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Dirshu
Dirshu (Hebrew: דרשו, lit. "Seek") is an Orthodox Jewish international organization whose goal is to strengthen and encourage Torah study. Founded in 1997, the organization produces study cycles, sponsors shiurim (Torah lectures), furnishes and grades tests, and offers financial incentives to individuals and groups to learn and master Talmud, Halakha, and Mussar texts. It has also published new editions of traditional Jewish texts, and sponsored major gatherings to celebrate the completion of its study cycles. As of 2018, more than 150,000 people have participated in its programs, which have spread to 26 countries on five continents.
The organization's name is a Hebrew word for 'seek', based on the verse in Psalms 105:4: "Seek God and His might; seek His presence constantly".
Dirshu was originally established to combat the challenges to Jewish religious life faced by baalebatim (working men) in the modern age. Jewish men who have had a yeshiva education are challenged by many negative influences in the workplace, such as Internet usage and lack of modesty. According to Dirshu founder Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter, by enabling these men to continue immersing themselves in Torah study, many of these challenges are rendered moot. Dedication to Torah learning also inculcates respect for the man by his wife and children. Hofstedter states, "There is no solution as effective as the blatt gemara [page of Talmud]".
As it gained popularity, the Dirshu program of daily study, review, and testing also appealed to Jewish men who were still enrolled in yeshiva and kollel. By fostering discipline and accountability for personal study, Dirshu enables participants to master their learning, and has produced serious Torah scholars.
In 1997, Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter, a Canadian Jewish businessman working in real estate and property management, opened a small beis medrash (study hall) in his Toronto office. He sought like-minded Jewish businessmen to participate in an early-morning program that included chavrusa-style learning and a shiur (Torah lecture), followed by morning prayers and hot coffee. As an extra incentive, Hofstedter offered a small stipend, and introduced a system of regular tests by which participants could assess their progress.
The program was well-received, and word spread to other communities in Canada and the United States. The first Dirshu programs were established in Montreal, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago. Dirshu later spread to Israel, and in spring 2018 opened its 60th European branch, in Berlin. As of 2019, Dirshu operates in 26 countries on five continents.
While the Torah study programs are geared to men, Dirshu acknowledges the support given by wives to allow their husbands to spend their free time studying, considering them "equal partners" in the Torah learning. It invites wives to all Dirshu siyumim, events, and trips honoring their husbands for their Torah achievements.
As of 2019, Dirshu offers twelve different learning programs geared to different levels and interests. Individuals may participate in a Dirshu learning program on their own or join a study group. Each program stresses continual review of the material, and includes regularly scheduled tests by which students can assess their mastery of the material. Stipends are awarded for outstanding test scores. Subject areas include:
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Dirshu
Dirshu (Hebrew: דרשו, lit. "Seek") is an Orthodox Jewish international organization whose goal is to strengthen and encourage Torah study. Founded in 1997, the organization produces study cycles, sponsors shiurim (Torah lectures), furnishes and grades tests, and offers financial incentives to individuals and groups to learn and master Talmud, Halakha, and Mussar texts. It has also published new editions of traditional Jewish texts, and sponsored major gatherings to celebrate the completion of its study cycles. As of 2018, more than 150,000 people have participated in its programs, which have spread to 26 countries on five continents.
The organization's name is a Hebrew word for 'seek', based on the verse in Psalms 105:4: "Seek God and His might; seek His presence constantly".
Dirshu was originally established to combat the challenges to Jewish religious life faced by baalebatim (working men) in the modern age. Jewish men who have had a yeshiva education are challenged by many negative influences in the workplace, such as Internet usage and lack of modesty. According to Dirshu founder Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter, by enabling these men to continue immersing themselves in Torah study, many of these challenges are rendered moot. Dedication to Torah learning also inculcates respect for the man by his wife and children. Hofstedter states, "There is no solution as effective as the blatt gemara [page of Talmud]".
As it gained popularity, the Dirshu program of daily study, review, and testing also appealed to Jewish men who were still enrolled in yeshiva and kollel. By fostering discipline and accountability for personal study, Dirshu enables participants to master their learning, and has produced serious Torah scholars.
In 1997, Rabbi Dovid Hofstedter, a Canadian Jewish businessman working in real estate and property management, opened a small beis medrash (study hall) in his Toronto office. He sought like-minded Jewish businessmen to participate in an early-morning program that included chavrusa-style learning and a shiur (Torah lecture), followed by morning prayers and hot coffee. As an extra incentive, Hofstedter offered a small stipend, and introduced a system of regular tests by which participants could assess their progress.
The program was well-received, and word spread to other communities in Canada and the United States. The first Dirshu programs were established in Montreal, Detroit, Cleveland, and Chicago. Dirshu later spread to Israel, and in spring 2018 opened its 60th European branch, in Berlin. As of 2019, Dirshu operates in 26 countries on five continents.
While the Torah study programs are geared to men, Dirshu acknowledges the support given by wives to allow their husbands to spend their free time studying, considering them "equal partners" in the Torah learning. It invites wives to all Dirshu siyumim, events, and trips honoring their husbands for their Torah achievements.
As of 2019, Dirshu offers twelve different learning programs geared to different levels and interests. Individuals may participate in a Dirshu learning program on their own or join a study group. Each program stresses continual review of the material, and includes regularly scheduled tests by which students can assess their mastery of the material. Stipends are awarded for outstanding test scores. Subject areas include:
