Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim

Introduction

Tomchei Temimim of Lubavitch was established in 1897 by Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn, the fifth Lubavitcher Rebbe, often referred to as the Rashab. The yeshiva was founded with the goal of combining rigorous Talmudic study with the teachings of Chassidus, particularly Chabad Chassidus, and cultivating students who would embody the spiritual and intellectual ideals of the Chabad movement.

The name Tomchei Temimim—meaning "Supporters of the Righteous" or "The Supporters of the Wholesome"—reflects the yeshiva’s aim to produce students who were spiritually complete (or temimim) and well-versed in the teachings of Chassidus. This was a significant departure from the typical yeshiva structure of the time, where the emphasis was primarily on Talmudic and legal studies, without much focus on Chassidic philosophy.

Founding Vision and Structure

The founding vision of Tomchei Temimim was not just to teach Torah, but to create a generation of spiritually refined and intellectually rigorous students who would lead Jewish communities and perpetuate the teachings of Chabad Chassidus. The yeshiva’s curriculum was distinctive in its combination of Talmud study, Halacha (Jewish law), and Chassidus, with the goal of producing temimim—students who were complete in both their knowledge of Torah and their personal refinement.

The yeshiva's curriculum included intensive study of both the revealed aspects of Torah (such as Talmud, Halacha, and Jewish philosophy) and the hidden aspects (such as Chassidus, Kabbalah, and mysticism). Tomchei Temimim emphasized understanding the depth and inner meanings of Torah through the study of Chassidus, and it was believed that this approach would lead to both intellectual enlightenment and spiritual elevation.

The Role of the Rebbe

Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn, the Rashab, was directly involved in the yeshiva’s development, often providing personal guidance to the students and shaping the yeshiva’s educational philosophy. His teachings on Chassidus, particularly on Chabad Chassidus, permeated the yeshiva’s curriculum. The Rashab viewed the yeshiva as a way to spread Chabad philosophy and spirituality, and to train future leaders of the Jewish community.

In addition to the teachings and direct guidance from the Rashab, the yeshiva also received support from other prominent Chabad figures, including Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, who would later become the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe (the Rebbe Rayatz). The Rayatz’s leadership and vision continued to shape the development of the yeshiva throughout his tenure.

The Unique Structure of the Yeshiva

Tomchei Temimim was structured in a way that combined both intensive academic study and spiritual growth. It was not just a place for intellectual pursuit but a training ground for the next generation of Chabad leaders. Students were expected to grow spiritually as they engaged in their studies, and the emphasis was placed on developing their character and faith as much as their knowledge of Torah.

The yeshiva maintained a high level of discipline and structure, and students were required to uphold strict ethical standards. They were trained not only to become scholars but to lead by example, living lives that reflected the values of Chabad Chassidus.

Curriculum and Educational Philosophy

The curriculum of Tomchei Temimim was designed to produce students who were intellectually capable, spiritually refined, and deeply connected to the teachings of Chassidus. The study of Chassidus was intertwined with Talmudic studies, and students were taught to see the Talmud through the lens of Chassidic philosophy. This educational approach was revolutionary at the time, as it emphasized the practical application of Torah teachings in everyday life, rather than just theoretical knowledge.

In addition to traditional Torah studies, the yeshiva placed significant focus on the study of Chassidus, Kabbalah, and the mystical teachings of the Chabad Rebbes. Chassidus was not just an intellectual pursuit but was intended to inspire students to serve God with both heart and mind, integrating spiritual awareness into their daily lives.

Leadership and Administration

The leadership of the yeshiva was integral to its success. Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn, the founder, served as its spiritual leader, and his son, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn (the Rebbe Rayatz), played an active role in managing its operations from the beginning. The structure of the yeshiva reflected a combination of leadership in both administrative and spiritual areas.

The administration of the yeshiva was characterized by strict guidelines for student admissions, academic discipline, and spiritual development. There were two committees involved in accepting students: a public committee and a secret committee. The public committee initially evaluated the students' knowledge and external appearance, while the secret committee followed up on their progress, ensuring that they embodied the ideals of the yeshiva. Students were also personally monitored by the Rebbe, who occasionally met with them to discuss their conduct and spiritual progress.

The Influence of Chassidus

The study of Chassidus was at the core of the yeshiva's curriculum. It was introduced alongside traditional Talmudic study to elevate the students' understanding of Torah and spirituality. Chassidus, particularly Chabad Chassidus, emphasizes the intellectual and emotional connection to God, and students were taught to internalize these teachings to achieve personal and communal growth.

The yeshiva's specific focus on Chassidus made it distinct from other yeshivas at the time, which generally did not prioritize mystical teachings. This approach set the yeshiva apart, contributing to its reputation and the continued commitment of its students to the Chabad philosophy.

Expansion and Impact

The yeshiva expanded over time to include other branches across the region. These included additional branches in cities such as Horodishch, Nevel, Dokshtz, Rakshik, and Tsederin. The yeshiva's expansion was part of a larger effort to bring Chabad teachings to broader Jewish communities. Each branch followed the same model of education and spiritual development that was established in Lubavitch.

Challenges and Closure

During the turbulent years of World War I and the establishment of the Soviet Union, the yeshiva faced tremendous challenges. In 1918, it relocated to Rostov, but after some time, Soviet authorities forced its closure. The Rebbe's determination to continue the mission of the yeshiva persisted, and he worked to maintain its activities, even under difficult conditions. The yeshiva experienced a number of relocations during these years, including moving to Orlov, then to Kremenchug, and eventually to Rostov again.

Despite the harsh opposition and eventual closure by Soviet authorities in 1921, the yeshiva’s mission continued to influence the students and leaders who had been educated there, and the principles it instilled persisted in the Chabad movement.

Influence on Chabad and the Jewish World

The establishment of Tomchei Temimim had a lasting impact on the Chabad movement and the Jewish world at large. The yeshiva became a central hub for the transmission of Chabad teachings, which would later be spread worldwide, particularly after World War II. Many of the graduates of the yeshiva became prominent leaders and teachers in Chabad institutions, contributing to the movement's global reach.

The legacy of Tomchei Temimim continues to live on in Chabad educational institutions worldwide. The focus on integrating intellectual study with spiritual development remains a hallmark of Chabad education. Graduates of Tomchei Temimim, many of whom went on to lead Chabad institutions globally, helped establish the Chabad network of schools, yeshivas, and outreach centers, furthering the Rebbe's vision of blending intellectual rigor with deep spiritual growth.

The yeshiva’s emphasis on nurturing students who are both learned and pious, who internalize the teachings of Chassidus and embody its values, continues to be a central theme in Chabad education to this day. The mission of producing Temimim—complete individuals in both knowledge and character remains a guiding principle in all of Chabad’s educational endeavors.

tomchei temimim around the world

The Central Lubavitcher Yeshiva, or Central Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, Brooklyn, New York
United Lubavitcher Yeshivoth - Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York
Talmudical Seminary Oholei Torah, Brooklyn, New York
Mesivta Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Queens Forest Hills, New York
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Poconos Canadensis, PA
Yeshiva Kol Yaakov Yehuda Hadar Hatorah Rabbinical Seminary, Brooklyn, New York
Yeshivas Lubavitch Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Yeshivas Lubavitch Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Yeshiva Or Menachem, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Rabbinical College of America, Morristown, New Jersey
Lubavitch Educational Center – Klurman Mesivta, Miami Beach, Florida
Yeshivas Lubavitch of Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad/West Coast Talmudical Seminary, Los Angeles, California
Oholei Yosef Yitzchok Lubavitch-Mesivta, Oak Park, Michigan
Yeshivas Menachem Mendel Lubavitch of Monsey, NY
Yeshivas Beis Dovid Shlomo, New Haven, CT
Yeshivath Achei Tmimim of Pittsburgh (Yeshiva Schools of Pittsburgh), Pittsburgh, PA
Lubavitch Mesivta of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Central Lubavitch Yeshiva, Chovevei Torah, Brooklyn, New York
Lubavitch Rabbinical College of Minnesota, S. Paul, MN
Mesivta of Postville, Postville, IA
Mesivta of Coral Springs, Coral Springs, FL
Albany Mesivta, Albany, New York
HaMesivta, Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, New York
Mesivta Oholei Torah, Brooklyn, New York
Yeshiva Mesivta Menachem, Westchester, New York
Yeshiva Torah Ohr, Miami, FL
Yeshiva Gedolah of Greater Miami Rabbinical College, Miami, Florida
Yeshivas Menachem Mendel Lubavitch, Oak Park, MI
Rabbinical College of Canada Quebec-Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Bais Medrash, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Kingston Mesivta, Kingston, Pennsylvania
Yeshiva Campus, Suffield, CT

In Israel:

Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim HaMerkazit (Central Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva), Kfar Chabad
Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Rishon LeZion (Ketana), Rishon Lezion
Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Rishon LeZion (Gedola), Rishon LeZion
Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Nachlat Har Chabad, Kiryat Malachi
Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim, Lod
Yeshivat Ohr Tmimim, Kfar Chabad
Yeshivas Tzeirei Hashluchim, Safed
Yeshivas Chasidei Chabad Beis Levi Yitzchak, Safed
Ohr Simcha, Kfar Chabad
Beis Sefer Lemelacha, Kfar Chabad
Tomchei Tmimim Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Gat
Yeshiva Toras Emes (Chabad), Jerusalem
Yeshivat NachlatHar Chabad Beit Haram, Kiryat Malachi
Yeshivat Tomchei Tmimim Migdal HaEmek, Migdal HaEmek
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim, Or Yehuda
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim, El'ad
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimimm, Beersheba
Yeshivas Lubavitch Tiferes Yisroel, Beit Shemesh
Yeshivas Ohel Menachem, Beit Shemesh
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim, Beitar Illit
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim-Beis Menachem, Bnei Brak

In other locations:

Yeshivas Oholei Yosef Yitchak Lubavitch, St Kilda East, Victoria, Australia
Rabbinical College of Australia and New Zealand, St Kilda East, Victoria, Australia
Yeshivas Levi Yitzchak St Kilda East, Victoria, Australia
Yeshiva Gedolah Rabbinical College of Sydney, Bondi, New South Wales, Australia
Yeshiva College Cheder Chabad-High School Division, Bondi, New South Wales, Australia
Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim, Brunoy, France (suburb of Paris)
Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Vincennes, France
Yeshiva Gedolah Lubavitch London, England
Lubavitch Mechinah L'Yeshiva, London, England
Yeshivas Lubavitch Manchester, Manchester, England
Boys High School Mesivta, Moscow, Russia
Yeshiva Ketana Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, Moscow, Russia
Yeshivah Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, Moscow, Russia
Yeshiva Ketana Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Lubavitch Yeshiva Gedolah of Johannesburg, South Africa
Rabbinical College of Pretoria, South Africa
Torah Academy School, Johannesburg, South Africa
Rabbinical College of South Africa
Yeshiva Gedola, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim Lubavitch Ohel Menachem, S. Paulo, Brazil
Yeshiva Gedola Nachlas Levi, Dnipro, Ukraine
Yeshiva Gedola Frankfurt, Germany
Rabbinical Yeshiva, Venice, Italy