Israeli Torah — An Evening in Efrat | Lechatchila
Lechatchila — Israeli Torah

Special Evening in Efrat

Israeli Torah
in Gush Etzion

An evening with Dr. Yoav Sorek — Judaism beyond religious and secular

Lecture in Hebrew  ·  Open discussion in English

Wednesday, June 17 2026
8:00 PM Doors open 7:45
11 Hamenorah St. Efrat — Schlakman Home
Amy & Bentzie Schlakman

Do you feel that something is missing?

Do you believe that the Torah should not belong only to the "religious"? Do you feel that the Jewish return to the Land has not yet produced the Torah this generation deserves?

You are not alone. Join us for an evening with Dr. Yoav Sorek, founder of the "Israeli Torah – Lechatchila" movement, to hear how Israeli Torah should look, what its ancient and enduring foundations are, why Judaism looks different today — and how we can build a new, Israeli chapter of Torah, on top of tradition and from its strength.

Beyond Religious & Secular

Everyone talks about moving past this divide — yet it persists. Can there be a meaningful, committed Judaism that doesn't force you to pick a side?

A Torah of the Land of Israel

Can Torah be a tradition where body matters as much as soul, and the earthly as much as the spiritual? Can it empower human life rather than constrain it?

A "Secular Jew Who Keeps Mitzvot"?

Placing the individual at the center, taking full responsibility for life and history — these are core Zionist values. Do they undermine tradition, or actually draw from it?

Torah for All of Israel

Torah has become, for many, the property of a closed religious minority. We believe it can be returned to all of the Jewish people — religious, traditional, and secular alike.

Dr. Yoav Sorek

Dr. Yoav Sorek

Dr. Yoav Sorek is one of the most prominent voices in Israeli cultural-Jewish discourse. A researcher, writer, editor, and lecturer who has spent years exploring the questions of building a Judaism for this generation and the renewal of Torah.

As chairman of the Lechatchila association and its primary content creator, Yoav brings fresh language to every gathering — one that honors tradition while challenging it. At home evenings he speaks candidly, listens with genuine curiosity, and invites authentic conversation.

Israeli Jewish Thought Jewish Identity Culture & Religion Jewish Philosophy Education
"Judaism is not only what was — it is what we will become. The question is what future we choose to build for it."

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Thank you. Yoav looks forward to seeing you at the Schlakman home.
Details will be sent to you closer to the date.

רוצים להיות חלק מהתנועה להתחדשות התורה? להיות הראשונים לקבל תכנים והזמנות לאירועים של לכתחילה? הרשמו עכשיו!