Roshei Yeshiva

Yeshivat Har Etzion / Roshei Yeshiva

Rav Amital and Rav Lichtenstein

The Founding Roshei Yeshiva

The special atmosphere of the Yeshiva has been created by the continuity of leadership of HaRav Yehuda Amital and HaRav Aharon Lichtenstein, who merge the best traditions of Judaic studies with a pragmatic grasp of the modern world. These two Roshei Yeshiva – very different in background, temperament, and approach – provide a shining example of successful joint leadership built on mutual respect. This model serves to guide and elevate the personal and professional lives of the alumni, long after they have left the Yeshiva.

Rav Lichtenstein HaRav Aharon Lichtenstein

Rav Aharon Lichtenstein grew up in the United States, earning Semicha at Yeshiva University, and a Ph.D. in English Literature at Harvard. He is committed to intensive and original Torah study, and articulates a bold Jewish worldview that embraces modernity, reflecting the tradition of his teacher and father-in-law, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt"l. In 1971, Rav Lichtenstein answered Rav Amital's request to join him at the helm of the Yeshiva. He is a source of inspiration for a wide circle of Jewry, for both his educational attainments and his intellectual leadership.

Rav Amital HaRav Yehuda Amital

A Hungarian survivor of the Holocaust, Rav Amital emigrated to Israel in 1944, and resumed his yeshiva studies in Jerusalem. During the War of Independence, he served in the Hagana armored corps, taking part in the famous battle of Latrun. Subsequently, he took an active role in the development of Yeshivat Hadarom, where he was involved in the formulation of the idea of yeshivat hesder. Following the Six Day War, Rav Amital founded and assumed leadership of Yeshivat Har Etzion. He is a dominant public figure in Israel who is widely respected on matters of religious and national concern.

KOL YEHUDA - Imrot Ve-Hegyonot Mi-Torat HaRav Amital - in hebrew

Elul 5764
Sometime ago, HaRav Amital shlit"a, although not planning to retire as yet, as Rosh HaYeshiva, expressed interest in initiating steps to choose his eventual replacement. To this end, a committee was established, consisting of representatives of the Ramim, alumni of the Yeshiva in Israel and abroad, and the administration. The committee dealt with the matter for several months and presented its recommendations to the Roshei Yeshiva and the administration. The recommendations were accepted by them and they chose HaRav Yaakov Medan and HaRav Baruch Gigi as designated Roshei Yeshiva. The actual appointment became effective during the 5766 academic year, at which time the two new Roshei Yeshiva began serving alongside the two senior Roshei Yeshiva. When HaRav Amital shlit"a retires, the Yeshiva will be headed by three Roshei Yeshiva. At some future date with an eye to HaRav Lichtenstein's eventual retirement, another Rosh Yeshiva will be designated to serve in due time jointly with HaRav Medan and HaRav Gigi as co-Roshei Yeshiva.

We trust that these present and future steps will ensure the orderly transfer of leadership and provide, with BS"D, the proper balance of continuity and innovation.

Rav Gigi HaRav Baruch Gigi - Rosh Yeshiva as of 2006

Rav Baruch Gigi came to Israel from Morocco at the age of 11 and joined Yeshivat Har Etzion in 1975. He earned his Semicha at theYeshiva and a Bachelor of Education degree from the Herzog College. From1983-1988, Rav Gigi served as a Ram and Rosh Kollel at the Hesder Yeshiva "Ma'a lot," and since 1988, he has served as a Ram at Yeshivat Har Etzion. Rav Gigi currently teaches Hilchot Shabbat in the Kollel of the Yeshiva and serves as the Rav of the Sephardic Synagogue in Alon Shevut. He also teaches at the Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz and at the Women's Advocates Training Program of Ohr-Torah Stone Institutes.

Rav Medan HaRav Yaakov Medan - Rosh Yeshiva as of 2006

Rav Yakov Medan studied at the Netiv Meir High School in Jerusalem and in 1968, joined the first class at Yeshivat Har Etzion. He served in the IDF in the Airborne Nachal Infantry unit in the Hesder Program, and afterwards, returned to the Yeshiva as a Ram. He earned his Semicha from Yeshivat Har Etzion, a Bachelor of Education degree from Michlala in Jerusalem and a Master's degree from Touro College. Rav Medan teaches Tanach at Yeshivat Har Etzion and at numerous Yeshivot hesder and colleges throughout the country, and is considered one of the outstanding educators of Tanach today. In 2000, Rav Medan served as a Board member of the school for conversion of the Ne'eman Committee, and thus began is involvement, together with Prof. Ruth Gavison, in composing a renewed pact for relations between religious and secular, for which he was awarded the Avichai Prize. Today, Rav Medan serves as a Ram for fourth-year students at Yeshivat Har Etzion, teaches Tanach and Jewish Thought at the Yeshiva and Herzog College, and taught at the Advanced Torah Institute of Bar Ilan University and at many other institutions. In addition, he is completing his doctoral studies at Bar Ilan University.