Most of the participants are new immigrants who do not speak Hebrew well enough to attend classes conducted in Hebrew. Even for those immigrants who do speak Hebrew, cultural differences often make it impossible for them to find programs that suit them. Machanaim's program, in contrast, is conducted by experienced Russian-speaking teachers, who themselves began keeping mitzvot in an environment similar to that from which their students are coming. In addition to the regular classes, Machanaim often brings in Hebrew-speaking rabbis to give lectures in easy Hebrew. The course curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the Israel Rabbinate and the Jewish education institutes of the Jewish Agency.
Topics covered include Torah, Jewish philosophy, and halacha.
Students take intermediate examinations throughout the program, as well as a final examination administered by the Jewish Agency. The program is under the supervision of the Tsomet Institute and the Jewish Studies Institutes of the Jewish Agency. Regular staff contact with participants' school teachers or university professors, if relevant. This family hosts their adopted student for Shabbatot and holidays, provides guidance with problems, and answers the student's questions in a practical setting. Assistance in making connections between participants' families and their community rabbis.