Education Minister Yoav Kisch announced a sweeping reform of Bible studies in Israeli schools on Tuesday, marking what he described as a “revolution” in how the subject is taught.
Key changes include making the national Bible assessment (Meitzav) mandatory starting in the 2026–2027 school year, instituting a weekly Bible lesson for all grade levels, introducing mandatory heritage lessons for grades 2 through 6, and significantly increasing the budget for Jewish identity education from 1% to 4% within a year—alongside major content updates.
The Education Ministry stated that, while Bible studies are considered a core subject and required for matriculation, some schools either skip the subject entirely or teach it in a limited way, often citing a shortage of qualified teachers. Starting in the 2026–2027 academic year, all fourth-grade students in both the secular and religious public school systems will be required to take a Meitzav exam in Bible studies. In the upcoming 2025–2026 year, schools will have the option to administer the test voluntarily, before it becomes mandatory the following year.
“This step is part of a broader initiative under the banner of Shoreshim (Roots)—the National Program for Jewish and Zionist Identity,” the ministry said. “Jewish identity is moving from being optional to essential. Bible studies are core curriculum. Connecting to our roots and national story is not an educational supplement—it’s a foundation for meaningful learning. The education system is being updated accordingly: along with math, science, computer studies, English and engineering, identity education will now be a mandatory component of national education.”
Some of the measures are already in motion, including the increased Gafen funding, which will support “rich and meaningful educational experiences” such as community events, singing programs, Jewish poetry, national remembrance programs, and Bible-themed learning trails.
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Weekly Bible lessons will be standardized for all students from first through twelfth grade, with national oversight and pedagogical support. A new mandatory subject titled In the Paths of Heritage will integrate “Zionist, Jewish, and national revival content” drawn from existing subjects. This curriculum is expected to expand into middle schools beginning in 2026–2027.
“We are changing direction. Jewish identity can no longer be treated as a matter of local preference or personal choice. We have a responsibility to build a sense of belonging, roots, and meaning as part of the national curriculum. This is a demand rising from the ground up—students seeking to understand their story, teachers asking for tools, and parents calling for stability and connection,” Kisch explained.
“October 7 didn’t just shake us—it revealed what’s missing. This is a deep change, but also a simple one: giving our children back what should have always been self-evident. This is our duty—to today’s students and to Israel’s future.”