World Bnei Akiva: Gap Year Israel Programs - הכשרה

What a summer it’s been for MTA! ☀️🇮🇱

From a meaningful trips to Poland, visiting Jewish communities and historic sites where Jewish life once thrived, to a fun and impactful week on Kibbutz volunteering with Leket Israel, our participants have spent the summer learning, exploring and giving back.

They also spent a week in Jerusalem, exploring the city’s history and communities, volunteering, learning about Zionism, visiting the Old City and Kotel, experiencing Machane Yehuda, and coming together for meaningful Tisha B’Av programming and reflection.

The girls also took part in a Women in Leadership Seminar, hearing from inspiring Jewish women and visiting Chevron.

Now, they’re getting ready to head back to their yeshivot and seminaries to continue their Torah learning and prepare for Rosh Hashanah and the Chagim. 🙏

MTA is a 10-month Jewish gap year program in Israel for Southern Hemisphere high school graduates combining Torah learning, volunteering, community, travel and meaningful Israel experiences.

Meet Madison Matthews, from South Africa, a participant on MTA 2026, a World Bnei Akiva Hachshara Program.

Hi! I’m Madison Matthews from Johannesburg South Africa. I’m 19 years old and graduated from Yeshiva College.

I chose to be part of MTA while studying at Midreshet Harova to deepen my connection to the land of Israel while being fully immersed in serious learning.

This year has been incredible so far but one of my highlights so far was going to Poland. It was a deeply meaningful and emotional experience that strengthened my connection to my Jewish identity and reminded me of the importance of remembering where we come from.

MTA has given me memories that I will forever be grateful for and I cannot wait for the rest of the year.”

Spend your gap year with MTA! MTA is a World Bnei Akiva gap year program for Jewish high school graduates that combines Torah learning with volunteering, Israel experiences, trips, leadership skills and more!

With Mechina Olamit 5787 arriving shortly, we’re taking it back to where it all began for Mechina Olamit 5786! 🥾

For their first tiyul together, participants hiked through the beautiful Sataf National Forest just outside Jerusalem. Getting out into nature, getting to know one another, and making the friendships that would shape their year.

Mechina Olamit is a Jewish leadership gap year in Israel for post-high school students from around the world. Combining Torah learning, leadership development, volunteering, Zionist education, outdoor adventures, and immersive Israel experiences, participants live alongside Israeli peers while building their Jewish identity, leadership skills, and connection to Israel and the Jewish People.

Here’s to new beginnings, new adventures, and Mechina Olamit 5787! 🇮🇱

Tiyul IsraelGapYear

You’ve probably got a few “what ifs” about your Gap Year…

But what if it ends up being the best year of your life? 🇮🇱

Northern Hemisphere programs start in just about 2 weeks👀

We’re waiting for you!

Kibbutz week is in full swing! 🌽

The MTA boys are spending the week at Kibbutz Ein HaNatziv, getting out into nature, connecting as a group, and giving back. From swimming and hiking to volunteering in southern Israel, every day has brought a new experience.

Now, they’re volunteering with Leket Israel, Israel’s National Food Bank. Leket rescues surplus fresh produce and nutritious food and redistributes it to people in need across Israel.

MTA is a World Bnei Akiva Israel gap year program for Jewish high school graduates that combines Torah learning, leadership, volunteering, and meaningful experiences throughout Israel. Giving participants the opportunity to grow while building a deeper connection to the land and people of Israel.

Kibbutz week is all about experiencing Israel, contributing to Israel, and being part of something bigger.🇮🇱

Some nights just hit different. 🔥

We’re throwing it back to Torani’s bonfire & Kumzitz as a part of their Kibbutz programming. The program brought everyone together for a night of music, singing, stories, and unforgettable moments under the stars!

Torani is a World Bnei Akiva gap year program in Israel, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their connection to Torah, Israel and Jewish life through learning, community experiences, volunteering, and time spent in Israeli.

And what better way to experience that community than around a fire, singing together? 🇮🇱

Meet Matan Zucker from London, UK, a participant on Kadima 5786, a World Bnei Akiva Hachshara Program.

“Hi! I’m Matan Zucker from London. I’m 19 years old and graduated from Hasmonean High School.

I chose Kadima because I would like to live in Israel in the future, and I felt the program would help me integrate into Israeli society while learning more about
the Land of Israel.

One of the highlights of my year has been meeting new people and building friendships along the way.

Spend your gap year in Israel with Kadima, World Bnei Akiva's Modern Orthodox gap year program! Build lifelong friendships while exploring Israel, learning
Torah and making a real impact through volunteering.