BINA: The Home of Israeli judaism
BINA promotes an Israeli-Jewish identity centered on connecting culture, heritage, and tradition with the values of democracy, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
A community-based Judaism that is open, egalitarian, joyful, and inclusive, with an emphasis on community involvement, volunteerism, and deep engagement with the Jewish bookshelf.
What's New
Mechinat Puzzle
Want to understand Israeli society from the inside? Looking for meaningful volunteering and real engagement? Ready for six months immersed in the heart of Israel? Then Mechinat Puzzle is the program for you .
Workshops and Tours
BINA's acclaimed tours and workshops are an excellent way to engage any group with current questions of Jewish identity and social action in Israel through BINA's positive educational hands-on approach.
Workshops and Tours
BINA's acclaimed tours and workshops are an excellent way to engage any group with current questions of Jewish identity and social action in Israel through BINA's positive educational hands-on approach.
Workshops and Tours
BINA's acclaimed tours and workshops are an excellent way to engage any group with current questions of Jewish identity and social action in Israel through BINA's positive educational hands-on approach.
Pioneers of Change 50+
Make a real difference where it’s needed most. In Israel’s frontier communities. The program invites Jews living outside of Israel aged 50+ to embark on a 10-month service program in Israel’s frontier communities.
Workshops and Tours
BINA's acclaimed tours and workshops are an excellent way to engage any group with current questions of Jewish identity and social action in Israel through BINA's positive educational hands-on approach.
MITF Tel Aviv+
Join Masa Israel Teaching Fellowship Tel Aviv+ to contribute to the future success of Israeli children and explore the country. Get paid to teach English while immersing yourself in Israeli society. Spend five months in Tel Aviv and 5 months in another unique city of your choice!
What We Do
Mechinas
Pre-Army Programs
BINA operates 4 pre-military academies (Mechinot):
the Puzzle half-year program in Ramat Gan, held in memory of Staff Sergeant Ido Samiach, who fell in Gaza during the Swords of Iron War;
A full-year leadership Mechina in Nahariya;
and Mechinat GEVA, unique
in welcoming young adults who have left the ultra-Orthodox world.
In addition, BINA operates HerzlTLV - a short-term (six-week) pre-military Mechina program held in Tel Aviv.
BINA
in the IDF
BINA’s programs in the IDF engage commanders and soldiers in topics including Israeli Judaism, social issues in Israeli society,
Zionism, the Declaration of Independence, Hebrew culture, Jewish identity, and Jewish holidays. en dialogue, and active listening.
During and after the October 7th war, BINA adapted its programming to support soldiers and reservists. “HaMavdil” (Blessed is the One Who Separates) is a workshop designed to help those completing extended wartime service navigate the transition back to civilian life. It addresses the delicate shift from battlefield to home, from uniform to civilian identity, and from soldier to parent, partner, or sibling.
BINA International Programs Workshops and Tours
BINA’s International Department
strengthens the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry, treating global Jewish communities as full partners in Jewish life and culture.
Through our diverse programs, immersive tours, and workshops, we engage groups with meaningful questions of Jewish identity and social action in Israel using BINA's unique experiential educational approach.
BINA
Centers in Israel
BINA Centers in Israel serve as community
hubsfor Israeli Judaism and are integrated into their local municipalities.
They host events, celebrations, and rituals marking Shabbat and the holidays of the Hebrew calendar and play a significant role in strengthening community resilience.
BINA
Centers Abroad
BINA Centers in South, Southeast Asia and South America are the hubs of BINA’s international work, serving as a home-away-from-home for traveling Israelis and as vibrant centers for Jewish expression and community. They offer inclusive spaces where young Israelis can connect with their Jewish-Israeli identity through Shabbat gatherings, holiday celebrations, workshops, classes, and cultural events. Since October 7th, many Israelis, including trauma survivors, discharged soldiers, and bereaved family members, have traveled to South, Southeast Asia and South America seeking space to process loss, pain, and uncertainty. In response, BINA launched
BINA Educational Activities in Schools
School Activities within the State education system include diverse programs tailored to different age groups, such as holiday ceremonies, experiential workshops, study days, social-justice tours, intergenerational initiatives, and teacher training. BINA advances educational leadership that strengthens the public, school, and community spheres, fostering responsibility and a shared sense of ownership over a pluralistic, communal, and non-religious Jewish identity rooted in democratic values.
Tzomachat Shuv
Growing Again
The Growing Again initiative provides communities and localities affected by the war with a framework of community and cultural support rooted in Israeli Judaism. Its goal is to accompany communities through processes of recovery, coping with loss and grief, and rebuilding themselves as strong, connected, and thriving communities.
Merchav HaLev - BINA Resilience Centers
Merhav HaLev (Space for the Heart) are emotional support spaces operating through BINA Centers in East Asia, providing Israeli travelers with a supportive framework for processing combat experiences and coping with stress and post-traumatic symptoms. The program includes individual and group conversations with mental health professionals, mind-body treatments, identification of needs and referrals for continued professional care when necessary, alongside community spaces that combine emotional dialogue with Israeli-Jewish rituals.
Ex-Haredi Young Adults
BINA works to strengthen a liberal, democratic Israeli-Jewish identity among those who have chosen to leave the Haredi community, providing them with tools to develop their personal identity, become active citizens, and gain a deeper understanding of Israeli society in all its complexity. The programs are a values-based, humanistic alternative during this period of transition, while nurturing graduates who are engaged in and contribute to Israeli society and recognizing the unique contribution of those leaving the Haredi community to the broader Israeli landscape. The program includes a range of activities, including a Beit Midrash, a pre-military academy, workshops, seminars, and more.
Find a BINA Program
Masa Israel Teaching Fellows
An immersive fellowship where fellows get paid to teach English in Israel for 10 months, make a difference in the lives of at-risk Israeli youth, gain professional training and enrichment, explore and experience Israel like a local!
Workshops and Tours
BINA offers fascinating urban social-cultural tours, interactive workshops and Jewish study sessions on a variety of topics for youth groups, synagogues, schools, Birthright and more. With part-day, full-day and multi-day options.
Talking About BINA
