Aish HaTorah

Aish HaTorah (Hebrew: אש התורה‎, Esh HaTorah, "Fire of the Torah") is a Jewish Orthodox organization and yeshiva. Aish HaTorah is actively pro-Israel and encourages Jewish people to visit Israel and connect to the land and its history. Some consider the organisation to reflect a more Religious Zionist philosophy in its attachment to Israel, promoting Jewish pride and by sending young American Jews to Israel. The organization's stated mission is "providing opportunities for Jews of all backgrounds to discover their heritage." Its headquarters are in the Old City of Jerusalem, opposite the Western Wall.

The organization has branches in 35 cities around the world. Each branch has independent governance and funding.

In Jerusalem, the Aish HaTorah yeshiva offers both beginners' drop-in classes and full-time, intensive study programs for Jewish men and women of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge. Areas of study include Hebrew Bible, Talmud, Jewish history, Jewish philosophy and Hebrew language ulpan. A US-accredited college, the yeshiva offers degrees to college and university age students. In 2010 the world's largest replica of the Second Jewish Temple was installed on the roof of the yeshivah. It is a 1:60 scale model of the temple as it is believed to have looked before its destruction by the Romans in the year 70 CE. It weighs 2,400 lbs., having necessitated the use of a construction crane for its installation.

The rabbinic ordination program combines classical Talmudic training with intensive instruction in Jewish outreach and leadership skills. 250 men have graduated from its rabbinic program, some of whom have assumed leadership and religious roles in Jewish communities around the world.

Perhaps due to its multiple affiliations, observers and critics of Aish HaTorah have presented contrasting views of its religious niche. Haaretz newspaper stated that "Although Aish HaTorah is somewhat affiliated with the black hat, ultra-Orthodox community, it celebrates Israeli Independence Day and states in its official policy that the State of Israel is a 'divine gift.' Some 500 people have immigrated to Israel through involvement in Aish, 10 percent of whom, according to some estimates, have enlisted in the IDF."