Others have never had any knowledge of Judaism but, seeing their children and grandchildren studying and practicing it, they wish to learn about the religion's main concepts. Later, these olim often become more interested and begin to seek classes on a regular basis. Finally, some elderly olim led the life of religious Jews even while still in the USSR but did not have any opportunity to learn, and now they want to catch up on what they missed. All these people, even here in Israel, are left without a means of satisfying their thirst for Jewish knowledge. Machanaim offers such people a special program of intensive learning.
Participants study for four hours every day with experienced Russian-speaking teachers.
They learn Torah with commentaries, and they can ask whatever questions they want. In addition, several times a week, a Hebrew-speaking rabbi gives them a lecture on an advanced level. Besides its educational value, the learning is very important psychologically to these olim. Having come to Israel at an advanced age, these people often feel lost and unwanted. The classes give them a focus and meaning in their life, and they come to love this country and to find friends and a place where they feel they belong.