Rabbi Moshe Zvi Neria, of blessed memory, the founder of the Bnai Akiva Educational Network, established the yeshiva in the Jordan Valley 20 years ago in order to bring an element of Torah learning and Jewish spirituality to the surrounding primarily secular agricultural settlements. Our students fulfill this purpose with their involvement in volunteer and educational activities in the Jordan Valley settlements and the nearby towns of Beit Shean and Afula. Shadmot Neria is a Hesder Yeshiva, which means that we view service in the IDF as a Jewish value – a religious imperative to take part in the defense of the modern Jewish state. Our 80 students, ages 18-26, combine advanced Torah and Talmud study with active service in IDF combat units.