Engineering a new future: Sci-Tech Schools’ new hesder yeshiva

Israel Sci-Tech Schools has inaugurated a new ultra-Orthodox hesder yeshiva – combining military service with religious studies.

Contrary to claims by haredi (ultra-Orthodox) politicians and their rabbinical leaders, it is possible for yeshiva students to get a college degree combined with service in the IDF without compromising their faith. A unique program at Israel Sci-Tech School's Hermelin College in Netanya combines Torah study with academic excellence in practical engineering tracks.

ISTS has inaugurated a new ultra-Orthodox hesder yeshiva – combining military service with religious studies – at Hermelin, in collaboration with Rabbi Yonatan Reiss. He is the founder and director of Chedvata, which was established in 2017 by haredim as a pioneering institution that plays a pivotal role in integrating ultra-Orthodox men into Israeli society.

As the organization behind the first haredi hesder yeshivot, Chedvata says it offers a unique combination of Torah study, military service, and college training while maintaining the high religious standards of its participants.

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

Response to growing demand

The yeshiva was established in response to growing demand from haredi families seeking an educational path for their children that integrates religious commitment, academic excellence, and service to the State of Israel.

Students spend their mornings studying Torah and their afternoons on matriculation coursework and a practical engineering degree. Upon completion of their studies, graduates enlist for full military service in the IDF.

“We at [this new hesder yeshiva] are proud to be part of this unique and groundbreaking program, which allows ultra-Orthodox youth to continue their Torah learning while also contributing to Israel by pursuing higher education and later serving in the IDF,” says Raz Frohlich, CEO of the ISTS network.

“In this historic juncture that Israel is facing, we are leading a change that will greatly impact the integration of the haredi community and their contribution to Israeli society.”