A Treasure Down Under

Merkos Women:

In the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Jewish and Chabad community lies a true gem: Merkos Women Seminary. Located in East St Kilda, with Kosher shopping and public transport just minutes away, MerkosWomen offers young women a warm, enriching seminary experience that blends spiritual depth, personal growth, and exceptional care—both in Ruchniyus and Gashmius.

The program is led by Mrs. Nicole Kornhauser alongside her daughter Mrs. Shifra Gopin, dean Rabbi Yehuda Hoch, and operations manager Mrs. Rochel Pinczower, whose dedication and vision shape our seminary’s unique atmosphere.

Since 2001, MerkosWomen has been kindling a love for Yiddishkeit in all those who join our program, providing students with the tools and support to build a lifetime of meaningful Yiddishe living.

At the heart of our seminary is its strong Torah curriculum, featuring a wide array of subjects including Tanya, Sichos, Maamarim, Halacha, Inyanei Geulah U’Moshiach, Gemara, Bayis Yehudi, Parsha, and Women in Yiddishkeit.

Our incredible group of staff: Rabbi Hoch, Rabbi Yonason Johnson, Rabbi Ari Schachter, Rabbi Kalman Rubin, Mrs. Kornhauser, Mrs. Rochel Tilson, Mrs. Gopin, Mrs. Rivky Gopin, Mrs. Bracha Kantor, Mrs. Miriam Broh, and Mrs. Miri Lipskier.

MerkosWomen is equally renowned for its exceptional living accommodations. Students live in a beautiful, state-of-the-art dormitory located right next door to the learning center. This meticulously maintained, mission-style home includes fully provided meals, a spacious kitchen, multiple comfortable living areas, an on-site laundry, private study spaces, lush gardens, and even a swimming pool. With every physical need thoughtfully taken care of, students are free to focus on their learning and personal growth.

What truly sets MerkosWomen apart is its family-style environment. Students quickly feel they are part of an extended family rather than an institution. Growth continues beyond the classroom through heartfelt fabrengens, chavrusas, uplifting Seder Niggunim, and unforgettable Shabbos experiences—whether shared in the dorm, with local families, on Shabbatons, or during Shabbos Shlichus with Shluchim across the region.

From Mivtzoyim and optional Hebrew school volunteering, to “adopt-a-senior” visits at a Jewish aged-care home, students experience the joy of giving back. Add to that memorable trips—such as excursions to the Great Ocean Road or special Shabbosim with interstate shluchim—and the year becomes both inspiring and joyful.

All in all, MerkosWomen is an opportunity of a lifetime: a year that equips young women with strong Yiddishe foundations, positive role models, eternal wisdom, and lifelong connections. Many graduates remain closely connected long after their seminary year ends.

Applications are now open for the 2026 American school year. Learn more and apply at https://www.merkos.com.au