To make Torah study accessible to everyone – time limitations, geographic restrictions, or financial constraints notwithstanding — WebYeshiva, the world’s first on-line yeshiva, is offering a full complement of classes during Elul, the Hebrew month preceding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, in preparation for the Yamim Nora’im  — the High Holidays.

Elul zman — as the period is traditionally known – "has always been an intense and special time for the Jewish people, a time where we try a little harder to become the type of people that God wants us to be," says noted American – Israeli educator Rabbi Chaim Brovender, who is the driving force behind WebYeshiva.  "In light of the seriousness and importance of Elul zman, WebYeshiva has decided to open its virtual doors to anyone who is interested in seriously studying Torah, no matter what their background.  Because of this we are offering classes tuition free.  All that is required is to come and learn with the seriousness that the month of Elul demands."

Students from throughout the entire English-speaking world, Israel, Latin America, Europe — even places as remote as Thailand and New Zealand — have joined the rosters of the WebYeshiva since it opened its virtual doors in late November 2007.  Some can barely read Hebrew; others have been engaged in Torah study their entire lives.   The live, fully interactive video conference classes, given at a variety of levels, are taught by some of the world’s leading rabbis and educators.   Students, who are given the option to prepare material prior to the class with a chavruta (study partner), tune in at the set time. They see and hear each other as well as the instructor in the virtual classroom.

The 27 online, interactive classes that are being given during Elul (September 1st – October 7th) throughout the day will include classes for students of every level and background with a focus on the Yamim Nora’im.  In addition to ongoing classes in Mishna and Gemara, taught at five levels, Bible, Jewish thought,  Halacha (Jewish law), structure of the prayer, Hebrew language ulpan, weekly classes will be offered on Massechet Rosh Hashanah, the Rambam’s Hilchot Teshuva, the Halachic Obligations of Tishrei,  The Structure of the Yamim Nora’im Prayers, Rav Kook on Character and Virtue – and more.                                                                                                                                   

In addition, a special day of inspirational learning, consisting of ten hour-long classes, will be given in honor of Rosh Hashanah on Sunday, September 28th, and a day-long seminar on Sukkot will take place on Sunday, October 12th.  Both are free of charge.                 

To register for the above programs: High Holiday Classes Online go to http://www.webyeshiva.org/student/elul.php