Straus Scholars

Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik

Program Director

The Zahava and Moshael Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought Honors Scholars Program seeks to identify and attract the aspiring intellectual leaders of tomorrow who demonstrate high academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to studying the great works of the Jewish and Western tradition.

Honors students will undertake a course of study bridging Torah and art, literature, philosophy and political science. They will benefit from unique mentorship, networking and internship opportunities and participate in intellectual winter break trips to Israel and Europe.

Eligibility

Students must apply and be accepted to Yeshiva University Honors. 

Applicants should have excelled in general and Jewish Studies in high school with a deep interest in both Jewish and Western thought, and exhibit leadership potential through extracurricular activities and community involvement.

Benefits

• Straus courses prioritize the development of critical thinking, close-reading, and writing skills while facilitating open debate and the meaningful exchange of ideas
• Straus Scholars are encouraged to publish their written work, engage with think tanks, and pursue prestigious summer fellowships, internships, and research opportunities
• Through its Impact Office, Straus Scholars gain exclusive access to leading journalists, policy makers and academics, and receive curated professional guidance and internship placement