Groundbreaking New Program Offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Business & Innovation in an Immersive Israel Experience
Yeshiva University has named Rabbi Larry Rothwachs as the new director of YU’s new, innovative undergraduate programs for men and women in Jerusalem, bringing more than 25 years of experience in Jewish education, rabbinic leadership and community building to the role. In this position, he will help guide the vision and growth of the University’s Israel-based academic and Torah learning programs while serving as the central hands-on leader for students, faculty and staff. YU in Israel is a dynamic and forward-focused program for men and women who want to build their future in Israel while earning a YU degree.
Since 2016, Rabbi Rothwachs has served as Director of Professional Rabbinics at Yeshiva University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), where he has prepared future rabbis for careers in communal leadership and pastoral care. His appointment comes as YU continues to expand its educational offerings in Israel, including this new track that combines rigorous Torah study with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Global Business & Innovation.
In his new role, Rabbi Rothwachs will oversee key aspects of the YU in Israel undergraduate experience, including Torah studies, student life, operations and strategy, while collaborating with the academic director of the BBA as well as teams in both Israel and New York on recruitment and outreach efforts. He will work closely with YU’s Israel and American-based leadership to ensure students benefit from an experience that integrates exemplary career preparation with inspiring Torah learning in a warm, supportive campus community.
A respected educator and community leader, Rabbi Rothwachs served as senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Aaron in Teaneck, New Jersey, from 2002 to 2026. Throughout his career, he has taught Talmud at Yeshiva University’s High School for Boys and the Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey and spent many years as head rabbi of Camp Morasha. Following his recent Aliyah, he became the founding rabbi of Kehillat Meromei Shemesh in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
A graduate of Yeshiva College, the Azrieli School of Jewish Education and the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Rabbi Rothwachs received semicha from RIETS. He is also a licensed clinical social worker and founder of StepAhead Counseling, a practice that provides counseling and consultation services to individuals, families, rabbis and communal leaders.
As Yeshiva University continues to expand opportunities for students seeking to build their futures in Israel while earning a YU degree, the appointment of Rabbi Rothwachs reflects the University’s commitment to academic excellence, dedicated and highly experienced leadership and educational innovation.
About the YU in Israel Undergraduate Program
At the intersection of Torah and innovation, the YU in Israel undergraduate program empowers American and international students to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Global Business & Innovation through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous online coursework. Students earn a full YU degree while learning from YU faculty, while at the same time deepening their Torah learning through a substantial in-person Beit Midrash program in Jerusalem, with shiurim from YU rebbeim and distinguished scholars - creating a uniquely immersive experience that combines academic excellence, career preparation and spiritual growth.
From the first day of classes through graduation, students remain part of one Yeshiva University undergraduate journey. Beyond the classroom, students build their lives in Jerusalem through modern housing, engaging student programming and a strong and supportive YU community rooted in Torah, growth, connection and purpose. With an in-person educational home, accessible mentors and staff, and the academic, professional and campus opportunities that distinguish a Yeshiva University education, the program helps students transition from yeshiva or seminary into increasingly independent adult life in Israel while remaining part of a serious Torah environment.
The inaugural women’s pilot cohort will begin in January 2027, and the program is now accepting applications. Additional cohorts for men are anticipated to follow in September 2027.
For more information, please contact Rabbi Rothwachs at lrothwachs@yu.edu, or visit yu.edu/israel
