Machon Shlomo follows the standard academic calendar, beginning the first week of September and ending mid-June. Enrollment is for the full nine-month academic year. There are vacations scheduled around the holidays of Sukkos and Pesach, and an additional mid-winter break.
Our class schedule is designed to help students develop skills to be able to learn texts on their own, gain insights into a wide range of Jewish texts and philosophy, and acquire tools essential for personal development. The goal is not only to learn how to learn but also to build the necessary foundation to continue to live and grow in the ways of the Torah. In an atmosphere of warmth and vibrancy, students explore the vast richness and wisdom of their common heritage.
7:30 a.m. Shacharis
8:45 a.m. Breakfast
9:15 a.m. In-Depth Talmud Program
The daily Talmud program begins with each student working alongside his chevrusa (study partner) to develop his own understanding of the text. This style of learning challenges each person to analyze, question, and explain the material in order to help sharpen and refine each other’s perspective. Afterward, he attends class given by one of the Rabbis at the yeshiva where he clarifies and builds on his understanding of the day’s assigned text.
12:00 p.m. Jewish Philosophy
The morning curriculum includes workshops in Jewish Philosophy taught by leading experts in which students examine themselves and the world around them through the lens of Torah philosophy and psychology. The liturgy of the prayer book is also studied in-depth, allowing the students access to this essential component of Jewish wisdom and connection.
1:15 p.m. Mincha
1:30 p.m. Lunch and Free Time
3:30 p.m. Chumash
The afternoon program consists of in-depth analysis of Chumash with Rashi. Students engage in the many levels of the weekly parsha, learn skills of textual study, and take away important lessons that can be applied to their everyday lives.
5:00 p.m. Law and Ethics
In the Halacha (Jewish Law) class, students delve into the laws involved in every aspect of our daily life. The Jewish Ethics class features the classical work Mesilas Yesharim, by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto. The book is centered on character development through simple steps towards the perfection of the self. Within each step, Rabbi Luzzatto explains the step itself, its elements, and how it can be acquired, and he provides students with an insightful journey of introspection and character development.
5:30 p.m. Cake Break
5:45 p.m. Prep Class
Each student is offered a personal tutoring session with a Rabbi at the yeshiva. During this time each student has the valuable opportunity to practice his reading and translation skills and to discuss a challenging section of Gemara from his morning class. In addition, students are offered a “prep class” to be introduced to the material that will be covered in the following day’s class.