ARAVA

Location: in the Central Arava region, in three locations - Hatzeva, Paran and Ein- yahav

Dates: September-June (10 months)

Level of Religious Observance: Pluralistic

Gender: Co-ed

Program Language: Hebrew

Tuition: $16,000

Contact Information
Itamar Haviv, International Coordinator
email: arava.foreign@aravaspirit.org.il
phone: ⁦+1-617-877-3721

Mechinat "Arava" is open to all the different Jewish denominations, creating a uniquely diverse group.

As a Mechina our vision is to help develop strong, valiant leaders who will promote prosperity in Israel, a Jewish-democratic country or wherever they may be.

We believe in modest leadership based on personal example and acceptance towards all mankind.

Our gap year is mainly devoted to understanding the complex Israeli society, exploring the amazing nature that surrounds us, and giving back to the community through both volunteer-work and taking part in the local agriculture.

Our studies include a wide range of subjects such as philosophy, psychology, economics, Jewish studies, politics, education and many more.

Throughout the year we are given the chance to experience joint living and acquire the important skills that come along with it, skills that will contribute to our personal development and our near and far future.

The mechina lies within the magical Israeli dessert in agricultural settlements. The special bond we have with the land and the people living around us is an inseparable part of our gap year.

What makes our program special?

Agricultural work:

During the year we are given the opportunity to take part in the local agriculture. This physical work represents the zionist mission we are a part of and is an inseparable part of our personal and collective journey.

Connection with the community and the Arava area:

As part of our program we believe in devoting ourselves to the community and taking an active part in the community's celebrations and events as well as deeply experiencing the desert and nature surrounding us.

Hikes and nature:

Our program exposes the group to many different magnificent hikes and views and the diverse societies intertwining within them

Our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MTOZDn1M3w

Hebrew video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IllgiAZ6m04

EMAIL: mechinataravayahad@gmail.com

Our Facebook page: click here.

Sample Schedule - Click to enlarge

MORE MECHINOT- Choose Your Track

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
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Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

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AMICHAI

Location in the south of Israel – The city of Beer Sheva
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance suitable for all
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Program Language Hebrew
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ARAVA

Location in the Central Arava region, in three locations - Hatzeva, Paran and Ein- yahav
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

Mechinat "Arava" is open to all the different Jewish denominations, creating a uniquely diverse group.

BE'ERI

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

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BEIT YISRAEL

Location Jerusalem
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $17,600

A highly diverse group that seeks to build bridges between sectors of the Jewish people; study and volunteer program combining traditional Jewish study, understanding of Israeli society and engagement with the local community.

DROR

Location Yad Mordechai, Sderot
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Secular, Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew

FIVE FINGERS

Location Zichron Ya'akov
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $20,000

Established in 2018, the Five Fingers Mechina implements a Physical-Mental system formed by the Five Fingers Movement. Our training methods focus on acquiring tools, skills and values to better encounter the modern-age challenges and needs.

GALIL ELYON

Location 4 different Kibbutzim in The Upper Galilee and the north: Kfar HaNassi, Afikim, Amir, Sde Nehemia
Dates August 20-June 16 (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language 4 branches in Hebrew. 1 branch in Hebrew and English
Tuition $18,500

A special educational framework that offers youngsters who have finished twelve years of schooling an opportunity for personal development through a combination of studying, hiking, acquiring leadership skills, experiential learning, and volunteering in the nearby area in a variety of fields.

HAEMEK

Location Kfar Rupin Kibutz
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

Pastoral location, near the Sea of Galilee; leadership and Jewish identity studies focused on building bridges in Israeli society; exploring Israel by building “HaEmek” nature trail; seminars on personal encounters with different sectors in Israeli society.

HANNATON

Location The Yizrael Valley region in Israel's north, 20 minutes' drive from the metropolitan center of Haifa.
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

Mechinat Hannaton is a post-high school, pre-IDF program for Jewish teens unlike any other; dedicated to the exploration of Jewish-Israeli identity through a year of study, leadership training, and volunteer work in nearby underserved communities.

HAVIVA REICH

Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

LACHISH

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

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NACHSHON

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

A program geared towards personal enrichment through experiential learning and community building; the first non-Orthodox mechina, and the first to absorb international participants.

RABIN

Location Mizra, Haifa and Mate Asher
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition 16,000$

In this year of service, students are encouraged to take responsibility for what is going on in their communities, in the broader society and among the Jewish people, while also embarking on a personal journey to deepen their knowledge and larify their values and goals.

RAKIA

Location Harish
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

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TAVOR

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Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance suitable for all
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TELEM

Location Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Holon
Dates September-June (10 months)
Level of Religious Observance Pluralistic
Gender Co-ed
Program Language Hebrew
Tuition $16,000

A modern perspective of traditional texts, with emphasis on social justice; volunteering within the community where you live and study; studies on Arab culture and language, Jaffa history and coexistence in an ethnically diverse community.