How Fortunate We Are... Good Is Our Portion... Pleasant Is Our Lot...
How Fortunate We Are...
Ashreinu's goal is to instill in our students a lifelong love and commitment to Torah, Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael. We accomplish this through our unique curriculum that combines dynamic Torah study, meaningful chessed internships, and intensive educational tiyulim. Ashreinu provides a warm and caring environment, where our energetic, knowledgeable, and relatable staff is dedicated to the growth and development of each and every student.
Our Staff
Rabbi Gotch Yudin
Rabbi Mike Sohn
Rabbi Jeff Wohlgelernter
Rabbi Binyamin Pfeiffer
Alumni Testimonials
Ashreinu stands out as a gem among gap year programs, offering an unparalleled balance of inspiring Yiddishkeit while uniquely allowing talmidim the freedom to explore and grow on their own. Unlike the rigid and highly structured approach of most programs, Ashreinu fosters self-discovery in a way that is truly one of a kind.
Ashreinu was so formative for me. The friendliness and lack of pressure made me feel so comfortable. My year at Ashreinu anchored my emunah, whilst also having an absolutely amazing, hilarious and fun time with my friends and exploring Israel.
Ashreinu is a place where you will always have fun regardless of what you’re doing. The Ravs really know how to relate to you and of course, have a good time and make it a big year of growth… Ashreinu willl instill in you to always stay positive no matter what.
As a college student in Israel, living in Israel without my family is extremely challenging. Every time I walk into Ashreinu, I feel like I’m home. I feel like a part of a community. I feel loved.
My time at Ashreinu was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. What sets Ashreinu apart is its Rosh HaYeshiva, Rav Yudin. He has a unique ability to connect with students from all backgrounds, building deep relationships rooted in a shared love for Torah, mitzvot, and Eretz Yisrael. A few years after graduating from Ashreinu, I was honored to have Rav Yudin officiate my wedding, a moment that I will never forget.
Ashreinu completely changed the trajectory of my life. As a student for two years I was given the skills and knowledge, through learning and Chessed, to become a leader in my community at home. Seeing how my Rabbbeim impacted my friends and myself inspired me to come back as a madrich to try and be apart of such a special institution and mission!
I grew up never having opened a Sefer or learning for the sake of learning. Ashreinu taught me how to be a Yid. Looking back, the most memorable parts were the Rebbeim who are all so relatable, smart, and unique.
Ashreinu was the perfect stepping stone for multiple areas of my personal growth. Volunteering for Magen David Adom made me resilient. Exploring the Land of Israel affirmed my desire to live there one day. And my connection with my Rebbeim fueled a long-lasting love for learning, which I cherish to this day.
I spent almost every shabbos during my years at Ashreinu either staying over or having meals at the Rebbeim’s homes. Those shabbosim changed my life and created relationships with my rebbeim that I couldn’t have found anywhere besides Ashreinu.
I came out of high school with no drive or purpose in this world and left Yeshiva with friends, rebbeim, and values that will last a lifetime.
The experiences and memories I created during my year and a half at Ashreinu are some of the greatest I’ve ever had! Thank you Hashem for bringing me to Shrey! Going to be thinking back to those days for the rest of my life!
I am currently a lone soldier in the paratroopers unit. Had it not been for the wisdom of my Rebbeim and support from my friends at Ashreinu, I would not be where I am today. Every step I take in the battlefield is a testimony of the influence from my Shana Alef and Bet at Yeshivat Ashreinu.
Ashreinu is not just any Yeshiva—it’s a unique and inspiring place where young men from diverse backgrounds unite through Torah and Chesed while exploring the beauty of Israel. What truly sets Ashreinu apart are its exceptional Rabbanim, who are wise, caring, and deeply invested in each student’s growth. One of the most impactful experiences I had was the annual trip to Poland, meticulously designed to help us delve into our roots, confront our history, and reflect on life with authenticity and meaning.
Ashreinu has changed my life immensely… The Rebbeim, who I am still in contact with, have changed my life, and push me to succeed and better myself every day. I still talk to the friends and brothers who I made in my two years of Shana Alef and Shana Bet and it just makes me feel like a part of a family. Your family will always be there for you, even after your time as a student.
Ashreinu is a place where inspiration and enjoyment fill each room. Every day, whether it be in the bais or on a tiyul, shaped me into the person I am today. I couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who helped me in my journey.
Ashreinu made me feel at home. Incredible place with incredible people to help with your growth. I owe an immense amount of gratitude to all the Rebbeim for their constant guidance in helping me shape my views and values for life.
Your Questions Answered
Where is Ashreinu located?
Yeshivat Ashreinu is located in the scenic and vibrant neighborhood of Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef, an area that perfectly complements our Yeshiva’s values and vision. This prime location places us close to many of our Rebbeim’s homes, enhancing our warm, family-oriented environment and allowing students to form close, personal connections with their Rebbeim and families. The neighborhood also offers a range of familiar amenities, including American-style supermarkets, restaurants, and stores, ensuring that students feel comfortable and supported throughout their time in Israel. Together, these elements create an ideal setting for personal growth, learning, and a strong sense of community.
What is the learning at Ashreinu like, and who are the Rebbeim?
At Ashreinu, learning is meaningful, engaging, and personal. We offer a wide variety of shiurim and classes that cater to different interests and learning styles—ranging from Gemara and Halacha to Jewish philosophy, Chassidut, Tanach, and contemporary topics in Torah. Our small class sizes create an interactive environment where students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, and build strong relationships with their Rebbeim. The staff is diverse in background and personality, allowing each student to find Rebbeim they truly connect with—both in and out of the classroom.
What kind of Chessed do Ashreinu students do?
Chessed is a core part of the Ashreinu experience. Three times a week, our students are involved in meaningful acts of giving. Twice a week, they volunteer in individual placements across the Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem areas—working with children with special needs, assisting IDF soldiers, visiting the elderly, helping in hospitals, and more. In addition, once a week the entire yeshiva goes on a group chessed trip, creating a powerful sense of unity and shared purpose. These experiences help our talmidim build character, develop empathy, and connect deeply to Am Yisrael through real, hands-on impact.
Do you really go on a trip once a week?
Yes! At Ashreinu, we go on a tiyul every Tuesday as a core part of our program. Each week, students enjoy fun, meaningful experiences that take them across Israel—hiking through stunning landscapes, exploring historic sites, and engaging with Israeli life firsthand. The tiyulim are a highlight of the week, combining adventure, learning, and connection to the Land. We also have exciting overnight trips that make the year truly unforgettable.
What are Shabbat and Chagim like at Ashreinu?
Shabbat and chagim at Ashreinu are uplifting, meaningful, and filled with delicious food, singing, divrei Torah, and a warm family atmosphere. We follow a balanced rotation: some Shabbatot are spent together as a yeshiva—either on campus or in communities around Israel—joined by Rebbeim, their families, and special guests. Other Shabbatot offer flexibility for students to spend time with friends, relatives, or at Rebbeim’s homes.
We celebrate major chagim like Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Purim, and Shavuot together in Yeshiva. During Sukkot break, students remain in Israel and typically spend time with Rebbeim, relatives, or host families. For Pesach break, many students choose to return home, while others stay in Israel and are warmly welcomed by Rebbeim or friends for the chag.
Where are the students at Ashreinu from?
Ashreinu has a great group of students who are friendly, down-to-earth, and easy to get along with. Our talmidim come from across the United States, with roughly half from the NY/NJ area and the rest from communities throughout the Country. Each year, we also have a number of students from Canada, the UK and Europe. This mix creates a warm, inclusive environment where lasting friendships are formed and everyone quickly feels like part of the Ashreinu Family.
In addition to the Rebbeim and administration, what kind of support system is in place for students at Ashreinu?
Ashreinu provides a strong support system both in and out of the classroom. The yeshiva has an Av and Eim Bayit, as well as a team of madrichim who live on campus with the students. They’re available around the clock for guidance, support, and supervision, helping to create a safe and caring environment. In addition, Ashreinu has a licensed mental health professional on staff, available to meet with students and help them navigate any personal or emotional challenges that may arise. Whether it’s a quick question, a difficult moment, or just someone to talk to, students know they’re never on their own at Ashreinu.
What is the food like at Ashreinu?
Ashreinu provides three fresh, home-cooked meals a day, prepared by our dedicated chef, Yaakov Gelb. With decades of experience in school and yeshiva kitchens, Yaakov crafts meals that are nourishing, flavorful, and student-approved. Breakfasts include a rotating selection of items like scrambled eggs, pancakes, burekas, and French toast—alongside cereals, fresh veggies, spreads, and coffee. Lunches feature favorites such as pasta with homemade sauces, quesadillas, falafel, pizza and soups like French onion or split pea. Dinners are a highlight, with options like schnitzel, roasted chicken, meatballs, stir fry, burgers, shawarma, and themed nights like Taco Tuesday or Nacho Night.
