a (hebrew: , pl. ') refers to an institute of jewish studies for women. in israel, it is often an orthodox institution that caters solely to women, and roughly the equivalent of a yeshiva for men. the term is often translated as 'seminary'. in the united states, the term has also been used to refer to co-educational jewish studies programs. in israel, a midrasha that offers degree studies is sometimes called a "machon" (institute). some ' accept both men and women, such as the ein prat midrasha in israel.