Frierdiker Rebbe’s Part-Time Yeshiva for Working Bochurim Returns

Nearly a century after the Frierdiker Rebbe established Torah study programs for working Yidden in Soviet Russia, a new yeshiva in Moscow is bringing that same opportunity to a new generation of young men who want to learn but cannot commit to a full-time yeshiva schedule.

The new Tiferes Hatmimim program, launched this month, offers structured learning in Chumash, Gemara, halacha, and Chassidus for young men and adults whose work or personal circumstances prevent them from entering a regular yeshiva.

The initiative draws inspiration from Tiferes Bachurim, established by the Frierdiker Rebbe during the difficult years of Soviet rule. In Moscow and other cities, young men, craftsmen, and working Yidden would come together to study Gemara, halacha, and Chassidus, even as Jewish life faced severe restrictions.

During that period, the Frierdiker Rebbe also established Achei Tmimim programs in America, providing young students with opportunities to continue their Torah education and prepare for life in the spirit of Tomchei Tmimim.

Today, Moscow is home to the established Yeshiva Gedolah Tomchei Tmimim, located in Sofrino, on the outskirts of the capital. However, its full-time residential program is primarily suited to younger bochurim who can dedicate themselves entirely to learning.

For those already working, living independently, or becoming more involved in Yiddishkeit at a later age, attending such a yeshiva is not always possible.

Tiferes Hatmimim was established to fill that gap, bringing a serious yeshiva learning program into the city itself. Rather than offering occasional shiurim, the program follows a structured curriculum designed to develop learning skills, build a solid foundation in Torah, and eventually enable participants to learn independently.

For younger participants, the program can also serve as preparation for entering the Yeshiva Gedolah in Sofrino, allowing them to develop the knowledge and learning habits needed for further study.

Russia’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Berel Lazar, attended the opening day and addressed the participants, describing the initiative as the closing of a historic circle.

He noted that nearly a century after young men gathered in Moscow through Tiferes Bachurim to study Torah and Chassidus despite the hardships of Soviet life, the same aspiration is once again taking shape in the city: giving those unable to attend a full-time yeshiva the opportunity to experience genuine yeshiva learning.

The new program is supported by the 770 Fund in Russia, headed by Rabbi Yehuda Davidov, with the rabbonim and maggidei shiurim of Moscow’s Yeshiva Gedolah leading the learning.

Tiferes Hatmimim is headed by Rabbi Yechezkel Lazar and Rabbi Menachem Mendel Slonimsky, and has already attracted considerable interest since opening.

Photos: Mevaser Tov Moscow