The first ultra-Orthodox (Charedi) brigade in the IDF
Chashmonaim Brigade
Military excellence guided by Torah values, the Charedi Brigade the first of its kind in the IDF blends elite combat training with a fully observant ultra-Orthodox way of life
Our program
A career for life
The brigade’s exclusive “Exit Gate” program pairs studies with job placement that begins while you’re still in service.
Advancement opportunities
Special forces, command, and officer tracks – all within the brigade.
An uncompromising Charedi environment
A Torah-centered setting, that follows every guideline from the smallest to the greatest, while surrounding you with support every step of the way.
Elite soldier
Rifleman 07 combat training the IDF’s highest-level combat qualification.
In the Chashmonaim Brigade
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Complete a training program that will see you emerge as frontline combat soldiers defending the People of Israel and defeating its enemies
A winning blend of military excellence and strict adherence to the Charedi way of life
Professional training and courses during your service that prepare you for high-quality civilian careers
<About the Brigade
The Chashmonaim Brigade is a one-of-a-kind in the IDF that lets Charedi young men serve in meaningful combat roles while fully preserving their Torah-observant lifestyle. It pairs a spirit of brotherhood and values with a daily routine of prayer, Torah classes, strict mehadrin kashrut, and modesty.
The service is carried out only with fellow Haredi soldiers, under commanders who understand the community’s needs and provide personal guidance from enlistment to discharge. The program enables recruits to defend the country with courage, grow stronger in body and spirit, and step into civilian life equipped for the future-without ever compromising their identity.
- More details:
- Location: Tevez Base, Jordan Valley
- Enlistment age: 18 and up
- Service duration: a full 32-month term
To learn more and sign up
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chashmonaim Brigade, and who is it intended for?
The Chashmonaim Brigade is an infantry brigade created specifically for the charedi community, designed to let ultra-Orthodox men perform meaningful military service while fully preserving their lifestyle. The service takes place in an adapted environment with gender separation, scheduled times for prayer and study, strictly mehadrin-kosher meals, and a command staff composed solely of religious officers.
What does the training track include, and how long is the service?
The service track lasts about 32 months. It begins with an eight-month combat training (Rifleman 07) held at the “Tevet” infantry training base in the Jordan Valley. After graduating, soldiers move on to full operational duty within the brigade’s company. When their active service ends, they transfer to the reserves in a framework tailored to the Haredi community.
What are the entry requirements for serving in the brigade?
Eligibility requirements
A clean medical profile (typically 82 or higher, with no disqualifying codes).
A signed commitment to meet all baseline standards set by the Chashmonaim Brigade.
A personal interview and suitability assessment for combat service in a Charedi unit.
Proven Torah background and yeshiva studies, usually confirmed by a letter from your mashgiach or yeshiva administrator.
What does a typical day in the brigade look like?
Beyond the regular combat routine training, drills, operational deployments, and at times intense fighting, the brigade continually safeguards a Torah-centered lifestyle:
Fixed times for prayer and Torah study each day
Strict mehadrin-level kashrut
A command staff of religious officers devoted to holiness
A dignified, values-driven environment tailored to the Charedi soldier.
Are there opportunities for advancement within the brigade?
Absolutely. Top-performing soldiers can advance into command roles, join the elite “Yehoshua” reconnaissance unit, and take on key positions both during active service and later in the reserves. Every promotion track is designed with full regard for each soldier’s personal and spiritual character.
If I attend a medic course or a command course, will I have to leave the Chashmonaim Brigade for the duration of the training?
No.
For the first time, every course in the brigade – professional and leadership alike – is held inside the brigade’s own training base, fully in line with the Chashmonaim Brigade’s values.
How do I join the Chashmonaim Brigade?
You can join the brigade through our own recruitment desk. We’ll be at your side from that very first step all the way to the base gate.