B”H.

About Sponsorship Opportunities 

About Prag Yeshivah

About Reb Yosef

   Yeshivahs “Ohr Chudosh Prag” was founded in 2009 in Kiryas Yoel, Monroe NY by Reb Yosef Schwartz, shlit”a. From its inception, the yeshiva’s goal has been to follow the original source to Yidiskeit, the path of the holy Baal Shem Tov and his Talmidim, more recently the Satmer Ruv Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum Zt”l. to be Mekarev every Talmid and to inspire him to become close to Hashem on his own level. The Prag Yeshivah and Reb Yosef are not judgmental and would not be put off by a new Tamid’s lack of Mentchlichkeit or mitzvah observance but would except anyone who wants to hear what we have to offer.

   In the beginning it was just the Prag Shul, a unique Shtibel where everybody is welcome. This led to the establishment of the Yeshivah Ohr Chudosh, which started with just 3 Talmidim and b”h overcame many challenges big and small.  

As the years passed, many new students who come from Chasidishe backgrounds, joined the yeshiva. Over the past few years, the original Yeshivah Ketanah Talmidim have become the Yeshivah Gedolah Talmidim slowly a strong Yeshivah and community is being developed,  a  yeshivah that is characterized by its profound attachment to theteachings of the Maharal of Prag through his seforim, most importantly the Nesivas Olam, and the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings in regards to Torah, Avodah and Yiras Shumaim.

   The Baal Shem Tov and his holy Talmidim’s teachings are incredibly broad and deep. But at the same time simple and easy to follow for every newcomer. They are characterized by their ability to open gateways of spiritual development for every person on his own, on whatever spiritual level he may be. It was designed to inspire and spark us even in such a dark age like today, when there is very few real Tzadikim left, and we all desperately awaiting for the next big thing which will be Moshiach. Whether a person has “fallen into the depths of hell,” or whether he has “risen to the highest heights,” Their teachings can help him to draw closer to G-d’s way and elevate himself further.

   The central pillars of our day to day teachings include: the need for continuous spiritual renewal; the constant joy that springs from faith; the appreciation of the inestimable value of every single mitzvah; the importance of heartfelt and intense prayer; the need for secluded meditation and opening up one’s heart before G-d; making a spiritual accounting of his behavior and attaining intimate self-knowledge; the development of a high level of personal sanctity; acquiring love for every Jew; and strengthening oneself through developing a deep understanding of the operating principles of the spiritual world.

One of the main tools we use in the Yeshiva is the very popular Tzetel Kuten from the holy Rebbe Reb Elimeilech of Lizensk zt”l not only are we living by every single word and advice from this holy tzadik, but each Talmid is encouraged to keep a Journal like his own Tzetel Kuten and to constantly be writing and re-writing his achievements and his obstacles, his future, his goals etc.

   Another one of the main tools for achieving these spiritual goals is with Tefilah. 3 times a day, as we all know is what a yid spends talking with G-d. However, one can certainly do Tefilah at any time and in any place where one can seclude himself for a while. As Reb Nachman Bresslover said, “It is the highest and greatest level of all.”  praying to G-d in the language and style that he finds most natural for self-expression (which may not necessarily be Hebrew). During such prayer, a person should open his heart and express all of his yearnings and desires, coming to an awareness of his desire to achieve closeness to Hashem and of the many obstacles he faces, both externally and internally. Of course, such prayer should also include elements of praise, of thanks for all the good that he sees in his life.

Now a word to the parents; please, lets forget about the past pain and despair. You may have been told that your son is a complete failure; he can’t read or write, he can’t learn, etc. This is exactly where we come in, if you can put all chesbonos aside. In Prag yesivah he will b”h be matzliach, he will get the help to regain his confidence and his desire to succeed, yes he can learn Torah even after he was told that he cannot, yes he can move on to another main-stream yeshivah where you never thought possible, yes he will learn about responsibility, respect, confidence etc. simply send him to the right place where he is meant to be. He will see new doors being opened by learning and listening to countless shiurim from Reb Yosef.

   Reb Yosef Created a vibrant Yeshivah for Talmidim who, for the most part, were completely estranged from torah and derech eretz. He’s helping his students develop into worthy Jews who dedicated themselves heart and soul to upholding Torah, prayer, and love of their fellow Jews. Together, with G-d’s help, there is hope to transmit this path to future generations.

Please Help:

We are always looking for good people to become sponsors for good talmidim. Adopt A Bucher, is a program in which you can adopt a yiddishe neshumah who will thank you and never forget the gift of opportunity to stay in such a wonderful place as the Prag Yeshivah. Please help us by paying his monthly Schar Limud of $1800. However, any contribution will support our efforts.  The Prag Yeshivah is open to every Jewish soul who reaches out to us, regardless of one’s ability to catch up with tuition. You can take part in this big zechus, please do it today.

To help us please contact us. (info is on front main page)