Jewish and Western Texts in Conversation

Straus Spring Seminar for High School Students in New York City
Men's and Women's Separate Programs
Stay Tuned for Summer 2026 Applications

Program Overview

Current high school juniors and seniors are invited to apply for Jewish and Western Texts in Conversation, an immersive seminar program at the Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought of Yeshiva University. Through unique interdisciplinary seminars and exclusive tours, �԰�� will have the opportunity to learn at the collegiate level and engage with the YU Straus Center’s renowned faculty. Students will cultivate their knowledge of Torah and Western thought and form lasting friendships with fellow Modern Orthodox �԰��. This program is highly selective, with separate learning tracks for men and women. There is no cost to �԰��.

Schedule

In this seminar program, �԰�� will explore foundational texts at the heart of the Jewish and Western traditions including Jewish Ideas & American Democracy, Shakespeare & the Bible, and Zionist Thought & the Israeli Declaration of Independence. Students will be exposed to the richness of human knowledge and insights from the foundational texts of the Jewish and Western tradition, confronting the great moral, philosophical, and theological questions of our age. The program will also include curated activities, meals with Straus faculty, and meaningful networking opportunities.

Mission and Faculty

The Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought, directed by Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik, trains Yeshiva University �԰�� to be Modern Orthodox intellectual leaders who are well versed in both Torah and the Western canon. Straus faculty, including Associate Director Dr. Neil Rogachevsky and Resident Scholar Rabbi Dr. Dov Lerner, bring formidable academic and educational expertise to the Center.

Learn More �԰�� Our Team