Sci-Tech Schools’ new hesder yeshiva

The Israel SCI-Tech schools inaugurated a new Yeshiva Hesder Ultra-Orthodox-combining military service with religious studies.

Unlike the affirmations of Haredi politicians (ultra-Orthodoxes) and their rabbinical leaders, it is possible for Yeshiva students to obtain a university diploma combined with the FDI service without compromising their faith. A unique program at the Hermelin College of the Israeli Scientific School in Netanya combines the study of Torah with academic excellence in practical engineering tracks.

ISTS inaugurated a new Hesder Yeshiva Ultra -Orthodox – combining military service with religious studies – in Hermelin, in collaboration with the Rabbi Yonatan Reiss. He is the founder and director of Chedvata, who was created in 2017 by Haredim as a pioneer institution that plays a central role in the integration of ultra-Orthodox men in Israeli society.

As an organization behind the first Haredi Hesder Yeshivot, Chedvata says that he offers a unique combination of Torah, military service and university training while maintaining the high religious standards of its participants.

It already has four campuses with more than 400 students – on the main campus of Gan Yavne near Ashkelon; in Netivot; Nesher (near Haifa); and Netanya.

Response to growing demand

The Yeshiva has been established in response to the growing demand for Haredi families looking for an educational path for their children who integrates religious commitment, academic excellence and service to the State of Israel.

Students spend their mornings studying Torah and afternoon on registration courses and a practical engineering diploma. At the end of their studies, the graduates enlist for a full military service in the FDI.

“We have [this new hesder yeshiva] are proud to be part of this unique and revolutionary program, which allows young ultra-Orthodox to continue their learning torah while contributing to Israel by continuing higher education and later serving in FDI, “explains Raz Frohlich, CEO of the ISTS network.

“In this historic stage with which Israel is confronted, we are carrying out a change that will have a considerable impact on the integration of the Haredi community and their contribution to Israeli society.”