There are a wide range of programs available for religious men and women drafting into the IDF, ensuring a religious service and acclimation to civilian life, if necessary.
Read below to learn about the different programs offered by the IDF and private organizations.
Hesder / Mahal Hesder
The Hesder program combines Yeshiva study with active service in the IDF and is a joint effort between recognized Yeshivot of the Igud Yeshivot Hahesder and the IDF.
Depending on your date of Aliyah and your Age of Arrival, the program runs a total of 32–44 months.
Participants complete:
- One mandatory year in Yeshiva (Shana Aleph)
- 6–10 additional months of learning
- 17 months of active military service
- Additional Yeshiva study following active service
The draft dates for Hesder Yeshivot are in March and August, depending on the Yeshiva. Students draft together into the same unit and are able to live out of the Yeshiva during their service.
Mahal Hesder
Mahal Hesder (for those who have not yet made Aliyah) follows the same framework as Hesder Olim, with different Yeshiva study requirements.
Eligibility requirements include:
- Ages 18–21
- No more than 18 cumulative months spent in Israel
Making Aliyah during Shalat (unpaid service time), either before or during active service, qualifies the soldier for a six-month reduction in the Hesder Olim program.
Netzach Yehuda
Netzach Yehuda is a combat battalion within the Kfir Brigade dedicated to Haredi soldiers who wish to serve in the IDF while maintaining their religious lifestyle.
The framework supports values including:
- Minyanim
- Kashrut
- Tzniut
- Limud Torah
Eligibility
To participate, soldiers must:
- Be between the ages of 18–21
- Complete the required interview after the Tzav Rishon
- Meet the required medical profile
This program requires an interview prior to acceptance.
Unit Conditions
- Religious lifestyle maintained throughout service
- Male-only unit
- Mehadrin food
- Daily Minyanim and Shiurim
Tomer / Hetz
These units operate similarly to Netzach Yehuda on a smaller scale.
- Tomer is part of the Givati Brigade.
- Hetz is part of the Paratroopers Brigade (Tzanchanim).
The interview process is more intensive and is intended for candidates who have been raised in and continue to maintain a strict Haredi lifestyle.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 18–21
- Pass the required interview
- Have studied in a Haredi Yeshiva or maintain a Haredi lifestyle
- Hold a medical profile of 82 or above
Unit Conditions
- All conditions offered by Netzach Yehuda
- Rabbinical visits on Shabbat
- Personal mentor for guidance and support
Shnat Mesima
This program allows soldiers from Netzach Yehuda, Tomer, Hetz and Maganei Hanegev (Air Force) to use the final year of their service for continued education.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Maintain a Haredi lifestyle
- Have attended a Haredi educational institution prior to enlistment
For soldiers from overseas, current lifestyle is considered, although previous schooling abroad may also be taken into account.
An interview is required before acceptance.
Educational Options
Participants may choose one of the following frameworks:
- Mechina Academit
- Coursim Miktzuyim (Trade School)
- Limudei Torah
Academic Track
This program is intended for soldiers who already hold a degree or wish to study through Yeshivat Derech Chaim.
Track 1 – Yeshivat Derech Chaim
For ages 18–22.
Participants combine:
- Torah study
- Academic degree studies
Track 2 – Academizatia
For ages 18–23.
Designed for participants who already hold a degree and wish to serve in that professional field.
Shachar
Shachar is intended for participants between the ages of 21–28 (or ages 18–21 if married) who wish to complete a degree or professional training through the army.
Program Timeline
- Basic training (3–5 weeks)
- English and mathematics preparation, if required
- Academic studies or professional training
- Military service using acquired skills
- Discharge
- Professional counseling for civilian life
Program Conditions
- Service close to home
- Male-only units
- Regular working hours
- Monthly Yeshiva days
- Mehadrin meals
- Daily Minyanim
Lev LaChayal
Lev LaChayal provides a supportive Yeshiva environment for lone soldiers who choose to serve in the IDF.
The pre-army program combines:
- Torah study
- IDF physical preparation
- Hebrew Ulpan
- Tours around Israel
Participants also receive personal guidance throughout the Aliyah and enlistment process, as well as ongoing support during their military service.
The program is open to Olim and Mahal candidates between the ages of 19–25 who have previously spent at least one year in a Yeshiva program.
The six-month pre-army program begins in September (for the March draft) and in March (for the August draft).