A large and growing group within Israel, including over 25% of the school age population, the future of Israel is inextricably linked with the future of Haredi society and its readiness to participate in the tremendous challenges—security, economic, and social—facing Israel. This was true before October 7th; it is all the truer in its aftermath, to the extent that the matter of Haredi integration has become a leading (or the leading) issue is Israeli society.
Haredi integration requires a movement—a movement predicated on the assumption that we can be both Haredi and Israeli, without compromising on the core values that we wish to preserve. This, in turn, necessitates the elucidation of ideas on which Haredi society stands, a sound articulation of its policies vis-à-vis broader Israel and the Jewish People, and the cultivation of a deep internal-Haredi conversation on those topics. It also requires the galvanizing of hearts and mind around a great vision in which Haredi society is a key player in Israel, making deep contributions not only in matters of security and economics, but also in defining the meaning and parameters of the Jewish State.
The Iyun Institute has set itself the goal of being the engine for this essential Haredi movement. Our popular leadership programs and publications—a groundbreaking journal, a literary supplement bursting with creativity, and a popular magazine that forges a distinct sense of belonging—have influenced thousands of Haredi men and women, inspiring them to decisions big and small that coalesce to create infrastructures of people and institutions—educational, communal, professional, and social—that constitute a great movement. It is a great hope for Israel.
Iyun Institute is proud to offer an array of programming and publication opportunities for individuals seeking to advance the well-being of Haredi society and the State of Israel.
Tzarich Iyun is an intellectual Haredi journal, the first and the only publication of its kind. It offers a platform for deep discussion and thought on contemporary social, economic, political, and religious questions. Tzarich Iyun was established in recognition of the dramatic processes of adaptation Haredi society is undergoing today, as both Haredi and Israeli society grow and evolve. Over three years, we have attracted a continually growing readership, now 50,000 unique readers monthly. Tzarich Iyun began exclusively in Hebrew, but has expanded to include an English version, too. It is primarily an online publication, but also available in print.
Our Men’s Leadership and Women’s Leadership programs host excelling young Haredi individuals from a wide range of leadership positions, including in journalism, the rabbinate, and the civil service. Participants immerse themselves in policy issues — economics, nationalism, political thought, jurisprudence, the future of the family — in a one-of-a-kind forum allowing them to think out a modern Haredi approach to these questions. It is our hope that they will build the institutions, programs and projects that foster conservative thought in Haredi society. We have a vibrant and connected alumni community, including individuals now prominent in their fields.
Working to realize the ideas discussed in Tzarich Iyun, we have sponsored a series of collaborative conferences and educational videos aimed at online outreach.
Rabbi Pfeffer is rabbi of Ohr Chadash, a thriving community in Ramot Bet, Jerusalem. He has served as a Rabbinical judge, community rabbi, Yeshiva educator, moderator of an international Jewish law website, and chief editor of the Ner LeElef resources program. He has written extensively on Jewish law & thought and lectures widely in Israel and abroad. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degrees (summa cum laude) in Law from Hebrew University, clerked at the Supreme Court of Israel, and lectures at Hebrew University’s law school. Lives in Jerusalem with his wife and six of their eight children.
Yossi holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the Open University and has worked in many administrative positions for a range of educational institutions. He has amassed much experience in leading social and educational projects within Haredi society, and is also publicly active in his resident city, Beit Shemesh.
Graduate of Mir Yeshiva, and holds BA and MA degrees in management from Hebrew University. Alongside his work at Iyun, Michael serves as the CEO of a large educational network (Netzach), and founding chairman of Akshiva, a platform that provides guidance for young Haredi individuals, and is involved in numerous additional projects in the Haredi space.
Eliyahu is an alumnus of the Hevron Yeshiva in Jerusalem. He holds bachelor’s degree in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from Shalem College in Jerusalem and a master’s degree in Political Philosophy at Tel Aviv University. He has published multiple pieces in Makor Rishon, Hashiloach and in the independent journal, Torat Yerushalayim. Alongside our leadership programs, Eliyahu runs a unique Beis Midrash for the study of Torah and Jewish thought.
Maayan is a journalist and publicist, writing for Mishpacha Magazine, for Mida, and for a range of other publications. She is also an experienced editor in both Hebrew and English. Alongside heading the literary platform Bein Hazmanim, Maayan serves as editor of Tzarich Iyun, and also lectures regularly at our leadership programs.
Head of Women’s Leadership Program and Founder of Literary Supplement
Rebbetzin of the Great Synagogue in Tel Aviv. Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in philosophy from TA University. Alongside heading the Young Women’s Program, Chavi leads the alumni division.
Editor of Hamakon Magazine
