At the Secular Yeshiva, young adults study Jewish texts and culture intensively - for 15 hours a day - from sources ranging from the Bible and Gemara to classic Israeli literature and Zionist history. Students learn with renowned experts from the fields of academia, Jewish scholarship and social activism, and then discuss the texts in “hevrutah” or study pairs. This format fosters a long-term commitment to Jewish study, and encourages students to interpret the sources in a meaningful and personal way. Situated in poverty-stricken south Tel Aviv, the yeshiva aspires to make Judaism a basis for "Tikun Olam," or repairing the world.

Once in full operation, the Secular Yeshiva operation will engage more than 500 students. In its first year, 150 young adults studied at the Secular Yeshiva (5757/2006-2007). Bina hopes to secure full recognition and funding from the Defense Ministry, equivalent to the status of Orthodox yeshivas in Israel.

We expect the Secular Yeshiva will serve as a basis for creating indigenous liberal approaches to Jewishness in Israel. Graduates will connect to existing pluralistic organizations; some may also find their way to the Reform and Conservative movements in Israel.