rosh metivta) has a long history, going back many centuries. The role is comparable to a dean in a university. Mashgiach Ruchani The personal and ethical development of the students in the yeshiva is usually covered by a different personality, known as the mashgiach or spiritual supervisor. This concept, introduced by the Mussar movement in the 19th century, led to perfection of character as one of the aims of attending a yeshiva. One typical and influential mashgiach was Rabbi Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler. See Yeshivish List of yeshivos in Europe (before World War II) References Hebrew words and phrases Jewish religious occupations Orthodox rabbinic roles and titles