BINA: The Jewish Movement for Social Change

BINA (Hebrew: בינ”ה, an acronym for  בית יוצר נשמת האומה, a formative home for the soul of the nation, and also meaning "wisdom" in Hebrew) is an Israeli NGO that promotes Israeli Judaism rooted in Jewish pluralism, social justice, and cultural renewal through education, community activism, and public engagement. Founded in 1996 in the aftermath of the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, BINA emerged in response to a growing rift between different sectors of Israeli society, particularly between religious and secular Jews[1]. BINA is based in Tel Aviv.

Origin and Founding

BINA was established by a group of educators, activists, and leaders affiliated with the Kibbutz Movement and the broader secular Zionist left. The organization was founded on the belief that Jewish identity should serve as a unifying force among Jewish Israelis, even as they express that identity in diverse and pluralistic ways. It also emphasized that Jewish texts and values should serve as a resource for addressing the moral and ethical questions facing the nation. BINA set out to reclaim Jewish tradition and learning in a way that would be accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for secular and non-Orthodox Israelis[2].

The movement’s flagship initiative was the establishment of the Secular Yeshiva, a secular Jewish study framework that integrated classical texts with activism and civic engagement.

Program Areas

Over the years, BINA expanded its work across multiple areas, combining Jewish learning with grassroots community work. Notable programs include:

  • Young Leadership: BINA runs several pre-army academies (mechinot), where young Israelis engage in Jewish study, volunteer work, and leadership development. These mechinot emphasize Jewish study,  pluralism, democracy, and service[3].
  • Beit BINA Network: Beit BINA hubs throughout Israel celebrate Jewish-Israeli culture and serve as vibrant community centers for Jewish learning, expression, and social engagement[4]. BINA hubs often work in close partnership with municipalities.

A specific set of hubs operate in moshav (rural) communities in Israel’s south, supporting the social and spiritual renewal of these communities following the devastation of October 7th[5].

  • BINA Global: BINA operates international Beit BINA hubs in the Far East, providing Jewish Israeli travelers with spaces to mark Jewish holidays, observe Shabbat, participate in study sessions, and engage in local volunteerism. Merhav HaLev centers within the Batei BINA provide support for those affected by October 7th and the ongoing war, utilizing Jewish texts and traditions to build resilience[6].
  • Educational Programs: BINA operates in the mainstream Israeli public school system and in the army, bringing pluralistic, open, inclusive Israeli Judaism. In the schools, BINA works directly with students and also in professional development for educators and administrators. Within the army, BINA facilitates courses for senior leadership and enlisted.
  • BINA since October 7th: Since October 7th, BINA has mobilized to support Israelis affected by the war. Volunteers have packed donations, cared for displaced children, and assisted the elderly. BINA organized educational and cultural programs for evacuees, educators, children, and soldiers, providing spiritual and emotional support, contributed to Tel Aviv’s pop-up schools and held Kabbalat Shabbat services for evacuees in temporary shelters and in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square.

Current Activities and Reach

As of 2025, BINA operates programs in over 12 municipalities and reaches tens of thousands of Israelis and global Jews annually. Its educational staff includes secular scholars, educators, and social activists. The organization continues to partner with a range of civic institutions, government ministries, and international pluralistic Jewish organizations.

BINA is widely recognized as a pioneering force in the development of Israeli Judaism, a grassroots movement seeking to develop a meaningful, inclusive Jewish identity rooted in both tradition and modern pluralistic, egalitarian values.

References

  1. ^ "הרצח שחיבר בינינו". ynet (in Hebrew). 26 October 2015. Archived from the original on 22 March 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  2. ^ "מרחיבים בינ"ה | אתר התנועה הקיבוצית". www.kibbutz.org.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  3. ^ Ronen, Yorai. "מכינת בינ"ה | מועצת המכינות הקדם צבאיות בישראל". mechinot.org.il (in Hebrew). Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  4. ^ "הישיבות החילוניות | בינ"ה התנועה ליהדות חברתית". בינ"ה - הבית של היהדות הישראלית (in Hebrew). Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  5. ^ Tolub, Gila (28 October 2024). "צומחת שוב: בניית קהילות מחדש דרך זהות וחוסן". ICAR Collective (in Hebrew). Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  6. ^ "בתי בינ"ה בעולם". בינ"ה - הבית של היהדות הישראלית (in Hebrew). Retrieved 10 August 2025.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.