Browse Programs
234 programs found
Midreshet Lindenbaum — Hadas
The flagship program of Midreshet Lindenbaum for Israeli high-school graduates, integrating a year of deep Torah study (Tanach, Talmud, Halacha, and Jewish thought) with three years of IDF service in the Education Corps, Intelligence Corps, or Air Force. Includes biweekly in-person support sessions at military bases during service and Jerusalem-area housing for participants stationed nearby.
Yeshivat Or Torah Machanaim
A hesder yeshiva at Migdal Oz in Gush Etzion, part of the Ohr Torah Stone network, built around the motto "Torah, World, Tikkun" (תורה, עולם, תיקון) -- deep, foundational Torah study aimed at existential relevance to students' lives, alongside a Halacha Kollel, a rabbinical-training kollel for the Diaspora, and a higher beit midrash for Jewish thought.
Yeshivat Shavei Hebron
Shavei Hebron combines rigorous, high-level Talmudic study with a deep commitment to Religious Zionism, heavily guided by torat Rav Kook. it's defined by a vibrant, close-knit community of incredible people who bring warmth and shared purpose to daily life.
Mechinat Ateret Yerushalayim
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.
Yeshivat Nahariya (Nahar De'a)
A hesder yeshiva overlooking the Mediterranean and the western Galilee, founded in 1995 by Rabbi Yeshayahu Meitlis (Nahariya's city rabbi) and Rabbi Chaim Rateig. Around 90 students study there today under Rabbi Meitlis and Rabbi Moshe Adler, in a program built around three pillars: personal development, close-knit community, and practical volunteering and service.
Yeshivat Lev Tel Aviv – Shir Le'Neriya
A hesder yeshiva in the heart of Tel Aviv (9 Herman Cohen Street), combining intensive Torah study with preparation for IDF service. Named Shir Le'Neriya in memory of Neriya Cohen, killed in a 2008 terror attack in Jerusalem, the yeshiva deliberately positions itself within the urban Tel Aviv environment -- rather than apart from it -- to build participants' connection to the land and people of Israel.
Yeshivat Heichal Eliyahu (Kochav Yaakov)
A hesder yeshiva in Kochav Yaakov, in the Binyamin region near Jerusalem, tracing its roots to a yeshiva founded in Montreux, Switzerland in 1927 before relocating to Israel and adopting the hesder framework in 1985. Currently led by Rabbi Shaul David Butchko, it offers three tracks -- hesder, a combined shiluvim track, and a higher-level kollel track -- combining Torah study with IDF service.
Lapidot Advanced Beit Midrash for Women
Described by its own program page as the only advanced full-time women's Beit Midrash for Torah studies in English in Israel, for women pursuing intensive Talmud or Tanach study alongside Halacha, philosophy, and pedagogy training to become Torah educators.
Amlat Program (Midreshet Lindenbaum)
A full-time Torah study program for young Spanish-speaking women from Latin America, running for 18 years, combining Judaism, Hebrew, Halacha, Jewish thought, Tanach, and Mishna study with educational tours, alongside Israeli and Diaspora peers at Midreshet Lindenbaum.
YU Israel Women's Campus
A three-year undergraduate program combining flexible online BBA coursework (Global Business & Innovation) with in-person Torah learning in Jerusalem, for women who have already completed a year of study at a YU-approved seminary or yeshiva.
Midrasha at Bar-Ilan University
An intensive Torah-study track for women, layered on top of a full undergraduate or graduate course load at Bar-Ilan University, covering Talmud, Tanach, Halacha, and Jewish thought alongside regular academic study.
Midreshet Dorit (Lindenbaum Lod)
A division of Midreshet Lindenbaum in Lod (opened 2017, renamed Midreshet Dorit in 2025 following a major gift), combining intensive Torah study with weekly volunteer service and a focus on preparing women for meaningful IDF service.
Midreshet Adraba
A one-year midrasha for young women preparing for IDF or national service, combining religious development, personal growth, and self-discovery within a Religious Zionist/Modern Orthodox framework.
Chaya Mushka Seminary (Ohr Chaya)
A year-long Chabad-Chassidic Torah study seminary for young women who are graduates of Chabad high schools worldwide, covering Chassidus, Jewish law, philosophy, and personal growth, with both English- and Hebrew-speaking tracks.
Nishmat Israeli Midrasha
A full-day intensive Torah study program (Tanach, Talmud, Halacha, Jewish thought) for Israeli women who have completed national or military service, drawing participants from a range of backgrounds from kibbutzim to cities.
Nishmas Bais Yaakov
A Bais Yaakov-style seminary for post-high-school women.
Midreshet Olamot (The Midrasha)
An alternative, flexible-structure seminary for religious young women, combining Torah classes with a range of academic, vocational, and creative courses (art, music, cosmetology, languages) and options to complete a high school diploma, work, or volunteer.
OU Israel ATID Program for Young Women
A part-time evening midrasha for English-speaking women in their 20s already living in Israel, offering weekly classes in Tanach, Halacha, and Machshava alongside workshops, trips, and Shabbatonim, designed to fit around sherut leumi, university, or work schedules.
Havineini Bais Yaakov
A Bais Yaakov seminary combining rigorous textual study (Chovos Halevovos, Tanach, Halacha, Tefilla) with extracurricular enrichment, offering both a first-year (Shana Alef) and second-year (Shana Bais) track.
B'nos Avigail
A Bais Yaakov-style seminary for serious post-high-school students, operating on the Neve Yerushalayim campus under its own separate leadership and admissions.
Nachlas Bais Yaakov
A Bais Yaakov-style seminary for post-high-school women pursuing a year of Torah study and religious growth in Jerusalem.
Me'ohr Bais Yaakov
A Bais Yaakov seminary for post-high-school women seeking serious textual Torah study in a traditional framework, drawing students from a range of Bais Yaakov-affiliated backgrounds.
Machon Bnos Yehuda (BYA)
A Bais Yaakov-style seminary, now in its 35th year, geared toward highly motivated Bais Yaakov high school graduates seeking a serious year of Torah study in Israel.
Jean Schottenstein Oryah Institute (JSOI)
A Chabad-Lubavitch seminary for young women using the teachings of Chassidus to develop leadership and a deep connection to Torah, including Torah classes, tours in Israel, and chesed/internship opportunities.
Aish Gesher Women
A post-high-school seminary for young women within the Aish HaTorah network, combining foundational Jewish studies with an emphasis on personal and spiritual growth for students newer to intensive Torah study.
Yeshivat HaHesder Karmiel
A hesder yeshiva in the northern city of Karmiel, founded in 2003, offering both a hesder track combining Torah study with IDF service and a standard higher-yeshiva (yeshiva gevoha) track.
Yeshivat HaHesder Yeruham
A hesder yeshiva in the Negev town of Yeruham, founded in 1993, combining advanced Torah study with IDF service.
HaMechina HaChadasha BeLod (The New Academy in Lod)
A yeshiva-style pre-military mechina in Lod combining intensive Torah study with physical training, wilderness experience, and preparation for IDF service.
Mechinat Ruach HaSadeh
A religious pre-military mechina for young men at Kibbutz Be'erot Yitzhak that combines Torah study with an open religious-Zionist outlook encouraging critical thinking, alongside preparation for IDF service.
Mechinat Maale Ephraim
An advanced-track mechina of the Bnei David (Eli) network located in the Jordan Valley settlement of Ma'ale Efrayim, combining advanced Torah study with agricultural work and pre-military preparation for second-year students and military veterans.
Mechinat Derech Avot
A pre-military mechina under the Bnei David (Eli) network specifically for young men of Ethiopian-Israeli descent, combining Torah and Beta Israel heritage study with physical training and leadership preparation before IDF service.
Yeshivas Mishkan HaTorah
Yeshivas Mishkan HaTorah, in the Morasha neighborhood of Jerusalem just outside the Old City, is a part-time Torah-study program for young men who have already completed several years of full-time yeshiva learning and wish to continue at a high level while pursuing academic or professional studies in Israel.
Yeshiva Midrash Shmuel
Yeshiva Midrash Shmuel is an English-speaking yeshiva in the Sha'arei Hesed neighborhood of Jerusalem, founded in 1993 by Rabbi Binyomin Moskovits, serving post-high-school students from Israel and abroad. It also runs Aliyos Shmuel, an introductory track for college graduates and older beginners, and a kollel for married students; all classes are conducted in English.
The Jerusalem Kollel
The Jerusalem Kollel, founded in 2002 by Rabbi Yitzchak Berkovits, is a three-year program training kollel couples for positions of Jewish communal leadership worldwide. Its curriculum combines intensive halacha study (Shabbat, nidah, and kashrut) with Jewish philosophy and ethics, alongside practical training in public speaking, rabbinic counseling, and nonprofit management.
Kollel Nefesh HaChaim
Kollel Nefesh HaChaim is an English-speaking kollel in Jerusalem offering an intensive, skills-oriented program of one to two years for young married men, including foundational Hebrew and Aramaic grammar, aimed at building the tools to learn Torah independently.
Matan – The Sadie Rennert Women's Institute for Torah Studies
Matan is a women's institute for Torah studies in Jerusalem, founded in 1988 by Malke Bina, dedicated to the serious, text-based study of Talmud, Tanakh, and rabbinic literature. It offers a year-long beit midrash program alongside ongoing classes and a range of certification tracks for women pursuing advanced Torah scholarship.
Yeshivas Ne'imus HaTorah
An English-speaking Breslov yeshiva in the Old City of Tzfat, offering Torah study centered on the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.
Yeshivat Yesod HaTorah
A Sephardic-oriented men's yeshiva in Ramat Shlomo, Jerusalem, offering a one-year program of Torah study accredited for transcript purposes by several North American colleges.
Nishmat (Liba Shana Ba'Aretz)
A gap-year program at Nishmat in Jerusalem combining English-speaking staff and classes with an Israeli, Hebrew-language beit midrash.
Bais Medrash L'Torah (Portnoy's Yeshiva)
A men's yeshiva in Jerusalem founded by Rabbi Shaye Portnoy for post-high-school Torah study.
Yeshivas Aderes Hatorah (Rav Senter's)
A men's yeshiva in Jerusalem founded by Rabbi Chaim Zvi Senter for post-high-school Torah study.
Imrei Binah
A men's yeshiva in Har Nof, Jerusalem, for post-high-school Torah study.
Tiferet Center
A Religious Zionist women's seminary in Ramat Beit Shemesh offering a one-year 'Shana Alef' program, primarily for North American students.
She'arim (College of Jewish Studies for Women)
A women's college of Jewish studies in Har Nof, Jerusalem, combining Torah study with a Hebrew ulpan component.
Baer Miriam (Ma'ayanot)
A one-year seminary program in Har Nof, Jerusalem, for young women pursuing Torah study through a textual, contextual, and hashkafic approach.
Yeshivat HaSeder Gavoha Kiryat Gat
A hesder yeshiva in Kiryat Gat established to disseminate Torah with love among the Jewish people, distinct from the city's other hesder yeshiva (Derech Chaim). Emphasizes divine service with love and joy, love for the Jewish people, passionate Torah study, community responsibility, and character development.
Yeshivat Sderot
A hesder yeshiva in Sderot combining Talmudic study with Jewish thought (Rav Kook, the Maharal) and national-religious/Zionist ideology, operating dormitory facilities and community outreach projects. Runs a 'Lev LaDaat' branch/track (about 150 students total across the institution) alongside its main programming.
Yeshivat Nachalat Yosef (Shavei Shomron)
A religious-nationalist yeshiva in Shavei Shomron with both a higher-yeshiva and hesder track, led by Rabbi Yehoshua Shmidt with Rabbi Dov Lior as president. Renamed Yeshivat Nachalat Yosef in 2017 in memory of Rabbi Yosef Schwartz. Known for studying Talmud using the 'Method of Signs' (Shitat HaSimanim), a mnemonic system developed by Rabbi Shmidt.
Yeshivat HaHesder Ramat HaSharon
A hesder yeshiva in Ramat HaSharon led by Rabbi Moshe Chai B'Harabi, with three main study tracks: in-depth Talmud study in the morning, breadth of study in the afternoons and evenings, and Halacha study for married students. Views military service through the hesder track as an expression of the value of return to Zion and public responsibility.
Yeshivat HaHesder Ramla
A hesder yeshiva in Ramla established in 2014 (Elul 5774), located in a complex on the edge of the market in the Emishav neighborhood, combining higher Torah study with significant military service. Led by Rabbi Ari Hendler.
Yeshivat Orot Moshe (Rosh HaAyin)
A hesder-shiluvim yeshiva in Rosh HaAyin led by Rabbi Gilad Chala, combining faith-based Torah study with meaningful military service across a four-year structure: a year of yeshiva study preparing for the army, two years of military service, and a final year of yeshiva study preparing for life after service.
Yeshivat Ahavat Israel (Netivot)
A hesder yeshiva in Netivot established in 2000, with about 50 students (roughly 20 in active military service), founded by Rabbi Israel Friedman Ben-Shalom together with his son Shmuli Ben-Shalom, with Rabbi David Asulin serving as head of yeshiva.
Yeshivat Cholon
A hesder yeshiva in Holon (population 200,000+) founded to establish a significant Torah center in the city, combining Talmudic study, Jewish law, biblical texts, and philosophy with military-service preparation and 'Lore of the Land of Israel.' Most students follow a 5-year track (2 years yeshiva, 1.5 years service, 1.5 years yeshiva); an alternative 3-year full-service track is also offered.
Yeshivat Derech Chaim (Kiryat Gat)
A hesder yeshiva in Kiryat Gat established in 2006 (5766), known for its in-depth analytical approach and high level of Talmudic and halachic study. About 150 students, including about 20 avrechim (married scholars) and 130 unmarried students, led by Rabbi Amir Maman.
Yeshivat HaHesder Dimona
A higher/hesder yeshiva in Dimona established roughly 12 years ago, led by Rabbi David Torjeman, taking responsibility for Torah leadership in the city. Encourages enlistment in combat roles within the hesder track as well as special forces and reconnaissance units; the hesder track runs 17 months of service.
Yeshivat Givat Olga (Hadera)
A high school and hesder yeshiva in the Givat Olga neighborhood of Hadera, founded in 2011 through the initiative of the Torah nucleus 'Atid Im Tikva,' and formally recognized as a hesder yeshiva by the Defense Ministry in 2013. Led by Rabbi Efraim Giami. Students volunteer in personal mentoring, hospital visits, and community events.
Yeshivat Midbara Ke'Eden (Mitzpe Ramon)
One of Israel's larger hesder yeshivot, established in 2000 and deliberately located in Mitzpe Ramon to advance settlement and spiritual revival in the Negev. About 300 students, including roughly 80 married students, led by Rabbi Tzvi Kostiner; also runs a smaller sister high-school-age yeshiva, Midbara Ke'Eden LeTze'irim. Graduates have founded Torah communities in Arad, Gitit, Givat Shmuel, and elsewhere, serving as rabbis, educators, and military officers.
Yeshivat Or VeYeshua (Haifa)
A hesder and higher yeshiva founded in 2001 by Rabbi Dr. Eliyahu Zayni as the first Zionist yeshiva in Haifa, combining meaningful Torah study with military service, emphasizing personal growth, responsibility, and love for the Jewish people and Land of Israel.
Yeshivat HaMeiri (Kiryat Moshe)
A hesder yeshiva in Jerusalem's Kiryat Moshe neighborhood, established in 1995 at the direction of former Chief Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, founded by Rabbi Shmuel Zafrani and Dr. Yaakov Hadani, offering a unique track that combines yeshiva study with academic studies leading to accreditation. About 80 students study there.
Beit Orot (Jerusalem)
A Beit Midrash on Mount Scopus for army graduates seeking to dedicate a period to intensive Torah study before continuing their life course, led by Rabbi Chen David Hallamish. Also runs a Jerusalem Brigade-Mount Scopus visitor center with tours and lectures, and community programming around settlement in East Jerusalem.
Yeshivat Shilo
A Torah study institution in Shilo emphasizing deep Talmudic study from foundational understanding through advanced rabbinic sources, complemented by courses on faith, ethics, and Hasidic teachings. About 100 students and post-graduate scholars, plus military groups, led by Rabbi Michael Broom (president) and Rabbi Aviv Gamliel (head); a separate kollel of ~25 advanced scholars is headed by Rabbi Chen Yitzhak.
Yeshivat Ashkelon (Orot HaTorah VeHaChesed)
A hesder-shiluvim yeshiva in Ashkelon educating students toward love of Torah, the Jewish people, and the State of Israel, combining significant military service with a mission-oriented outlook. Offers a post-army teaching-degree track in partnership with Orot Israel College.
Yeshivat Birkat Yosef (Alon Moreh)
A hesder and higher-yeshiva in Alon Moreh founded in 1995 (5755), with over 180 students and avrechim across its hesder and gevoha tracks. Led by Rabbi Eliyakim Levanon and Rabbi Shachar Eimber.
Yeshiva Gevoha Itamar
A higher yeshiva established in 1998 on a hill in the Itamar settlement overlooking Shechem, founded by Rabbi Avihai Rontzky and now led by Rabbi Yehoshua van Dijk. Publishes a quarterly Torah journal, 'Ha'Tomer,' and maintains student groups worldwide.
Yeshivat Orot Shaul (Tel Aviv)
A hesder yeshiva founded in September 1998 by Rabbi Yuval Sherlo, Rabbi David Stav, and Rabbi Shai Piron, led by Rabbi Yuval Sherlo, Rabbi Tamir Granot, and Rabbi Itamar Eldar. Relocated to Tel Aviv's Shapira neighborhood in 2020, at which point it left the AMIT network and joined the Ruach HaGolan institutions.
Yeshivat Hesder Orot Yaakov (Rehovot)
A hesder yeshiva in Rehovot founded roughly 50 years ago, combining Torah study in a warm, family-like atmosphere with military service preparation and an academic degree track. About 200 students study there under Rabbi Ami Danino.
Yeshivat Or Akiva
A hesder yeshiva complex in Or Akiva encompassing a preparatory program, the yeshiva itself, a girls' school, and an alumni program, with about 120 students. Led by Rabbi Yossi Alfasi. Approach emphasizes meeting each student where he is, with deep learning rooted in love and faith, journeys, and personal guidance.
Yeshivat Karnei Shomron
One of the veteran hesder yeshivot, established in 1980 (5740), located in western Samaria near Kedumim, Emanuel, and Alfei Menashe. Led by Rabbi Shmuel Haber and Rabbi Avraham Kurzweil.
Yeshivat Sdot Negev (Kfar Maimon)
A hesder yeshiva open to high school graduates from throughout Israel, combining Torah study with meaningful military service, led by the rabbi of Kibbutz Sa'ad, Rabbi Ari Set, and Rabbi Michael Adre'i (rabbi of Kfar Maimon-Toushiya).
Yeshivat HaBikah (Sdemot Neriah)
A hesder yeshiva named for Rabbi Moshe Tzvi Neriah, established in 1994 by Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Kfar Haroeh (Rabbi Neriah's last founding before his passing a year later), relocated to Sdemot Mechola to strengthen Jewish settlement in the Jordan Valley. About 40 students study there under current heads Rabbi Nehemiah Ranan and Rabbi Avi'ad Shinuval.
Beit Midrash Reuta (Carmel)
A yeshiva founded in 2000 in Moshav Carmel offering both a higher-yeshiva track and a hesder track, plus a kollel for married scholars, led by founder Rabbi Natan Ophner (a graduate of Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav). Curriculum covers Talmud (Bava Batra, Gittin), Jewish philosophy (Rav Kook, Maimonides, the Kuzari), and weekly Torah portions, offered via in-person lessons, live-streamed classes, and a phone/audio lecture line.
Yeshivat Ramat Gan
A religious-Zionist Chassidic hesder yeshiva, described as a pioneer among Zionist yeshivot in the Gush Dan area, established in 1994 (5754). Led by Rabbi Yehoshua Shapira, joined by Rabbi Ben Tzion Elgazi since 2018; Rabbi Yaakov Ariel (former city rabbi) serves as president.
Yeshivat HaHesder Rishon LeZion
A family-oriented hesder yeshiva focused on developing students' spiritual identity as Torah scholars, combining in-depth Talmud study with Jewish thought, life skills, mentorship, and community engagement.
Yeshivat Tekoa
A yeshiva operating in the spirit of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz z"l, emphasizing in-depth and broad Talmudic study to develop Torah scholars grounded in tradition. Also runs a kollel for advanced study.
Yeshivat Kiryat Shmona
A settlement hesder yeshiva in northern Israel, established in 1977 by Rabbi Tzfanya Drori (a student of Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda HaCohen Kook) to strengthen Torah values in the northern border region. About 230 students engage in diverse learning methods; the yeshiva positions itself as a Torah center for the Upper Galilee.
Yeshivat Chiburim Afula
A branch of the Chiburim Beit Shean VeHaEmek hesder yeshiva, operating in Afula alongside the main Beit Shean institution under the same organizational umbrella.
Yeshivat Chiburim Beit Shean
A hesder yeshiva operated by the Chiburim Beit Shean VeHaEmek organization, which also runs family support and counseling services, agricultural education, and adult education (midrasha) programs across the Beit Shean valley region, in partnership with several government ministries and municipalities.
Hesder Yeshiva Akko
A branch of Hesder Yeshiva Maalot Yaakov established in 2002 by Rabbi Yossi Stern, combining Torah study with active community involvement and volunteer work in Akko. Runs a 'Netiv' course integrating IDF soldiers and programs for local university students.
Yeshivat HaSeder Nof HaGalil
A hesder yeshiva in Nof HaGalil emphasizing deep Torah study with independent thinking, national unity through exploring Jewish peoplehood, and character development including leadership and personal responsibility.
Yeshivat Shirat Moshe (Meirim BeYafo)
A yeshiva founded by Rabbi Eliyahu Mali as the centerpiece of the Meirim BeYafo organization, which runs about nine initiatives in Jaffa including a pre-military academy (Mechinat Chivat Tzion), a women's center, and student housing, aiming to strengthen Jewish communal life in the city. Around 600 students and volunteers participate across the organization's institutions.
Yeshivat Netzer Matai (Ariel)
A Torah study center in Ariel following the teachings of Rabbi Kook and his son, offering deep learning for gap-year students (week-long intensive tracks) and flexible courses for university students. Originally established in Netzarim, Gush Katif, before relocating to Ariel.
Yeshivat Hesder Maalot Yaakov
A Bnei Akiva-affiliated hesder yeshiva in Maalot centered on the doctrine of 'Torah of the Land of Israel,' combining religious study with Zionist values. Runs a 'Bnei Menashe' integration project for that diaspora community and a 'Panim el Panim' interpersonal engagement initiative.
Yeshivat Tfachot
A hesder yeshiva established in 1980 to strengthen Jewish presence in the Galilee, combining Torah study with military service. About 200 students currently study there; the institution also runs mission-oriented communities (garinim) in Tfachot and Tiberias, plus an extension yeshiva, Ramat Arbel.
Yeshivat Har Bracha
A Torah institution centered on 'Torah as a way of life,' led by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, offering a Kollel for rabbinical studies, a Shiluvim track combining Torah study with secular university degrees, a women's Torat Chaim Midrasha, and a program for army veterans.
Yeshivat HaGolan
A higher yeshiva with a hesder track in the Golan Heights, offering study hall lessons in Gemara, Halacha, faith and philosophy, mussar, and Biblical studies, with an active alumni network and Torah library.
Yeshivat Ayelet HaShachar (Eilat)
A hesder yeshiva in Eilat.
Yeshivat Or Etzion
A high-level yeshiva founded in the spirit of Rabbi Avraham Isaac Kook, established in 1977 by Rabbi Haim Druckman, emphasizing Torah study, fear of Heaven, observance of commandments, love of the Jewish people, and love of the State of Israel. Also houses a preparatory track for the Ethiopian Jewish community (Or Meofir), a conversion center, and a teacher training college.
Midreshet HaShiluv Natur
A first-of-its-kind integrated midrasha at Kibbutz Natur, opened September 2012 by Rabbi Aviya Rozen and Itamar Lapid, opening beit-midrash-style study to secular and religious students, male and female, across a range of spiritual and general-education subjects, integrated with full IDF service and academic advancement.
Mechinat Beer Ora
A pre-military academy in the Arava near Eilat focused on desert studies and leadership, active since 2015-2016, with a curriculum spanning education, philosophy, politics, current affairs, communications, economics, Bible, Israeli culture, and desert geography.
Mechinat Echad V'Achat Mishelanu
A pre-military academy for social leadership, established in 2011 and named for Lt. Pini Cohen z"l, in which male and female participants undergo a process of personal, values-based, and social identity formation ahead of meaningful IDF service and civic life.
Mechinat Lavi
A religious-educational pre-military academy in Or Yehuda, in the heart of Gush Dan, combining Torah study with physical and mental preparation for meaningful IDF service.
Mechinat Uri
A pre-military academy for religious young women in Givat Washington, focused on deepening students' connection to themselves, Torah, and the Jewish people ahead of meaningful IDF service, through a process of personal and spiritual growth.
Mechinat Tamir
A pre-military academy established in 2004 in Katzrin, based on values of Judaism, Zionism, and leadership, aiming to strengthen students' sense of identification and belonging to the nation, land, and state.
Mechinat Keshet Yehuda
A pre-military academy founded in 1991 in the Keshet settlement in the Golan Heights, with a program lasting between one and one-and-a-half years; most graduates enlist in the military, with some continuing Torah study at yeshivot.
Mechinat Tzahali
A pre-military academy for religious young women, established in 2006 by the Jacob Herzog Center under the Religious Kibbutz Movement, closely accompanying high-school graduates preparing for meaningful IDF service. Roughly 100 women graduate each year; curriculum centers on Torah study, Israeli history, and quarterly field trips exploring Israeli societal issues.
Mechinat Shuvu Achim
A yeshiva-style, socially-oriented pre-military academy established in September 2015 in Rehovot, founded in memory of the three teenagers kidnapped and murdered in summer 2014, preparing graduates for meaningful IDF service through in-depth study and personal mentorship.
Mechinat Oz Shlomo
A pre-military academy named for Rabbi Shlomo Goren z"l, established roughly 19 years ago in the Merkaz Shapira settlement, for graduates of religious high schools, emphasizing personal attention and a family atmosphere.
Mechinat Mashahiyot (Maskyot)
A pre-military academy in the northern Jordan Valley combining learning and action, challenges and community involvement, with military preparation through lectures, combat heritage study, navigation exercises, and visits to military units.
Mechinat Maoz (Lod)
A pre-military academy established in 2007 in the Ramat Eshkol neighborhood of Lod, preparing students for military service and life through Torah study and acts of kindness, with a mission of strengthening Jewish presence in the neighborhood.
Mechinat Magen Shaul (Nokdim)
A leading pre-military academy in Gush Etzion overlooking the Judean Desert, preparing religious young men for IDF service physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Mechinat Lapidot Emuna
A pre-military academy for religious young women, founded in 2015, aiming to build faith, spirituality, and leadership ahead of military service. Curriculum covers Torah, Jewish law, Talmud, Jewish philosophy, and Chassidut alongside understanding of Israeli society.
Midreshet Rina (Shlomit)
The women's branch of Mechinat Otzem, a study center in the pioneering settlement of Shlomit founded by Otzem alumni.
Mechinat Ke'Ayal
A newly established branch of Mechinat Otzem in the city of Ofakim, combining Torah study and mission-oriented work. Founded by Rabbi Yotam Sorek, named for his brother Eyal Sorek z"l.
Mechinat Yonatan
A religious pre-military academy for both young men and women, named for Yoni Netanyahu z"l, established by the Religious Kibbutz Movement at Kibbutz Alumim. Combines Torah, faith, and Jewish philosophy study with kibbutz labor (packing facility, field crops, orchards, kitchen, ranch work), community volunteering, and military preparation. Opened an additional branch at Kibbutz Sa'ad in 2024.
Mechinat Yedidya
A post-high-school, pre-army program in Beit Shemesh for graduates of religious high schools from Israel and abroad, preparing young men emotionally, spiritually, psychologically, and physically for military service and citizenship. Established 2011; recognized and funded by Israel's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Defense.
Mechinat Chemdat Yehuda
A religious pre-military academy in the Chemdat settlement, founded in 1997 by Rabbi Yinon Meder, training students for meaningful life and military service.
Mechinat Chosen Peduel
A pre-military academy in the Peduel settlement emphasizing student self-governance and social leadership, combining Jewish studies in the spirit of Rabbi Kook and Chassidut with practical military preparation -- physical training, navigation, survival training, firearms instruction, and spoken Arabic lessons coordinated with IDF intelligence units. Over 1,500 graduates have gone on to serve as IDF officers and other roles in Israeli society.
Mechinat Beit Yatir
A pre-military academy established in 1991 combining deep Torah study, military preparation, agriculture, and settlement in the natural setting of the Yatir forest. Roughly 100 students total across first and second year. Selection emphasizes genuine motivation over academic or religious credentials.
Mechinat Arzei HaLevanon
A Torah-based and Zionist pre-military academy based in the Shiloh settlement, which also operates a program in Beit She'an and a newer track, Chavat Zion, in Jaffa.
Mechinat Elisha
A veteran yeshiva-style pre-military academy adjacent to Neve Tzuf in the Binyamin area, aiming to develop religious soldiers with a firm Torah grounding. Also runs a post-military beit midrash track for army graduates continuing traditional study while addressing life skills and spiritual development.
Mechinat Eitan
A pre-military academy established in 2010 as an initiative of the Beit Morasha association, combining Torah study with practical work, manual labor, and direct connection to the land. Operates at two locations with roughly 150 first- and second-year students combined.
Mechinat Orot
A Torah-based pre-military academy in the settlement of Talmon, established in 2008, affiliated with Yeshivat Hakotel. Focuses on connecting students to Torah study (Talmud, faith, Jewish law) at an individualized pace; admission is based on interview and personal acquaintance rather than academic credentials alone.
Mechinat Avner - Akko
A religious pre-military academy in Akko offering 12 to 18 months of study before graduates enlist for military service. Established in 2014 and named after Avner Shimon Gatz, a soldier killed in the battle to liberate the Western Wall in the Six-Day War; founded by his nephew, Rabbi Ahikam Gatz.
Midreshet Lev
A women's seminary in Ramat Beit Shemesh offering advanced Torah classes in Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, Machshava, and Chassidut, combined with Religious Zionist education, personalized mentorship through rakezet (advisor) relationships, and chesed/community-engagement programming.
Yeshivat Yishrei Lev
A classical Talmud-focused yeshiva for post-high-school students from North America, emphasizing intensive Talmudic analysis (iyun and bekiyus), Halacha, Jewish philosophy (machshava), and character development (mussar), with multi-year Shana Aleph/Bet/Gimel tracks.
Yeshiva Tiferet (TJ)
A post-high-school yeshiva in the Jerusalem suburb of Bayit Vegan, offering five distinct shiur platforms to accommodate students from beginner to advanced Talmudic study levels, with residential accommodations, weekly Shabbat programming with faculty mentors, and joint academic-credit programs with Yeshiva University, Touro College, and Hebrew Theological College.
Midreshet Torah V'Avodah (MTVA)
A midrasha for female high school graduates combining rigorous Torah study with competitive Israeli internships and volunteer work, plus a Machon Leadership Program offering Israel-advocacy training and meetings with political and military leaders.
Yeshivat Torah V'Avodah (YTVA)
A hesder-recognized yeshiva for male high school graduates from around the world, combining rigorous Torah study with competitive internships and volunteer work with Israeli organizations. Runs a high-level Kollel program on campus; graduates have enlisted in elite IDF combat units including paratroop units.
NCSY Derech
An all-boys touring program combining daily shiurim and chaburas for Torah learning with touring across Israel from north to south, spending significant time at NCSY Kollel's campus.
NCSY Michlelet Mechina
A six-week program for public-school teenage girls that blends Torah learning, chesed (charitable service) projects such as running carnivals for terror victims, and touring across Israel, alongside adventure activities like rappelling.
NCSY Michlelet
A program for teenage girls combining Torah study with accomplished educators, weekly chesed (volunteer) trips, and extensive touring across Israel -- including hiking, rafting, zip-lining, and water sports -- based at the Reishit Yerushalayim campus in Beit Shemesh.
NCSY Kollel Mechina Track
A six-week program for public-school teens that combines Torah learning tailored to a range of skill levels with competitive sports leagues and touring across Israel, run alongside NCSY Kollel's campus.
Bnei David (Eli)
Bnei David is a Religious Zionist organization that operates across multiple campuses, including Yeshivot, mechinot, and Midrashot. It is most famously known for its mechina located in Eli and its midrasha, Danieli, located in Kfar Tapuach, which completely revolutionized how the national-religious community approaches army preparation and national service. The core ideology behind Bnei David is based on HaRav Kook’s teachings, which emphasize that the building of the State of Israel is a fundamental part of the redemption process, meaning that learning Torah and actively contributing to the country are deeply connected. While Bnei David doesn't have a separate, designated program for overseas students, every year multiple students from outside of Israel come to learn here, automatically integrating into the standard Israeli programs alongside their peers. At Bnei David, learning Torah isn't separated from real-world action; instead, it serves as the spiritual foundation that prepares students for the challenges ahead. The institution strongly pushes its students to go as far as possible in the army—whether that means joining elite combat units or becoming officers and commanders. But the impact doesn't stop in the IDF; the ultimate goal is to give students the values, resilience, and tools they need for life. By fusing an uncompromising commitment to Torah with high motivation, Bnei David builds leaders who carry that same drive for excellence into their families, careers, and communities long after their service ends.
Midreshet Lindenbaum
A large, academically rigorous Bet Midrash for women in Jerusalem offering intensive Tanach and Torah She'be'al Peh study alongside internships and social action, with dedicated tracks (Hadas, Shana Bet, Midrashit) for overseas post-high-school students.
Yeshivat Moreshet Yerushalayim
A Sephardic post-high-school yeshiva in Jerusalem preparing young men for college, business, and life through Gemara, Tur, and Beit Yosef study taught via Sephardic tradition.
Rinas Bais Yaakov
A highly academic Bais Yaakov seminary with high-caliber, renowned teachers and an extensive schedule of trips and tours.
Bnos Chava Seminary
A one-year teacher-training program for recent Bais Yaakov high school graduates.
Bnos Sarah Seminary
A one-year teacher-training program for recent English-speaking Bais Yaakov high school graduates with strong halachic observance and academics; students average above an 86% GPA and come mostly from North America and Europe, with 80% of classes taught in Hebrew to build language skills.
Machon Sara Yerushalayim (MSY)
A Bais Yaakov-track seminary for post-high-school women.
Chemdas Bais Yaakov
A Jerusalem seminary and participating school in Touro's Israel Option.
Ateres Bnos Yerushalayim
A seminary founded 24 years ago by Rabbi Hillel Belsky, located near the Kosel, drawing on his decades of experience in girls' chinuch; a participating seminary in Touro's Israel Option.
Machon Raaya
A Har Nof seminary known for being warm and accepting of every student, with rigorous, intellectually in-depth learning; a participating seminary in Touro's and Hebrew Theological College's Israel Option programs.
Machon Roni
A women's Torah institute affiliated with Diaspora Yeshiva, teaching women seeking conversion to Judaism, with a track conducted primarily in Spanish for Spanish-speaking conversion candidates alongside its general English-language track.
Midreshet B'erot Bat Ayin
Israel's only Holistic Jewish Women's Seminary, combining intensive Tanach, Halacha, and Chassidut study with creative spiritual expression through dance, art, drama, writing, and music, at beginner through advanced levels; also runs a B'not Ruth conversion track for women becoming Jewish. Founded and directed by Rebbetzin Chana Bracha Siegelbaum.
Midreshet Ein Hanatziv
A Beit Midrash on a working northern-Israel kibbutz with classes spanning Tanakh, Talmud, Jewish law history, philosophy, Chassidut, and gender in Judaism; overseas students are fully immersed with 60-80 Israeli students living on the same schedule.
Meorot Yerushalayim
The only gap-year seminary geared exclusively to women who attended public school or grew up in non-observant homes, run by Rabbi Yaakov Lynn with 20-30 students a year and individualized attention; about a quarter of graduates go on to Touro or Stern College.
Mayanot Women's Program
A Judaic Studies and Yeshiva track for women ages 20-29 with discussion-style classes, small class sizes, and no dress code or religious commitment required; the women's counterpart to Mayanot's men's post-high-school program.
Neve Yerushalayim – Mechina Introductory Program
A 6-week introductory track at Neve Yerushalayim for women ages 19-35, featuring prominent lecturers on philosophical and theological topics, private tutorials, campus tours, and dorm housing, with financial aid available; a shorter taste of Neve's curriculum distinct from the school's two longer programs.
Yeshivat Drisha (Shana Alef)
A one-year program for highly motivated post-high-school women at the Drisha Institute's flagship Israel yeshiva (opened 2018, Shana Alef track added 2020), offering intensive Talmud Torah alongside advanced learners; overseas students, about a third of the cohort, are fully integrated with Israeli students in a Hebrew-speaking environment with English-speaking staff support.
Tomer Devorah Seminary
A seminary opened in 2006 with a dual focus on building textual/learning skills and character, offering Bible, Prophets, Proverbs, Law, and Philosophy classes with dorm housing and mentoring.
Baer Miriam
A Har Nof seminary for women at all learning levels, with personal teacher involvement and challenging classes.
She'arim
A Har Nof seminary founded in 1994 with about 50 students a year, offering morning one-on-one learning and afternoon lectures on Chumash, Navi, and tefilla, plus a short introductory "Taste of Torah" track for women new to their heritage.
Yeshivat Ohr David
A yeshiva founded in 1980 by Rabbi Chaim Flom for growth-minded students, drawing from communities around the United States, with trips throughout Israel including the Golan Heights and Eilat.
Chasedei Breslov Yeshiva
An English-speaking kollel and yeshiva, running since 1987, teaching Rebbe Nachman's Breslov teachings on faith, prayer, and Torah, with a full in-person track and an International Remote Study option.
Yeshivas Birchas Mordechai
A yeshiva in Beitar led by Rav Yaakov Friedman.
Yeshivas Bais Yisroel
An English-language Litvish Orthodox yeshiva founded in 1985 by Rabbi Doniel Lehrfield, with over 100 students from the US, England, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Chile, and Australia.
Yeshiva Gedolah Yagdil Torah
A Jerusalem yeshiva for post-high-school men, operating as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Yeshivat Darchei Yonatan
An academically-oriented yeshiva in Efrat named in memory of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.
Yeshivas Zeev Hatorah
A yeshiva and learning community dedicated to Torah study alongside a heightened sense of individual and communal responsibility.
Yeshivas Nesivos Ahron
A yeshiva founded in 2008 to provide motivated young men with the foundations of Torah and avodas Hashem.
Yeshivat Ma'ale Gilboa
A Shiluv yeshiva combining two years of Torah study with the full three years of IDF service (rather than the shorter Hesder track), emphasizing rigorous study alongside intellectual openness and social consciousness; its overseas program is fully integrated with the Israeli program, adding English-language classes on top of the Hebrew ones, and draws post-high-school and post-college students from the US, UK, and Australia.
Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim Yerushalayim
A yeshiva teaching and inspiring students in Torah and mussar for over 55 years, carrying forward the mesorah of Slabodka.
Yeshivat Ohr Yerushalayim
A Beit Midrash program on Moshav Beit Meir in the Judean hills for English-speaking men from the US and other Anglo countries wanting a year or more of intensive study.
Yeshivas Toras Chaim
A yeshiva founded by the Kreiswirth family of Antwerp for overseas students who intend to complete their undergraduate degree, offering college-credit coordination including with Touro's Israel Option.
Heichal Yerushalayim
A Sephardic community yeshiva for post-high-school overseas students.
Yeshivat Toras Moshe (TOMO)
An English-speaking Litvish Orthodox yeshiva founded in 1982 by Rabbi Moshe Meiselman for serious advanced Talmud students from English-speaking countries, with over 1,000 graduates; students study 10.5 hours daily across Talmud, Mussar, and Halacha.
Yeshivat Shalom Rav
A nurturing, spiritually-oriented yeshiva in Tzfat led by Rabbi Avshi Weingot.
Dvar Yerushalayim
A Har Nof yeshiva teaching Jewish philosophy, ethics, Bible, and Hebrew from introductory through advanced levels, accepting students with minimal prior Jewish background.
Yeshivat Simchat Shlomo
A Nachlaot yeshiva founded in 2001 by Rav Sholom Brodt, teaching Gemara, Halacha, and Chassidut in a style and spirit inspired by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, with full and part-time tracks.
Bat Ayin Yeshiva
A Beit Midrash and rabbinical-ordination (Smicha) track for men roughly mid-20s to early-30s, in the Breslov-influenced community of Bat Ayin, with housing and meals provided.
Yeshivas Orchos Chaim
A gap-year yeshiva in Jerusalem for English-speaking post-high-school men.
Ohr Avraham
A gap-year yeshiva in Beit Shemesh for English-speaking post-high-school men.
Machon Yaakov
A highly selective yeshiva in Har Nof accepting only 18 students a year, ages 21-30, for one to two years of advanced, serious Torah study.
S. Daniel Abraham Israel Program
A gap-year partnership between Yeshiva University and more than 40 yeshivot and seminaries across Israel, letting Orthodox gap-year students immerse in Torah learning at a partner institution of their choice while remaining fully enrolled YU undergraduates, with separate men's and women's school tracks.
Darchei Binah
A women's seminary founded in 1995 offering a gap year of intensive Judaic studies with an optional fully-accredited second year, including secular college coursework on campus and a trip to Poland exploring the history of Torah scholarship there; Darchei Binah is a recognized partner seminary for overseas college-credit programs through Touro University, Daemen University, and others.
Neveh Zion
A gap-year yeshiva for English-speaking young men who feel disengaged from Jewish life or have struggled in more conventional yeshiva settings, pairing Torah learning with trips, music, and relationship-driven mentorship from rebbeim; the affiliated Maalot program offers a fully accredited Bachelor of Arts pathway through Excelsior College.
Limmud (World Bnei Akiva)
A co-ed, religious-Zionist Israel year program for post-high-school graduates from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America, combining Torah/Jewish-studies learning with self-empowerment and personal-growth programming, distinct from World Bnei Akiva's other tracks (Kadima, Mechina Olamit, Torani, MTA).
RRC Israel Summer Term
A required summer-term Israel program (typically in the third year) for Reconstructionist Rabbinical College students, combining academic coursework and experiential learning on Israel's history, culture, politics and contemporary society; students who want to extend for an additional term or full year can access RRC scholarships and academic advising to do so.
Ziegler School Israel Summer Program
An intensive 10-12 week summer Israel program for Ziegler rabbinical students, replacing what was previously a full year in Israel (third-year students traditionally spent a year there before the school's 2023 curriculum restructuring shortened the program overall).
JTS Israel Year
A required second-year-of-study year in Israel for JTS rabbinical students, based at the Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies, engaging students with Israeli society, history and politics alongside advanced Jewish text study to prepare them to teach and speak knowledgeably about Israel in their future communities. A joint Pardes/JTS track also lets students count a year at Pardes toward the rabbinical degree.
HUC-JIR Year-in-Israel
A mandatory first year in Israel for all HUC-JIR rabbinical, cantorial and Jewish-education graduate students, opening with a Hebrew ulpan before a full slate of Hebrew immersion, foundational textual skills, Israel studies, community-building and community-service projects, using Israel itself as a classroom to explore Israeli culture, Zionist history and contemporary social/political issues.
EYAHT - Aish HaTorah College for Women
A full-time college for advanced Jewish learning aimed at unaffiliated, college-educated and professional English-speaking women ages 22-30, founded in 1984, offering multi-level classes in Jewish philosophy, history, prayer, Chumash and Rabbi Noah Weinberg's '48 Ways to Wisdom' curriculum; most students are exploring becoming more observant.
Jerusalem College of Technology - International English Speakers Program
A hybrid program letting English-speaking students combine a post-high-school yeshiva experience with a real academic degree: Torah/yeshiva studies in English in the morning, and English-taught coursework toward a Computer Science or Business Administration degree in the afternoon, with optional Hebrew ulpan.
Hevruta Gap-Year Program
An immersive Jerusalem gap year for 70 recent high school graduates -- half from North America, half from Israel -- blending Jewish text study, philosophy and modern thought with leadership training and communal life, drawing on the Hartman Institute's pluralistic scholarship and methodology.
Conservative Yeshiva
An egalitarian yeshiva offering one-year, pre-college, advanced-studies, summer and winter Torah-study tracks for adults of all backgrounds and denominations, blending traditional beit midrash learning with a Conservative/Masorti approach; the program includes Thursday day trips and a Shabbaton, and long-term study is Masa-eligible.
Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies - Year/Semester Program
A pluralistic, egalitarian beit midrash for university graduates combining classic Jewish text study (Talmud, Tanach, Halacha) with philosophical, ethical and societal questions facing the Jewish people today, taught seminar-style with chavruta (paired) learning; students choose from a wide range of electives and can study for Elul (September), a semester, or the full year while living independently in Jerusalem.
Michlalah Jerusalem College – Machal (Overseas Students Program)
The Linda Pinsky School for Overseas Students (Machal) at Michlalah Jerusalem College, founded in 1964 to train Israeli teachers and expanded in 1969 to serve students from abroad; around 140 international students per year study Tanach, Halacha, Mussar and Machshava in a Torah-growth curriculum focused on personal commitment to Torah life.
Midreshet AMIT
A women's midrasha built on Religious-Zionist ideals, combining Torah learning with hands-on community service — students volunteer with the children of Beit Hayeled, becoming part of the children's extended foster family alongside their studies.
Yeshivas Bircas HaTorah
A yeshiva founded in 1989 just above the Cardo in the Old City's Jewish Quarter, offering full-time beginning, intermediate and advanced learning programs as well as intensive short-term programs for visitors from abroad, drawing students of all ages and Jewish backgrounds.
Yeshivat Sha'arei Mevaseret Zion
A post-high-school yeshiva for boys from North America, the UK, South America and Australia, offering Gemara shiurim across all learning levels alongside Mussar, Hashkafa, Chassidus, Tanach and Halacha study, with roughly 70% of students returning for an official Shana Bet second year.
Diaspora Yeshiva – Gap Year Program
A gap-year program for male high school graduates on Mount Zion combining two to three daily sedarim of Torah/Talmud study tailored to each student's level with the option to earn an accredited Bachelor of Arts degree within a year, located minutes from the Western Wall.
Beit Chana Seminary (Tzfat) – Chul Program
One of the Lubavitch movement's most sought-after seminaries, historically for Israeli-Hebrew-speaking high school graduates training as future Chassidishe educators; its 'Chul program' extension accepts overseas students into a curriculum of personal and teaching skills alongside Limudei Kodesh, leading to a government-recognized 'Morot Lagolah' teaching certificate.
Machon Shlomo
A yeshiva founded in 1982 for Jewish, English-speaking college graduates and young professionals in their 20s and 30s pausing careers to spend a year or two on Torah learning, personal development and communal life, blending early-morning prayer, chevrusa study and lectures.
Shapell's / Yeshiva Darché Noam
A yeshiva for English-speaking college graduates and young professionals in their 20s and 30s, founded in 1978, offering long-term (6+ months), medium-term (3-6 months) and short-term (1-3 months) Torah study tracks in Gemara, Chumash, Halacha and Hashkafa alongside character development.
Aish HaTorah – Foundations Program
A flexible-length program for college students on a gap year or semester break exploring Judaism with no background assumed, offering three hours of morning and three hours of afternoon classes covering Jewish philosophy, personal growth, history and text study, with optional evening programming.
Aish HaTorah – Aish Gesher
A year-long post-high-school program in Jerusalem's Old City for young men graduating from public high schools who want a traditional yeshiva experience, studying Jewish texts at a serious level alongside leadership development, located in Aish's Old City campus with classrooms, a dining hall and gym.
Ohr Somayach – Derech Institute for Torah Studies
A program at the Jerusalem baal-teshuva yeshiva founded in 1970, designed for motivated post-high-school students who may lack a strong formal Jewish education but have the intellectual drive to independently study classical Jewish texts including Talmud and responsa, taught by faculty trained to teach from absolute zero.
Neve Yerushalayim – Machon Devorah
One of Neve Yerushalayim's eleven affiliated schools on its Har Nof campus, offering a dedicated seminary track for post-high-school and graduate-age women alongside the flagship Shalhevet program, part of the broader Neve network founded in 1970.
Neve Yerushalayim – Shalhevet Program
A one-year program at the world's oldest and largest college for Jewish women (35,000+ alumni since 1970), designed for women who want to deepen their Jewish knowledge, learning skills and spiritual growth in an environment built specifically for baalot teshuva.
MTA (World Bnei Akiva)
A World Bnei Akiva year program geared specifically toward participants from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, immersing them in Beit Midrash learning and Torat Eretz Yisrael at one of four campuses.
Mechina Olamit (World Bnei Akiva and Kol Ami)
A 9-month (or 6-month, depending on the track you decide), co-educational, army-preperation and leadership gap year. The program is completely mixed between Israeli and overseas participants, combining immersive Zionist and Jewish learning with hands-on leadership experiences at World Bnei Akiva's flagship international mechina campus in Jerusalem. The first 3 months of the program are run in English, the second 3 in Hebrew, and the final 3 months are for overseas participants only, and in English.
Torah Tech
An elite gap-year program for young men combining a Rosh Yeshiva-led Beit Midrash focused on Torah study and business ethics with real internships at Tel Aviv startups, aiming to prepare talmidim for both a Torah-centered life and a career in the Startup Nation's tech industry.
Machon Alte - Seminary Chaya Mushka
The only Chabad-Lubavitch women's school in Israel, offering full-time Jewish studies (Jewish law, Torah and Prophets, Jewish meditation and prayer, Chassidic philosophy, Hebrew ulpan) for women of any age or background, on a year, semester, or short-term basis. Dormitory housing on premises, 2 students per room with a private bathroom.
Mayanot Post-High-School Program (Men)
A Chabad-Chassidic yeshiva program for male high-school graduates ages 18-19, offering Torah study with a Chassidic approach in a dedicated Post High School track on Mayanot's Men's Campus. No prior Hebrew, Jewish studies background, or religious commitment required for acceptance. Runs a full academic year (with a 3-week Pesach break) but students may also come for just a semester or as little as 3 weeks.
Otzem Overseas Program (Atzmona)
A dedicated English-language overseas track of the religious Zionist Mechinat Otzem, allowing young Jewish men from abroad to live, study Torah, and volunteer alongside Israeli mechina students for a gap year, with many graduates going on to IDF special forces units. One of the few mechinot with a purpose-built English-speaking cohort for overseas participants.
Mechinat Bnei David (Eli)
Founded in 1988 by Rabbis Eli Sadan and Yigal Levinstein, this was the first pre-military mechina in Israel, preparing religious Zionist young men for combat and officer roles in the IDF through Torah study, leadership training, and physical preparation. Israeli-only, Hebrew-language program with no overseas track.
Midreshet Eshel
Israel's first Sephardic women's seminary, located two minutes from the Kotel, combining Tanakh, Halacha, and Jewish thought with a distinct focus on Sephardic customs, history, and heritage.
Sharfman's / Bnot Torah Institute
A Jerusalem gap-year seminary known for a low staff-to-student ratio, combining Torah study in Halacha, Tanach, and Sephardic heritage with hands-on experiential learning throughout Israel.
Midreshet HaRova
Founded in 1990 in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City Jewish Quarter, this Religious Zionist seminary's one-year overseas program offers a high-level academic and experiential curriculum with strong emphasis on Aliyah and connection to Israel.
Sha'alvim for Women (SFW)
A Jerusalem women's seminary focused on developing independent Torah learning and thinking skills through rigorous shiurim, in a warm environment rounded out by tiyulim and Shabbatonim.
MMY (Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim)
A Religious Zionist Jerusalem seminary for post-high-school women emphasizing intensive Beit Midrash preparation and analytical textual study of Torah, alongside trips and leadership development.
Midreshet Tehillah
An academically focused seminary for recent high school graduates in Har Nof, Jerusalem, offering small class sizes and deep text-based study of Hashkafa, Tanach, and Halacha across two learning tracks.
Midreshet Rachel v'Chaya
A Jerusalem beit midrash for English-speaking Orthodox women in their 20s and 30s (college graduates and professionals) offering mature, independent-style learning in Chumash, Navi, Halacha, and Jewish thought; targets an older post-college demographic rather than students straight out of high school.
Midreshet Amudim
An English-speaking gap-year seminary for post-high-school Modern Orthodox women emphasizing rigorous Gemara, Halacha, and Tanach study through chavruta learning, paired with a strong Religious Zionist focus on connection to Eretz Yisrael.
Machon Maayan
A one-year Religious Zionist program for young women combining Torah courses, interactive seminars ( trips), and Israeli internships, geared especially toward students seeking a growth-oriented religious environment. Located in a large shared israeli campus with access to gym, pool, and a running track.
Nishmat - Alisa Flatow Program
A Jerusalem women's beit midrash whose Alisa Flatow programs (Shana Ba'Aretz and a post-college track) offer English-speaking women intensive Torah study in Tanach, Talmud, and Halacha; the flagship English track is geared primarily to post-college-age women rather than strictly post-high-school students.
Migdal Oz (SKA Beit Midrash for Women)
A Modern Orthodox women's beit midrash founded by Rabbanit Esti Rosenberg in 1997, fully integrating roughly 130 overseas and Israeli shana aleph students each year in rigorous study of Gemara, Halacha, Tanach, and Machshava.
Midreshet Torat Chessed
A gap-year seminary based on the campus of Emunah's Bet Elazraki children's home, combining morning and evening Torah study with intensive afternoon chessed work caring for at-risk children.
NCSY Kollel
A six-week program for 9th-12th grade boys combining intensive Torah/Talmud learning with competitive sports leagues and touring across Israel.
Yeshivat Kol Torah
A historic Litvish yeshiva founded in 1939, the first mainstream Haredi yeshiva to teach in Hebrew rather than Yiddish, long associated with Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach; Israeli/Haredi students only, no overseas program.
Yeshivat Beit El
A religious-Zionist Hesder yeshiva founded in 1977 by students of Mercaz HaRav, long led by Rav Zalman Baruch Melamed (250+ students); maintains a modest overseas program, less prominent than at peer Hesder yeshivot.
Yeshivat Nir Kiryat Arba
A Hesder yeshiva founded in 1972 by Rabbi Eliezer Waldman as a pioneer institution of the renewed Hebron community; primarily serves Israeli students with no confirmed dedicated overseas program.
Yeshivat Birkat Moshe (Ma'ale Adumim)
A premier Hesder yeshiva founded in 1977 by Rav Haim Sabato and Rav Yitzchak Sheilat (~300 students); runs a dedicated program for overseas students with its own rabbi, director, and madrichim.
Yeshivat Otniel
A Hesder yeshiva (~350 students) known for a Chassidic-inflected, artistic approach to religious-Zionist learning; runs a dedicated English Speakers Program with immersion, mentorship, and dedicated classes.
Yeshivat Hesder Sderot
Founded in 1995 by Rabbi Dovid Fendel, now the largest Hesder yeshiva in Israel with 800+ Israeli students; no dedicated formal overseas learning track, though a US nonprofit supports it.
Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim
A religious-Zionist Hesder yeshiva in the Muslim Quarter led by Rav Shlomo Aviner, ~250 students tied to the Ateret Cohanim organization; Israeli-student focused with no widely-advertised overseas program.
Chevron Yeshiva (Knesset Yisrael)
A major Litvish yeshiva with ~1,400 students, one of the most prestigious Haredi yeshivot in the world; predominantly Israeli-student focused with no formal overseas program.
Yeshivas Brisk
An elite, highly selective Litvish yeshiva led by the Soloveitchik dynasty, known for the analytical 'Brisker method'; serves Israeli/Haredi students almost exclusively with no dedicated overseas program.
Mir Yeshiva (Yeshivas Mir Yerushalayim)
One of the largest yeshivot in the world with thousands of students; its core beit midrash is predominantly Israeli/Haredi, but it also hosts a very large, long-established American/overseas division for English speakers.
Ponevezh Yeshiva
One of the world's foremost Litvish (non-Hasidic Haredi) yeshivot, re-established in Bnei Brak in 1944 with thousands of students; Israeli/Haredi-students-only with no formal overseas program.
Yeshivat Merkaz HaRav
Flagship religious-Zionist yeshiva gevoha founded in 1924 by Rav Kook, with 600+ students; Israeli-students-only in practice with no dedicated overseas program.
Yeshivat Mitzpe Yericho
A Religious Zionist yeshiva founded by Rav Shabtai Sabato, shaped by the teachings of Rav Kook; it runs a dedicated overseas program for American high-school graduates in a small desert community 20 minutes from Jerusalem.
Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavneh (KBY)
A leading Israeli-style hesder yeshiva with a Religious Zionist outlook, drawing overseas students into a rigorous, mostly Hebrew-language beit midrash focused on independent in-depth study of Gemara and Rishonim.
Machon Meir
A Religious Zionist yeshiva inspired by Rav Kook, whose English Department combines morning Jewish studies with afternoon Hebrew ulpan, serving beginners through advanced students, including those considering aliyah.
Yeshivat Eretz HaTzvi
A Modern Orthodox, Religious Zionist gap-year yeshiva ('Serious Torah for a Complex World') emphasizing skills for independent Talmud study, contemporary halacha, and machshava, sharing a campus with Machon Lev.
Yeshivat Ashreinu
A gap-year yeshiva combining Torah study in small classes (averaging six students), individualized chessed internships, and weekly tiyulim, with strong personal mentoring in a family-like environment.
Yeshivat Lev HaTorah
Yeshivat Lev HaTorah is a full-time Torah learning program dedicated to developing independent, lifelong bnei Torah. Through serious Torah study, exceptional rebbe-student relationships, and a culture of personal growth, each student is guided to discover his own authentic path within Torah, one that speaks to him deeply and inspires a lasting connection to Hashem. Our students acquire the skills, confidence, and character to continue growing in Torah long after they leave the beit midrash, while developing a deep commitment to Eretz Yisrael, Medinat Yisrael, and the responsibility every Jew shares for the future of Klal Yisrael. As a Hesder yeshiva, Lev HaTorah offers students the opportunity to continue their growth through advanced years of Torah learning or to combine their learning with meaningful service in the IDF. Through our Lev LaChayal program, students who enlist receive ongoing guidance, advocacy, and personal support, with the yeshiva serving as a home and family for lone soldiers throughout their service.
Yeshivat Torat Shraga
A gap-year yeshiva for North American young men founded in 1981, emphasizing rigorous independent Talmud study, intensive chavruta learning, and close rebbe-talmid relationships within a Modern Orthodox framework.
Yeshivat Orayta
A Religious Zionist, text-based yeshiva in Jerusalem's Old City for motivated post-high-school young men, offering full-day immersive learning or a flexible schedule combining Torah study with internships or coursework.
Yeshivat Hakotel
A Religious Zionist yeshiva overlooking the Western Wall that provides a broad and serious array of English learning options while enabling students to integrate with Hakotel's Israeli program and student body; offers joint credit with Yeshiva University and Touro as well as the option to join the Machal-hesder program and draft with Hakotel Israelis as well as many like-minded foreigners. The yeshiva has a warm environment where Rebbeim and older students offer mentorship younger students as they work to build a life of meaning whether in Israel of back in the US.
Yeshivat Netiv Aryeh
A Religious Zionist yeshiva on the Western Wall Plaza, founded in 1967 by Rav Aryeh Bina; its One Year Program blends academic and skills-based Talmud study for overseas students, with Sephardic, British, and Shana Bet tracks.
Yeshivat Reishit Yerushalayim
A Religious Zionist gap-year yeshiva for young men focused on serious Talmud study, passionate Avodat Hashem, and character development, with a dedicated program for overseas students (in partnership with NCSY).
Yeshivat Sha'alvim
A Religious Zionist hesder yeshiva emphasizing rigorous conceptual Talmud study and Religious Zionist values; its Moty Hornstein Institute for Overseas Students brings English-speaking students into the yeshiva alongside Israelis.
Yeshivat Har Etzion (The Gush)
A leading Religious Zionist hesder yeshiva founded by Rav Yehuda Amital and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, combining rigorous Talmud study with intellectual openness; its Dr. William Major Overseas Students Program integrates English-speaking students into the main beit midrash.
Israel Programs Wiki