Ruach HaNegev

Vibrant & Authentic Israeli Community

• Join a close-knit cohort of young men ready to immerse themselves in a warm, vibrant, Zionist community in the Negev

• Participate in regular community activities and feel a part of the mishpacha (“family”)

• Give back to the community through dynamic and fun service learning opportunities

• Take what you learn in Beit Midrash and apply it to your daily life in a meaningful and modern way

Bring Judaism Into 2024

• Learn from relatable and down-to-earth rabbis and teachers who are ready to meet you where you are

• Dive into a variety of contemporary topics and understand how halacha applies today

• Surround yourself with endless opportunities for Jewish growth and development via hands-on and interactive experiences

• Gain the skills and habits to successfully incorporate Judaism into your life beyond your gap year

Service Learning

• Bring Torah to life by immersing yourself in local culture and contributing to important social impact projects that directly affect the community

• Take a break from learning by going out into the community each day and lending a helping hand

• Gain a deeper understanding of the various issues that Israel faces and your lifelong role in making Israel a better place

Beit Midrash segment: By providing a wide variety of classes including Tanach, Jewish philosophy, ethics, and other contemporary topics, our Beit Midrash will serve as a comforting and inspiring place for our students to thrive. Tracked studies such as Talmud, Halacha, and Jewish Belief will be offered, allowing students to personalize their schedules and expand their knowledge and skills in specific fields. 

Service learning segment: Service learning is a critical element in bringing our Torah to life. Our students will be immersed in local culture and will contribute to important social impact projects that directly affect the community.

Evening Program: A wide variety of specialty programs will be offered in the evenings. Through meetings with local Mechinot; classes with guest speakers; meditation; night hikes; creative writing; Beit Midrash study; and other opportunities.

• Negev: The Negev provides our program with endless opportunities and an ideal setting for our students to dream and grow beyond what a bustling city may allow. 

• Community: The Mechina students will become an integral part of the Retamim and Negev community. Each student will be matched with an adopted family and will have ample opportunity to connect with them through weekly dinners and other occasions throughout the year. Our students will participate in local events and will work together with local teens to create a meaningful bond that will undoubtedly last well beyond their year in Mechina. 

• Seminars: Seven week-long themed seminars that dive deep into Israeli society will give our students a “real Israel” experience. Topics will include: Shvil HaGolan, Start-up Nation, Jerusalem & Tel Aviv, Yam L’Yam, Land of our Fathers, Periphery and Center, and the Negev. 

• Academic Track: Students will have the option to take elective coursework at Ben Gurion University once a week, allowing them to begin university with credits and experience in the college classroom. 

• Army Preparation: Any student looking to prepare himself for the IDF will find himself surrounded in an ideal environment for physical, mental, and spiritual preparation. Our students are also provided with support from our expert pre-army advisory team and will help each student make his service as meaningful as possible.