In your daily lives, do what you would wish the entire nation to do
The Mechina of Lachish (Lachish Pre-Military Preperatory Program) is a center for social leadership operating in a network of 4 branches in the Lachish region and the Western Negev. The Mechina was established out of a deep sense of obligation to heal the painful social rift in Israeli society following the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.
The Mechina's first branch was founded at KibbutzBeit Guvrin in 2007. Due to high demand, it expanded in 2014 with an additional branch in the community of Eliav. Since 2021, this branch has been operating at Kibbutz Dorot, near the Gaza border. Parallel to the establishment of the Eliav branch, a strong need arose from the residents of Kibbutz Nahal Oz—which in 2014 was severely affected during Operation "Protective Edge"—to establish a local branch which could give aid for community recovery and resilience. The Mechina of Lachish rose to this challenge out of a sense of soidarity and responsibility, leading to the founding of a third branch in Nahal Oz. Similarly, in 2024, a fourth branch was established at Kibbutz Gevim following the "Iron Swords" war, driven by the strong desire of both the residents of the Kibbutz, as well as the Mechina, to renew life in the Gaza envelope region.
Every year, The Mechina of Lachish welcomes approximately 180 students, directed by 30 staff members who guidea personalized, compassionate educational process.The Mechina serves as an important, established, and contributing educational body in the Lachish and Western Negev regions, devoted to serve as a meaningful presence wherever it operates, through action, growth, and Israeli hope.
The Mechina offers high school graduates a year dedicated to a journey of self growth and identity-development—both personal and communal. This journey combines academic study, social action, and communal living, building a significant moral foundation in preparation for military service and adult civilian life.
The program is built on a combination of diverse experiences—both theoretical and practical—rooted in curiosity, hard work, and a quest for personal, social, and national growth. We believe in an inclusive, yet demanding, educational language based on love, trust, and a healthy, sensitive discourse that grants value and meaning to every individual.
Our students live together in a community that fosters dialogue between people from different backgrounds, allowing for the expansion of heart and mind, and the connecting of diverse identities through a belief in unity as a force which can strengthen Israeli society.
Our educational method, which combines learning in our Beit Midrash as well as on the ground, is based on our aspiration to strengthen our connection to the past, create meaning in the present, and forge a commitment to the future. We integrate tradition with innovation, Jewish studies together with the study of Israel, , and encourage intellectual freedom and fruitful dialogue. Through this, we cultivate a common language in Israeli society—one that is value-based, sensitive, and open, enabling the bridging of hearts and the broadening of horizons.
The Mechina views learning as the foundation for social action. Out of social responsibility, we are active and involved in the communities where we live, and in Israeli society as a whole. In every contribution, we act in light of the values of Zionism, equality, justice, and the love of humanity. Furthermore, daily life at the Mechina combines practical settlement in areas where we are needed most, taking an active role in building a better, pioneering, and thriving society.
We operate out of a sense of Zionist-Jewish duty and are committed to doing everything in our power for the State of Israel and its people. Accordingly, we educate and prepare our students for a meaningful military service and a life built on values.
Our graduates set out on their path instilled with morals and a commitment to social leadership, driven by a deep faith in the society and the State of Israel.
