A Retreat Workshop of Study and Vision for the Heads of the Mechinot in Collaboration between the Joint Council of Mechinot and the Matanel Foundation

Vision

As we look ahead on our educational path beyond the conclusion of this challenging year, we recognize the need for a pause to reflect and learn. From a place of deep responsibility for our future and for Israeli society, we seek to ignite meaningful discourse across the Mechinot world that draws lessons from recent events while addressing essential issues and our shared destiny.

Activity

A two-day retreat workshop for Mechina directors to create space for reflection, learning, and strategic planning after two challenging years of war and uncertainty. The goal is to enable directors to step back from intensive routines, process and extract lessons from recent years, and formulate a shared vision and strategic direction for the Mechinot enterprise. With courage and honesty, we will attempt to understand our current situation as a society and as an educational enterprise, and identify the goals and objectives we wish to achieve. Rather than merely articulating vision and objectives, we will discuss how we can turn them into reality, as well as the implications and consequences for planning the next academic year with greater clarity and focus.

It can be said that a vision is a powerful force operating in people’s hearts. The inspiration for the vision may come from an idea, but once it goes further—if it is compelling enough to acquire the support of others—then it is no longer an abstraction. It is palpable. People begin to see it as if it exists. Few, if any, forces in human affairs are as powerful as shared vision.

- Peter M. Senge, The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization

Asaf Shor

Asaf Shor serves as Deputy CEO of the Joint Council of Pre-Military Mechinot, where he leads conferences and events for Mechina directors and the entire enterprise. Asaf also serves as a Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) and combat battalion commander. Shor brings extensive leadership experience from both the education and military sectors. He is a graduate of Mechinat Etzem and Yeshivat Shavei Hevron, and served as head of the Netivot Dror Beit Midrash. Shor holds a bachelor’s degree in Education, Bible, and Talmud, and a master’s degree in Political Science. He is married with six children.