The Quiet Revolution at AMIT Chedvat Ha Torah In Jerusalem

A quiet revolution is taking place in the Haredi community of Israel. The huge growth in the Haredi population (estimated at nearly one million today), cuts in government support and pressure by centrist parties for Haredim to “share the burden” in terms of work and military service are creating fundamental changes in both the ethos and lifestyle of this community. The culture of a life devoted entirely to Torah study is slowly giving way to a more pragmatic approach and acceptance of the need to “work.” Forced by the new reality, more and more young Haredi men are entering or seeking to enter the job market. But after a traditional yeshiva education, which excludes secular subjects, and lacking in basic skills, they find themselves ill-equipped and at a considerable disadvantage. As a result, many Haredi parents are seeking a framework that offers both yeshiva studies and formal education in order to enable their children to enjoy the same job opportunities as others. AMIT Chedvat HaTorah in Jerusalem is one of the pioneering institutions that is helping to prepare Haredi youth for the demands of the 21st century.