YP/BMP Are at a Disadvantage

At Yeshiva University, we uphold the belief that a well-rounded education must include both secular academic study and Torah learning. This unique integration is a cornerstone of the university’s mission and reflects our dual commitment to excellence in general education and deep engagement with Jewish tradition. To support this vision, Yeshiva University offers four distinct Torah learning programs, each designed to cater to students with different levels of familiarity with Jewish texts, Hebrew language and traditional Torah study.

There is a notable structural difference between the classroom-oriented programs (JSS and IBC) and the beit midrash-oriented programs (BMP and YP). JSS and IBC students automatically receive three Torah credits each semester for their morning learning, and their various Jewish studies courses in the morning are averaged into one composite grade. In addition, some IBC and JSS classes fulfill the Jewish core requirements that all YU students must complete in order to graduate. This structure allows these students to fulfill their Jewish studies core requirements more easily and helps them fit graduation requirements into their daily schedule. 

In contrast, students in BMP and YP, who spend their mornings in a single shiur or learning block, do not receive the same academic flexibility. They are required to take all of their Jewish studies core courses during the afternoon, in addition to their intensive morning (and often night) learning. While they can choose to take their morning classes for up to three elective credits if they want to, they still have less time and flexibility to complete prerequisites for their majors, minors or pre-professional tracks. Additionally, their Torah studies are not counted toward their Jewish studies core requirements, meaning that they are dedicating more time to learning Torah and also have to dedicate more time to Jewish studies in their already strained afternoon class slots. While BMP and YP offer a more experienced type of Torah immersion, they come with logistical challenges that can make it difficult for students to balance their academic and religious commitments.

Some students have voiced concerns over this disparity. Gabi Joel Ghalandar (YC ’27), a former BMP student who transitioned to IBC, said that he appreciated the variety and academic opportunities that IBC provided. He noted that one of IBC’s most significant advantages is its ability to integrate Jewish core requirements into the morning schedule, freeing up time for other academic pursuits.

Another student, who ultimately remained in BMP but seriously considered switching to IBC, expressed frustration with the current system. He argued that by allowing JSS and IBC students to average their grades and fulfill core requirements more easily, Yeshiva University unintentionally incentivizes students to join “lower-level” programs even when they may be better suited for more rigorous Torah learning in BMP or YP. He emphasized that this system undermines the university’s mission of spiritual growth and Torah development.

Moreover, many students have pointed out how these disparities allow JSS and IBC students to bypass the unpopular online Hebrew language requirements. These students can either take a less intensive in-person Hebrew course or have their Hebrew grades averaged into the morning program’s composite grade, making it less of a burden. In contrast, BMP and YP students are required to fulfill the full Hebrew requirement, with little flexibility unless they switch into a lower program, which some see as a compromise in their Torah learning goals.

This reinforces a perception that the university is giving preferential treatment to students in JSS and IBC, despite its stated commitment to Torah growth and learning. It sends the message that students who are in shiur-based programs may face more academic and logistical hurdles than their peers in class-based programs.

If we believe in Torah as a central pillar of Yeshiva University, then our systems should reflect that belief consistently. Every student, regardless of their learning level, should feel equally supported and encouraged in their academic and religious journeys. The recent changes raise important questions about the university’s priorities and how it can better align its administrative policies with its core mission of Torah Umadda.

Decreasing the number of Jewish core classes needed to graduate for those in the shiur-based programs might help bridge the gap between the morning programs. This will incentivize students to remain in more traditional learning programs and make it easier for students in shiur-based programs to succeed in both their secular classes and their morning programs.

Photo Credit: The Commentator 

Photo Caption: Glueck Beit Midrash