The Need of a Yeshiva for College Students
The argument of how to pursue a secular education and yet learn Torah at the same time is an old and controversial question in Jewish philosophy. From the times of the codification of the Tanach in the early second temple era, there were books designated as “seforim chitzonim” or books outside of Jewish study. It was forbidden to study these works and reading them could subject the reader to the title of “epikorus” (heretic). Since that time, there has been a strong reactionary trend against secular study from within traditional Jewry. Notable exceptions include Maimonides who insists that the only true way to appreciate God’s wisdom is to study the natural world. Notwithstanding the philosophical battle which rages until today, there are a great many Jewish students in college today, carrying an enormous challenge of being part of an ancient culture and modern society at the same time.
