Our Teachers
Yarden Cohen
Gender and Sexuality
Yarden Cohen, Gender and Sexuality
Yarden leads workshops and is a social worker for females. She manages a halfway house for women at risk and is the founder of the social field in the Department of Youth in the City of Tel-Aviv/Yaffo.
“The meeting with the Mechina students regarding the subject of sexuality and relationships is an emotional experience and my favorite part of the week. Sexuality is a natural, healthy and basic element within our lives but in recent years, we have realized that something has happened to us as a society and this subject has become volatile. The workshops are a way for me to participate in the healing process of this small aspect in our society which I have chosen to deep dive into.
Eran Baruch
Teacher, Israeli Judaism Studies
Eran Baruch, Teacher, Israeli Judaism Studies
A resident of Srigim in the Ella Valley. Married to Racheli, a father of three, and a grandfather to Romi. Holds a master’s degree in “Interpretation and Culture” (MA) from Bar-Ilan University.
The lesson will focus on Israeli culture that grows amid rebellion, competition, continuity, challenge, and dialogue with the Jewish tradition. We will study Rachel, Bialik, Brenner, and Leah Goldberg, and try to learn from them what Israeli Judaism is.
Efi Aharon
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Efi Aharon, The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Effi holds a PhD in gender studies from Bar Ilan University. He prepares students for their matriculation exams in citizenship, history, gender and literature, through the “Ankuri” schools, and supervises students doing their masters at the Open University. The learning process in the mechina is a rich and compelling ground for Effi to examine the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s complexity and the various consequences it entails.
“Each year I look forward to the shared learning experience, to the student’s challenging questions, attempting to crack the complexity of the conflict, and hopefully find a common solution in the future.”
Guy Pade
Society and Economics
Guy Pade, Society and Economics
Guy lectures on political science, history and philosophy at the Open University, and on economics, society and Israeli society in PPMPs across the country. He has been active in various social organizations over the years, and is currently a research fellow at the Berl Katzenelson Foundation.
“In the Jewish world there was the concept of a “Community Preacher” and a “Traveling Preacher.” The first had a permanent community before which he would demand and Preach Torah. The later, on the other hand, did not have a permanent community, he wandered between communities and spread his sermons and gospel to an ever-changing audience. In this spirit, I like to call myself a Traveling Preacher. I rotate between mechinot and challenge my audience with questions of justice, organization, philosophy and politics, where we came from and where we are going.”
Guy Grossman
Judaism Studies
Guy Grossman, Judaism Studies
Guy is a graduate of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Guy holds a BA in Judaism and Asian Studies in the China region, and an MA in Public Policy. He was the director of Mechinat MSBHA of Bina organization for four years and today is the National Activities Director in Ofanim which promotes STEM equality through learning and assimilation of various trades and the continued work to reduce gaps between rural and urban areas.
“The goal of the joint learning of the Mechina students and myself is to create a true and direct meeting with the Jewish thought, history and the culture which were created over thousands of years and in doing so, to dare and take ownership of Jewish literature and writings. To dive into it, to gain inspiration and to critique it, when necessary.”
Five fingers
physical training, ‘Beit Berl’ Campus
Five fingers / physical training
Five Fingers is the educational sports organization in charge of all physical training at the mechina. Working among diverse sectors of society, the organization implements a unique method connecting the body and the mind, harnessing the skills and values needed to face the challenges of the modern age.
Collaboration with Be’eri
Training with Five Fingers at the mechina includes developing work habits, building mental resilience and strengthening team and leadership skills. Over the course of a year, the Five Fingers work program integrates it’s physical and mental influences into the everyday routine of the students’ lives.
About the coaching team:
Lear Golan – Has been coaching in the program 3 years, leader of the field of women in the organization.
Lear is an undergraduate student of philosophy and gender at Tel Aviv University.
Dor Brenner -Has been coaching in the program for 5 years and holds a BA in psychology and political science from Bar Ilan University. Conducts collaborations with formal and informal educational bodies. This is the third year in which he has been managing the collaboration with Be’eri mechina.
Asa
Combat Fitness, ‘Kannot’ Campus
Asa - Combat Fitness, ‘Kannot’ Campus
The organization was founded in September 2002 by Yoav Asa, a graduate of Unit 669 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. The organization’s mission is to prepare and train young people for meaningful military service and life. The organization’s goal is to create growth and development among young combat soldiers. Today, the organization has around 500 participants – both boys and girls aged 9th to 12th grade in the Shfela region. Throughout the years, the organization has prepared and trained thousands of young people for meaningful military service.