of the rabbis and the depth of the learning made all the difference in my journey."

Dr. Michael Bunzel

Medical Physician

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I often quote Rabbi Triebitz. When students tried steering the conversation off-topic, he’d say, “Be here now! Be with Rashi now! Be with Tosfos now!” It was more than a learning strategy—it was a life lesson. Be present. Be with your kids now. Be with your wife now. Be with reality now. Live now. BHN (Be Here Now)

Michael Feldman

Private Banker at JPMorgan Private Bank

My time at Machon Shlomo gave me access to a previously unknown tradition rooted in love, purpose, and contribution.

Andrew Stern

Business Advisor and Investor

“Be balanced.” “Trust your daas.” "וּבְמָקוֹם שֶׁאֵין אֲנָשִׁים, הִשְׁתַּדֵּל לִהְיוֹת אִישׁ" — In a place where there are no men, strive to be a man.

Alex Perilstein

Attorney & Business Manager

Strong, grounded relationships are essential for a successful professional, family, and personal life. The relationships I built here continue to serve as anchors that guide me through life’s decisions and challenges.

Ze’ev Steinberg

Technology Analyst

The Heart of Machon Shlomo

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Director (Menahel)

Rabbi Pinchas Auerbach has been part of Machon Shlomo since its founding, working closely with his father-in-law and founder, Rabbi Rosenberg zt”l.

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Rabbi Pinchas Auerbach

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Lecturer

Rabbi Yehuda Gershenfeld is a lecturer at Machon Shlomo, known for his depth of Talmud and his ability to guide students in building strong foundations in their learning

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Rabbi Yehuda Gershenfeld

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Lecturer

Rabbi Uri Auerbach is a Talmud mentor at Machon Shlomo, known for helping students develop clarity and confidence in Gemara. Born in Har Nof just two buildings away from the yeshiva, he grew up surrounded by the atmosphere of Machon Shlomo and its values.

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Rabbi Uri Auerbach

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Talmud Mentor (Shoel U’meishiv)

Rabbi Yosef Steinberg is a lecturer and sho’el u’meishiv at Machon Shlomo, helping students develop clarity as they prepare and learn in the beis medrash. The son of Machon Shlomo alumnus Tom Steinberg, born in the United States and raised in Israel from eight weeks old, he studied at the Yeshiva Gedola of Passaic under Rabbi Meir Stern before returning to Israel at age nineteen.

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Rabbi Yosef Steinberg

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Senior Lecturer

Rabbi Meir Triebitz is a senior lecturer at Machon Shlomo. Known for his depth and clarity, he integrates Torah learning with broader intellectual disciplines.

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Rabbi Meir Triebitz

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Tutor

Rabbi Yoel Tatz is a tutor and educator at Machon Shlomo, known for his passion for Jewish philosophy and the teachings of the Maharal of Prague. Originally from Kaunas, Lithuania, he moved to New York at age 12 and later attended New York University, where he briefly pursued careers in medicine and finance.

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Rabbi Yoel Tatz

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Dean of Students (Mashgiach)

Rabbi Yehoshua Styne is the Dean of Students, Mashgiach (Spiritual Advisor), and a Senior Lecturer at Machon Shlomo. Originally from the United States, he received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and later studied Film Production and Directing at the University of Southern California.

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Rabbi Yehoshua Styne

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Senior Lecturer

Rabbi Noach Orlowek is a world-renowned Jewish educator, lecturing on five continents, predominantly in the areas of parenting, teaching and interpersonal relationships. At Machon Yaakov, he lectures on relationships and character building, as well as advising students privately on a weekly basis.

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Rabbi Noach Orlowek

Rabbi Eliyahu Greenberg

Rosh Yeshiva & Co-Founder

Rabbi Beryl Gershenfeld has been teaching and designing educational programming for post college Jewish youth since the early 1980s. His areas of special interest include engaging students in sophisticated and relevant readings of Biblical texts and empowering students to become educated and passionate Jewish leaders.

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Rabbi Beryl Gershenfeld

A Place to Learn, Grow, and Connect

Located in a peaceful setting, Machon Shlomo provides a conducive atmosphere. Our facilities offer everything students need for a meaningful and focused yeshiva experience.

Start Your Journey Today

Study Hall

  • The heart of our Yeshiva is our bustling Beis Midrash (study hall).
  • The spacious, well-lit area is designed for immersive Torah study, prayer, and deep thought.
  • Our study hall isn’t silent, inspired by classic Yeshivas, you hear lively debates and learning among study partners, tutors, and rabbis.
  • Our classes are filled with questions, lectures, and learning.

Dorms

  • Students have a short commute to class, just down the stairs.
  • Our dorms hold 2-3 students each, preparing everyone for family life and marriage.
  • Wireless internet is available throughout the building.
  • Each floor has shared showers, bathrooms, and a laundry room.
  • A fully equipped laundry room with washers and dryers.

Har Nof

  • Har Nof is an established and growing Israeli-American neighborhood.
  • Our outdoor porches and windows offer expansive views of the forest, valley, and hills.
  • Our hilltop neighborhood is very walkable and lively.
  • A grocery store, pharmacy, a few restaurants, and corner markets are a few minutes’ walk away.
  • A shopping district is a few minutes by bus, and downtown Jerusalem is a 20-minute bus ride, with buses every 10 minutes.

Gym and Cafeteria

  • In 2024, our upgraded gym opened, providing students with equipment to maintain their physical and mental well-being.
  • A full-time chef prepares home-cooked meals for all the students in our two kitchens.
  • Students are served high-quality kosher meat, chicken, fish, and vegetables.
  • Coffee, tea, and snacks are available all day.

Start Your Journey Today

Take the First Step Towards A Transformative Year

Program Dates

September to June

Application Deadline

15 June, 2025

Please note: Once all spots are filled, subsequent applicants will be placed on a waiting list. We encourage early registration to secure your place.

How to Apply

Complete the Online Application

Submit your details through our streamlined application form.

01

Interview with Our Rabbis

A conversation to understand your background, goals, and aspirations.

02

Acceptance & Enrollment

Receive guidance on the next steps, including preparing for your studies.

03

Apply Here

Have Questions?   We’re Here to Help

Everything you need to know about Machon Shlomo, from admissions to daily life and beyond.

Contact Us

Who is Machon Shlomo for?

Our students have a deep desire to learn, to grow, and to be part of a shared, growth-oriented experience.

We serve Jewish, English-speaking college graduates in their 20s and 30s. Our young men come from the world’s best universities and companies, deciding to pause their studies and careers to spend a year or two devoted to Torah learning and self-growth.

Do I need a background in Jewish studies or Hebrew to attend?

No, our program is specifically designed for college-educated men with limited backgrounds in Jewish learning. Our rabbis and tutors specialize in making lessons accessible and building knowledge and skills quickly. All classes are taught in English.

When does the program start and end?

Machon Shlomo follows a structured nine-month academic calendar, starting in early September and ending in mid-June.

There are intermittent breaks surrounding the Jewish holidays as well as a short winter break.

How much does tuition cost?

Machon Shlomo is an investment in your Torah learning for a lifetime of growth. 

Annual Tuition: $15,500

Machon Shlomo, together with our generous alumni and donors, ensures that every student has the opportunity to attend. We offer scholarships, flexible payment plans, need-based assistance, and work opportunities.

Tuition includes:
* Full-time schedule
* 24/7 access to facilities, library, and gym
* Regular one-on-one tutoring sessions
* Hot, home-cooked meals throughout the academic year
* Shabbat placements with host families



Airfare, medical insurance, books and personal expenses are not included.

Will I become a Rabbi?

Machon Shlomo is not a rabbinical ordination program, although some graduates do choose to pursue rabbinic ordination after their time here.

Our alumni have gone on to excel in diverse fields, holding positions at the highest levels in law, medicine, finance, education, music, engineering, public service, and the rabbinate.

Where will I live after graduation? 

The vast majority of students return to their home community after studying at Machon Shlomo. However, a small percentage of alumni have settled in English-speaking communities in Israel, including Har Nof, Rachavia, and Ramat Beit Shemes.

Apply Today