Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Leyma

Founded in 1998 under the guidance of Rabbi Elya Svei, Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Leyma offers a singular focus: intensive Talmudic study within the Lithuanian yeshiva tradition. The curriculum centers on Gemara (Talmud) and Halacha (Jewish law), with supplemental studies in Mussar (ethical development). Unlike conventional colleges, there are no secular coursework requirements—students spend full days in shiurim (lectures) and chavrusa (paired study). The Roshei Hayeshivah (lead rabbis), including Rav Eliezer Ginsburg, shape the intellectual rigor of the program, which Niche reviewers describe as demanding but deeply immersive for those committed to rabbinical scholarship.

With just 47 undergraduate students, the yeshiva fosters an intimate, all-male environment where religious study permeates daily life. Campus housing costs $2,200 annually, with shared dormitories designed to facilitate round-the-clock learning. The suburban Union location offers proximity to New York City's Orthodox communities, but campus life revolves around the beit midrash (study hall)—the heart of intellectual and social activity. Extracurriculars are minimal; students typically participate in prayer services, communal meals, and occasional schmooze (informal rabbi-led discussions). Reviews highlight the yeshiva's 'family-like' atmosphere, though the lack of traditional college amenities (sports, Greek life) makes it suited only for those fully dedicated to Torah study.

Graduation rates tell a stark story: only 25% of first-time, full-time students complete the program in four years (the national midpoint is 59%), rising to 41% by six years. This reflects the yeshiva model's flexibility—many students extend studies indefinitely to pursue smicha (rabbinic ordination) or advanced Talmudic research. Alumni typically enter religious leadership roles as rabbis, kashrut supervisors, or Jewish educators. The College Scorecard notes limited earnings data (common for religious institutions), as many graduates work within Orthodox communities where compensation differs from secular career tracks.

Tuition is comparatively low for a private institution, with net prices?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. averaging $7,047–$10,528 after aid. The yeshiva awards an average of $9,571 in financial assistance per student, often through need-based scholarships and community-supported funds. Notably, many Orthodox families prioritize yeshiva education over secular college, and the school's affordability (relative to Ivy League or flagship state schools) helps sustain enrollment. However, costs are rarely the primary concern for applicants—this is a school chosen for religious conviction, not financial pragmatism.

Yeshiva Gedolah Zichron Leyma is not a conventional college—it's a fortress of Talmudic scholarship where students live and breathe Jewish law. The yeshiva's distinction lies in its uncompromising focus: no electives, no sports teams, just the rhythm of daf yomi (daily Talmud study) under the guidance of respected rabbis. For Orthodox men seeking rigorous Torah education without the distractions of secular academia, it offers a rare purity of purpose. The low graduation rate isn't a failure—it's a feature of the yeshiva world, where many students prioritize prolonged study over degrees. In an era of career-focused higher ed, this institution remains devoted to producing talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars), full stop.