MECHINAT KESHET YEHUDA
Pre idf academy
Tuition &
INFO PAc
Tuition information
Thank you for your contribution!Next Step: Tuition SetupTo finalize your enrollment, please complete the tuition setup within 10 days.Important: We are filling up very quickly. Completing your tuition setup within 10 days ensures that your spot is fully secured.The tuition for the coming academic year is $26,000 USD.Your $1,000 contribution has been applied, leaving a balance of $25,000 USD.How to Set Up Your TuitionYou can pay in full or choose a payment plan of up to 10 monthly payments.Contact Ricky to arrange everything:
đź“ž +972-50-540-0508
📧 [email protected](We recommend reaching out first via WhatsApp or email to arrange a time to speak and provide payment details.)All tuition payments begin on July 1st for students joining on or before that date.If joining after July 1st, the tuition setup must be completed before your son can start attending the Mechina.Refund PolicyIf you decide to leave in the first month of the program, you will receive a full refund minus one month’s tuition.Leaving after the first month but before Hanukkah: pay until Hanukkah, refunded for the rest.
Leaving after Hanukkah: responsible for full balance.If asked to leave for problematic behavior: no refund
If, in rare cases, spots are no longer available when your contribution is processed, your $1,000 will be refunded in full.Policies for Failed or Returned PaymentsIf a credit card payment is declined, a $25 service fee will be applied. Returned or failed bank transfers carry a $35 service fee.Important Notes About Keshet YehudaKeshet Yehuda is an Israeli pre-military academy preparing students for the IDF, not a MASA or gap-year program. MASA Funding does not apply.
If your son has any special dietary restrictions, allergies, or medical needs, please notify us immediately.If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.We look forward to a wonderful year with your son at Keshet Yehuda!
Info PAC 5787 (2026-27)
Important date, what to bring & more
Please read carefully!
We are excited about the upcoming year, and we are sure you are too. You will have a year of spiritual and physical development, great experiences, and personal growth. Many have said this is the best year of their lives!
Mechina Start Date
The program begins on the third of Elul, which this year corresponds to Sunday, August 16, 2026.Please arrive the week before.Participants usually arrive the day before the Israeli students arrive. This early arrival allows our students to settle in before the full student body arrives, helping to ease them into the program and avoid being overwhelmed on the first day. It also ensures that they have the opportunity to receive the best rooms and accommodations in the Beit Midrash before nearly 200 other students arrive.Students have two options for arrival:Those who would like to use the shuttle from Yerushalayim can plan to do so. Exact departure time and location will be shared closer to the program.
Students who prefer to arrive independently should make sure they arrive on the scheduled date.
All dates and times are tentative and will be confirmed closer to the program.
Breaks
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur: in session (both are uplifting experiences!)
Break after Yom Kippur until Simchat TorahHanukkah: in session on the first night, then break until end of HanukkahNissan: break from approximately first week until last week of Nissan
Shabbat
Every second Shabbat is an “out Shabbat”
Student Visa Requirements
PassportOriginal birth certificate with apostille
Health Insurance
Required for participation
Cost not included in tuitionRecommended: Clalit Plan (Clalit has a doctor’s office on the Moshav; required for our remote location)Sign up once start and finish dates are confirmed: Health Insurance Link
What to Bring
Clothing & Gear:Clothes for hot and cold weatherSwimsuit & training clothes including hatRunning shoes, hiking shoes (durable in water recommended)Winter workout clothesToiletries (including towel)Bedding: sheet, blanket, pillow (can be bought in Israel and shipped – Blankets Express )Large backpack for long hikes, small backpack for short hikesFlashlightTent (2-4 people)Sleeping bag rated for -5°COptional: compass for trips and activitiesSefarim (Books)
The Mechina provides books, but students can purchase their own to write in. Recommended books:SiddurTanachGemara (Mesechet TBD)KuzariEim Habanim SemeichaMesilat Yesharim (Feldheim edition)Books can be ordered from Pomeranz Bookseller — mention “Mechinat Keshet Yehuda” for discount.Avoid bringing laptops or large entertainment devices unless previously discussed with staff.Spending Money & Transportation
Use your ATM card (Caspomats) in Israel — automatically converts to shekelsNotify your bank of travel dates to avoid card shutdownsRav Kav bus card required; can obtain upon arrival
Meals at Keshet
From Ketchup to Hummus
Meals at Keshet may feel very different from what you are used to at home. In Israel, breakfast and dinner are lighter, often consisting of eggs, salads, spreads, and bread, while lunch is the largest meal of the day. Students coming from overseas, who are accustomed to larger, more abundant meals typical of gap-year programs, may find this surprising.Keshet is not a gap-year program. This is a pre-military Israeli academy preparing students for the IDF, and the meals reflect the Israeli lifestyle and army preparation environment, not the indulgent food offered in some overseas programs. Learning to adapt to this diet is part of the cultural and physical integration process.Special Dietary Needs
If your son has any allergies, medical diets, or special eating restrictions, it is essential to inform us before arrival. This allows us to prepare and accommodate as needed.Key points for students and parents:Breakfast and dinner are lighter; lunch is the main mealDifferences in food are part of cultural and physical integrationStudents may complain — this is normalStaff monitors nutrition; serious concerns will be addressedNotify us ahead of time for any special dietary needs
Questions?
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us on WhatsApp.We are looking forward to a great year with you!
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH LEARNING IS THERE?
Basically, 70–80% Torah learning and the rest of the time in training, trips, and other activities. There are times when we go on Tiyulim, hikes, and other activities that take us away from Keshet.LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
Our program’s competitive advantage lies in our full 10-month Israeli Mechina experience, where participants are integrated into the Israeli student body.This comprehensive integration is not typically offered in short-term programs, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in Israeli society and build long-lasting relationships with their Israeli peers.WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
We are located on Moshav Keshet, a religious Moshav in the beautiful Golan Heights. One bus ride from Jerusalem (966 bus, about 3.5 hours) or 2.5 hours by car.DO I HAVE TO GO OUT ON OFF SHABBATS?
No. You can stay in Keshet if you prefer. We help you find meals and take care of arrangements. Most guys do go out every other Shabbat, but it’s optional.HOW ARE THE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS?
To help integration, overseas students live with 6–8 Israelis, usually 1–2 guys per room. This helps with Hebrew learning, cultural acclimation, and forming friendships.HOW MUCH TIME DO WE SPEND WITH THE ISRAELIS?
Your English shiurim are separate, but every other activity is with Israelis: kitchen duty, hikes, navigation, some learning, and davening.IS KESHET LIKE A BOOT CAMP?
Not at all. Keshet is a blend of summer camp and college campus. There are fun activities, but students are expected to take responsibility like adults — no grades, self-motivated learning, mature environment.WHY ONLY 15 STUDENTS?
This is our secret sauce. A low percentage of English speakers ensures true integration, faster Hebrew acquisition, Israeli friendships, and a genuine experience of Israeli life. 15 students join nearly 200 Israelis.HOW'S THE FOOD?
he food reflects Israeli norms as part of integration. It’s different from American-style meals (less meat, more Israeli-style dishes). Students get used to it and often come to appreciate it as part of living like an Israeli.HOW MUCH DOES THE PROGRAM COST?
$26,000 per year.ARE THE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
There is an up to $5000 scholarship available for those who qualifyYOU A MASA PROGRAM?
No. We are independent and not affiliated with MASA funding.WHAT KIND OF STUDENTS ARE THERE?
Overseas students mostly come from modern Orthodox schools, but we’ve had Chabad, Haredi, and even public school students. Israelis mostly come from religious Zionist schools but also from other sectors. All Jewish backgrounds are represented.DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE ARMY IF I ATTEND KESHET?
No. Keshet helps students decide if the army is right for them. They gain knowledge and preparation, so they can make an informed choice for their future. IS THE DAILY DRESS CODE? SHABBAT?
Weekdays: Shorts allowed. Kippah required at all times on campus and the Moshav.
Shabbat: White shirt (usually untucked), simple pants, sandals/Israeli style.DOES KESHET HELP WITH THE DRAFT PROCESS?
Yes. Keshet Yehuda guides every student through the IDF draft process. We help you understand the requirements, prepare the necessary documents, and navigate the steps to ensure your draft experience is smooth. From appointments to paperwork to guidance on your service options, we’re with you every step of the way — so you can focus on learning, integrating, and preparing for your future in Israel.DOES KESHET CONTINUE THE SUPPORT IN THE ARMY?
Yes. You remain part of the Keshet family during the army and beyond. The rabbi and staff are always available for guidance and supportWHAT IS THE APPLICATION PROCESS?
Fill out an application, Interview,
If accepted, pay $1,000 to reserve your seat.
Limited to 15 students, so reserve early!LONE SOLDIER
Our program addresses the unique challenges faced by lone soldiers, providing them with the tools and support needed to navigate the language, cultural, and religious differences they encounter.IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?
If there is anything you’d like to know, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always available to help or answer questions