מכינת 'עטרת ירושלים'
· Old City, Jerusalem
A pre-military academy in Jerusalem's Old City, near the Western Wall -- one of the first mechinot established in Jerusalem and among the older ones in Israel nationally (marking roughly three decades in operation as of the mid-2020s). The program centers on character education, Torah study, and connection to the Jewish people and the land of Israel, based in the heart of the rebuilt Jewish Quarter.
Best for someone who wants Hebrew that actually sticks · a real Israeli social circle · full Hebrew immersion
8 people have rated this program.
Would you recommend it to a friend?
1 Definitely not · 5 Definitely
n=8How much did your connection to israel grow
1 It didn't · 5 Profoundly
n=7How much did your Hebrew actually improve, honestly, by the end?
1 No improvement · 5 Completely Transformed
n=6How did you typically spend your free evenings during the program?
Closest to: Mostly stayed in, occasionally went out
n=7How much did your experience depend on which specific staff/rabbis/madrichim you got?
Closest to: Depended somewhat
n=7How niche are the people that go to this program?
Not enough responses yet.
How much were you treated as an adult vs. managed like a student?
Not enough responses yet.
How much freedom did you have over your own time and choices?
Not enough responses yet.
How much prior Torah learning background did you need to keep up?
Closest to: 3
n=7How much did the program contribute to your desire to learn?
Not enough responses yet.
How much are you still learning now, after the program?
Not enough responses yet.
How much free time do you have outside of a learning schedule?
Closest to: I had a lot of free time
n=8If you know, what type of units did the top third of people from your cohort actually go to?
Closest to: Gdudim/Basic infantry
n=8How realistic a picture did the program give you of army service?
Not enough responses yet.
Did the preparation help you stay strong throughout your whole service?
Not enough responses yet.
How much were you accompanied and mentored through the service?
1 Not at all I was on my own · 5 I feel completely accompanied and mentored
n=7How much did the program guide and support you through actually signing up and drafting?
1 Left me on my own · 5 Held my hand the whole way
n=6How easily did you find people you clicked with?
1 Never really did · 5 Found my people fast
n=7How much do you feel you gained close friendships that lasted?
1 None Lasted · 5 Lifelong Friends
n=7How much did the social scene depend on your particular cohort?
Not enough responses yet.
How was the food, realistically, day to day?
1 Not good at all · 5 5 Star Hotel
n=7How would you rate the living conditions?
1 Not good at all · 5 5 Star Hotel
n=7How much privacy/personal space did you have?
1 None/ Felt cramped · 5 All the space in the world
n=7How responsive was staff when something practical broke or went wrong?
1 Ignored it · 5 Fixed things immediately
n=7How much did the hebrew that you learned in the program stick or fade?
1 Faded Completely · 5 All the Hebrew I learned stayed with me
n=6How available are resources for learning hebrew, (ie ulpan)?
1 No resources available you are on your own · 5 All the resources available Ulpan everyday
n=5How much of the day did you need to use Hebrew vs. able to fall back on English?
Closest to: Mostly need to use Hebrew
n=6How much prior Hebrew did you need to not feel lost?
Closest to: An decent amount of Hebrew
n=7How much did the program strengthen your intention to build a life in Israel?
1 No Effect · 5 Changed my direction
n=7Did the program give you a real social circle of Israelis to lean on?
1 None · 5 A real support system
n=7No videos yet.
I was already strong in my connection, but it definitely helps push to new levels
Attended 2023
If you make an effort to learn than it will improve dramatically as my Hebrew did
Attended 2023
I was born in Israel, my Hebrew was already good
Attended 2021
Working out, running….
Attended 2023
It was great to be centrally located in Jerusalem which made a lot of places accessible and great for going on runs in the evening
Attended 2022
The amount I chose
You learn more as you go
Attended 2023
This place gives total freedom You’re there to learn and prepare for the army, no one is going to force you. You’re expected to push yourself
Attended 2023
The schedule is not like normal yeshiva or mechinas, where you’re forced into a schedule and Punished if you don’t abide by it. In my time there I felt totally free and was able to learn to push myself to be better on my own with the constant support of the rabbis. I think this is an essential skill for life and great for developing self discipline which is one of the pillars needed for military service.
Attended 2022
Big mix, some elites, a lot of sayerets, but the majority is probably gdudim
Attended 2023
I had some issues with my draft and I got letters of recommendation from all the rabbis which really helped move the army’s bureaucracy. All the rabbis served and continue to serve in the reserves in combat units and both them and the mechina have great standing with the army.
Attended 2022
We take turns cooking each day and it was great food
Attended 2023
It’s made by you and your friends on alternating schedule. It’s not 5 stars in the sense that it’s the best food ever. But it’s made by your guys and I never ate something I didn’t like.
Attended 2022
That’s what’s beautiful about it
Attended 2023
It’s in the old city at first it’s a little bit of a shock but it’s 100% better than what people have in the army and it helps prepare you.
Attended 2023
Muslim quarter
Attended 2021
5 stars for the location. I live in Jerusalem now and I still long for the life in the old city. The dorms are rustic but there’s nothing like living in the Muslim quarter.
Attended 2022
LOL
Attended 2023
I already knew Hebrew and was not an Oleh in the mechina so I wouldn’t know
Attended 2022
A lot of Americans And everyone knows English these days
Attended 2023
There are always people that are going to speak English but the more you fall back on it the less you learn you gotta break your teeth in order to learn
Attended 2023
It’s an Israeli program but every year there’s at least one guy who speaks English. But it’s definitely on the Israeli side
Attended 2022
Super
It was amazing it taught me and everyone around me how army life is and how to apply yourself once you draft in a religious aspect and schedule wise
Attended 2023
It teaches you skills that you don’t mean to learn but pick up along the way. For example sleeping with other people, being part of a brotherhood, and being able to make sure everyone has enough food before you take more just to name a few.
Attended 2022
Some past participants have offered to answer questions about their experience.
Israel Programs Wiki