Lander College for Men is a prominent institution in Queens, offering professional education within a traditional yeshiva environment, which is a Jewish seminary focused on studying the Oral Law. The college’s core mission is to instill self-confidence and inner strength in its students while equipping them with the skills needed for successful careers. Read on to discover more about this unique institution at queens1.one.
The ‘Flagship’ of Touro University
Lander College for Men was established in 2000 as a division of Touro University, a private Jewish university in New York City. Touro was founded in 1971 by Rabbi Bernard Lander, an Orthodox rabbi and academic sociologist. He named the university after colonial Jewish-American leader Isaac Touro and his philanthropist son, Judah. Rabbi Lander created a space where the cultural and spiritual needs of Jewish students are a central part of the educational process. According to Lander, the Queens-based men’s college is the university’s “flagship” institution.
How Does the Curriculum Work?
Lander College provides both day and evening programs. The full-time day program blends general academic courses with Judaic Studies—a humanities discipline dedicated to the history, culture, literature, and religion of the Jewish people. All students are required to attend prayer services three times a day. They must also participate in the morning Talmud study program; the Talmud is a comprehensive code of religious and legal rules for Jewish life. From Monday through Thursday, afternoon classes begin after the midday prayers, focusing on preparing students for their professional careers. Even though it is a day program, most participants are also required to take evening Judaic Studies classes.
The evening program is an excellent fit for students who attend other yeshivas during the day. They come to Lander College in the evening strictly to acquire professional knowledge and skills, without the requirement of participating in prayer services or other religious activities.
The main fields of study available at the college include: Accounting, Biology, Computer Science, “Chinuch”/Education, Finance, Management/Marketing, Mathematics/Actuarial Science, Political Science, and Psychology.
A Vibrant Student Life
Many students live directly on campus, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in college life. The campus features 13 residential houses, each containing three spacious apartments with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and a balcony.
The college campus is a lively community where academics are combined with personal growth, enabling every student to thrive academically, socially, and professionally. The campus includes an expansive academic center fully equipped with biology, chemistry, physics, and computer labs, as well as a library, recreation rooms, and a cafeteria. Sports facilities include basketball and baseball fields, a tennis court, a soccer pitch, and a fully equipped gym.
A variety of engaging Jewish events are held on campus every week. Speakers frequently give talks on a wide range of subjects, from building healthy relationships to time management tips and career paths in computer science. These events and gatherings often feature takeout food from local establishments. The main street, which is home to numerous kosher restaurants and grocery stores, is just a short walk or quick ride away.
Once a month, all students remain on campus for Shabbat, the day of rest. This is a festive occasion filled with spirited singing and the preparation of delicious meals, which greatly strengthens the student community. For context, Orthodox Jews traditionally observe Shabbat every week on Saturday. During this day, they refrain from work and travel, instead focusing on prayers, singing songs, wearing traditional attire, and gathering for a celebratory meal.
A Supportive Environment for Growth
Lander College for Men cultivates true community leaders. Many of the students previously attended post-high school Talmud study programs, primarily in Israel. While the young men hail from diverse countries, they share several common traits: exceptional academic success, a deep commitment to their studies, and ambitious career goals. The staff at Lander College works tirelessly to ensure every student feels at home. The institution fosters an atmosphere of collaboration and camaraderie, with faculty dedicated to supporting each student’s individual growth and achievement.
All participants in the educational process adhere to the values described in the Torah (the primary sacred text in Judaism) and are devoted to the Jewish people as a whole. The college promotes continuous development through intellectual conversations and Talmudic debates. Each young man is assigned a mentor—a faculty member, an upperclassman, or an alumnus. Mentors offer academic guidance and assist with internships, job placement, and applying to graduate or professional schools.