Life is for living – get the most out of it!

At HaMerkaz, we believe that anybody can be anything that he or she wants to be. Just grab life by the back of the neck and lead it where you want to go!

But how do you take charge of your destiny?

That’s the mission of HaMerkaz: To channel 3000 years of wisdom in a meaningful, user-friendly way, while touring the real Israel like you’ve never seen before and having a great time!

Our Programs

Our programs help young, college-age adults decode the mysteries of Jewish tradition and rediscover the rich diversity of their heritage, showing its relevance to Jews today.

What does the Torah say about stem cell research? Are women and men equal? Would Moses have an iPhone? And if so, would he text the 10 Commandments to the People of Israel? Join us and we'll show you how to take control of your destiny. It will be a trip of a lifetime!

Rabbi Alan (Alter) Klein, Senior Rabbi at HaMerkaz

Rabbi Klein is our driving force and educational director. He denies the rumor that he’s only at HaMerkaz as an excuse to go rappelling down cliffs and drive dune buggies.

Rabbi Klein attended the famed Bronx High School of Science and went on to study archeology at the University of Arizona. His love of archeology combined with his love of Jewish history led to his expertise in Biblical archeology. He gives a great tour of the historical Israel.

Rabbi Klein has taught in secular schools in Israel and assisted Jewish outreach programs internationally. He lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh with his wife and five children.

Rabbi Saul Mandel

Rabbi Mandel received his JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and his MBA from The Wharton School of Business. He worked as a labor lawyer for General Electric for a number of years before starting his own advertising firm. He is currently Director and senior lecturer at the Center Program, a leading post graduate school in Judaic Studies, based in Jerusalem.