WBA - Limmud

Education is at the heart of Bnei Akiva, and learning is woven into every World Bnei Akiva - Hachsharot program. Throughout the year, participants engage in meaningful Torah study, with a dedicated period on Limmud for immersive Jewish learning at partner Yeshivot and Midrashot.

Limmud will begin this transformative experience with a Torah-filled introduction during our Pre-Pesach seminar in the Old City of Jerusalem. Our partner institutions follow a Religious Zionist and Modern Orthodox educational philosophy, guiding you through critical and relevant issues of faith in the modern world. With tailored learning for different levels, you’ll be supported every step of the way.

No prior Jewish studies background? No problem. All you need is a commitment to learn and grow. We’ll equip you with Torah learning skills that will stay with you for life, ensuring you feel at home in a Beit Midrash.

World Bnei Akiva believes in the importance of developing Jewish leadership and activism around the world and offers leadership training courses within all our programs.

The leadership courses within Limmud include a variety of intensive and interactive seminars focusing on Zionism, Israeli society, Jewish dilemmas, and leadership. These courses are designed to train, inspire, and enrich the Jewish leaders of tomorrow.

With a broad range of stimulating sessions and engaging seminar days exploring Israeli society, you’ll be guided through life-defining decisions. The courses will deepen your understanding of modern activism, Jewish life, and the State of Israel.

On Limmud, you’ll have the unique opportunity to take part in a challenging two-week hike along sections of the Israel National Trail. By day, you’ll trek through breathtaking biblical landscapes and historic sites, experiencing Israel in a way few ever do. By night, you’ll camp under the stars, forging lifelong friendships with participants from other World Bnei Akiva programs.

This educational tiyul is not just about the journey—it’s about pushing yourself, discovering the land, and deepening your connection to Israel.

Shvil Yisrael is one of the biggest highlights of the year on Limmud!

Volunteering is an essential part of the Bnei Akiva ideology. Throughout the year, you will have the opportunity to give back by volunteering with various organizations across Israel, including One Family, Tachlit, and Leket Israel.

These experiences will empower you, instill a sense of responsibility, and encourage you to reflect on the challenges facing Israeli society. As young, idealistic adults, you will explore where you can make a real difference and contribute in meaningful ways.

Since the early days of the State, kibbutzim have played a vital role in Zionism, built on a sense of duty and resilience. Pioneers worked under extreme conditions, tilling the soil, draining swamplands, and establishing thriving communities. Today, World Bnei Akiva’s Hachshara participants continue this tradition, making meaningful contributions to the kibbutz movement.

Working alongside kibbutz members, you may take on responsibilities in the fields, gardens, factories, kitchens, animal care, dining halls, or childcare facilities. Placements are based on the kibbutz’s needs, and you’ll live in kibbutz housing, sharing meals in the communal dining room. Through daily interactions and Ulpan classes, you’ll also develop and strengthen your Hebrew.

Beyond work, the group will take part in kibbutz social and communal activities, including Shabbat and holiday celebrations, providing a deeper understanding of what kibbutz life means for the children and adults who call it home.

The Mechina serves as the ideological Beit Midrash of Bnei Akiva. Through its learning programme, participants will deepen their understanding of our movement’s ideology, learn how to be leaders and gain practical hadracha skills.

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The “Mechina” formula is a real Israeli success story. Each year tens of thousands of young Israelis join Mechinot around the country to prepare for the challenges of transitioning from school into the IDF. Many of them go on to leadership roles both within and after the army.  Our Mechina Olamit programme applies this same successful formula for Limmud as they transition to university, community leadership roles, and their professional lives in the future.

Magen David Adom provides effective emergency first-aid treatment. You’ll be part of this mission and gain valuable hands-on experience giving basic medical treatment while experiencing “real life” in Israel.

After completing a training course, you’ll volunteer alongside Israelis on ambulances at various MDA stations across the country. You’ll be a certified “First Responder”, recognized throughout MDA Israel. Kivun will be assigned a station based on the needs of MDA. Depending on the number of volunteers, the group may be split into various stations. Participants must be in good physical and mental health, and basic conversational Hebrew is required.

The work you will do saves lives and has a lasting effect on Israeli society. It is highly rewarding and is ideal for people who enjoy working with and helping others.

Important: Before coming on World Bnei Akiva Hachshara, participants wishing to volunteer for MDA must have had Hepatitis B, MMR, and COVID-19 vaccinations, and must bring the accompanying documentation. In addition, the MDA application includes a Hebrew test. Conversational Hebrew may be ok, but we recommend starting to learn Hebrew even before Hachshara starts. The number of MDA participants may be limited depending on the need for volunteers, and final acceptance is up to MDA

Limmud participants have the special opportunity to embark on a Journey to Europe and Poland.

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The Europe & Poland Journey focuses on the rich and beautiful Jewish heritage of pre-war Europe, dating back 800 years. You will also examine the harrowing years of the Holocaust by visiting Jewish ghettos, and death and labor camps, and other significant sites. The trip is meticulously prepared by our educational team to ensure a meaningful and impactful experience.

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While in Israel, you will prepare for your journey to Poland, and upon your return, you will engage in processing and reflecting on the many concepts and issues covered during the trip.

World Bnei Akiva takes the physical and emotional well-being of our participants very seriously.

Recognizing the growing emotional challenges among youth, we have partnered with Keshev, a professional organization specializing in mental health and wellness. Keshev provides a range of services, including group sessions and one-on-one meetings on topics such as anxiety, depression, sexuality, eating disorders, and more.

They also offer emergency on-call support for staff and designated on-site hours for any participant in need of additional mental or emotional support. Through Keshev’s expert team, both participants and staff receive the guidance and care necessary for a safe and emotionally healthy year.

To learn more, visit www.keshevcenter.com.