Setting up learning programs in secular communities around Israel enabling all Jews to learn, experience and connect to Torah and Judaism.  

Our Target
Variety of Full Day and Part time Programs in over 25 Locations around Israel from North to South including cities, towns and villages.

Our Vision
To create programs in every secular community in Israel giving Jews of all ages a chance to experience the beauty of Judaism and Torah learning, nurture responsibility and love for fellow Jews to create unity and eliminate the stigma and animosity that exists today in Israeli society.
About

More than 80% of the population in Israel today define themselves as irreligious, many of whom lack basic Jewish knowledge and understanding of religion. Whereas the previous generation mostly had some connection with religion, such as grandparents or close family, the new generation is being born into a society whose only exposure to religion is through the secular media and press, usually reporting on negative aspects and fostering contempt and hatred towards all and everything religious. While many secular Israelis feel a strong Jewish identity, they lack any knowledge as to what being Jewish is and are fearful of searching for meaning and guidance in their own country.

Chevras Machzikei Hadas brings religious men from neighboring towns to sit and learn in these communities. The men who are dedicated to spending their day learning Torah create a spiritual hub within the secular community, providing opportunity for those interested in learning, finding out more and connecting with Judaism. In addition to their daily rigorous learning schedule, Kollel members actively look out for the community, providing daily or weekly shiurim, group and one on one chavrusa with adults and youth,  guiding and answering all questions and support at all times, setting up activities, arranging minyanim and much more. Members of the Kollel create a positive impression, showing love and interest and connecting with people in the community which helps in changing the community mindset towards the religious.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO SEE IT LARGER 

Cost

Kollel members are paid a stipend and are provided with transportation. Kollel members are always selected from the closest religious community, so no living expenses are incurred and minimizing transportation costs. The close proximity but ability to still live in their own religious community means the Kollel members are able to give the maximum of themselves without concern and cost of relocating their families to the secular community. Many host communities over time come to appreciate the Kollel to the extent that they provide a significant contribution to the funding of the Kollel.

Shiurim

Communities

AVreichim

Benefits
  • Higher quality of Torah learning and diligence with peace of mind due to distance from home.
  • Active Bais Hamedresh alive with Torah learning on a daily basis attracts unconnected youth and men, old and young alike.
  • Leadership experience and opportunity to step up and fill needs in the wider community.
  • Creates a sense of responsibility for the host community beyond kollel duties. 
  • Kollel members as a group act as local rabbonim fielding the local halachic questions.
  • Spark off shiurim, chavrusos and other Jewish activities for men and women. 
  • Support group and place to learn for individuals who are interested or begun teshuva.
  • Encourages community responsibility for religious life. Ex. In Nili (evening kollel), seventy five women signed a petition to the local council requesting a mikva.
  • Connects youth to good role models, constructive and positive extra curricular activities and healthy interaction.
  • Low cost high impact projects – no building, living expenses etc. all activities take place in communities shul, Kollel members are from nearby communities so easily commute daily.
Programs
One on One Learning Partners
Shiurim in the Kollel
Lunch Shiurim and Chavrusas in local business offices.
Youth Programs
Bar Mitzva preparation
Minyanim (Prayer Services)
Siyumim, Hachnasas Sefer Torah
Mikva, Tefillin and Mezuza assistance
Activities around Chagim
Community Members Say
A year ago when my son Shaked started hanging out in the Beit Knesset I was very nervous what would become of him. He is a top student in school and as parents we didn’t want all our investment In him to go to waste. But we are happy to say he is in a decent high school, yes religious but he is happy and the young men who come to learn and teach were so special in helping us both see eye to eye without friction.
Vered Kiryat Ono

I never would have thought that a group of orthodox people from Bnei Brak could add so much to the center of our city that never sleeps. But I was so wrong, they have given us real values and a place to delve into our Torah whilst giving us a sense of longing to be part of their world. On a side note the guy who I learn with has really helped me sort out my marriage and life in general, He really has his head on his shoulders.
Yossi Tel Aviv

Before the Kollel came almost eight years ago the Beit Knesset was only open on Shabbat with barely a minyan. The kollel literally caused a tidal wave making the Beit Knesset a real center open from 7am till 10.30pm with minyanim, learning and shiurim. Only those who have seen this process know the miracle that the Kollel has brought to our community.
Ron Caesarea

The Kollel have provided our city with a new lease of life especially since four of the young men have become Rabbis in our community giving our Batei Knesset all around religious services and helping our kids have a connection to the rich heritage we all share.
Yaffa Nesher

The community without the local Kollel would be terrible!
They are the life of the neighborhood providing young and old with a beating spiritual heart. Without them I don’t know what would be.
Gad Rishon Lezion

In my neighborhood of Rechavya where I dorm for college there is this Beit Knesset which has become a big attraction for many students and the Kollel there brought in someone who makes meals on Shabbat giving us a place to really grow spiritually without us going off to India and the likes.
Shira Jerusalem

When I first stumbled across the Beit Knesset my curiosity was aroused but I felt a bit like a fish out of water. The Avreichim made me feel so comfortable and taught me so much and now that I’m in a Yeshiva high school I am eternally grateful to them. 
Oren Yokneam