יל״א
Yala
יחידת לכתחילה אריבער
Yechidat Lechatchila Ariber
A Chabad pre-army Mechina built to prepare guys spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally for the IDF and the future. Our first program runs October 4 – November 5, 2026 כ״ג תשרי – כ״ה חשון ה׳תשפ״ז.
Yala
יל״א
יחידת לכתחילה אריבער
The term Lechatchila Ariber comes from the saying of the Rebbe Maharash:
"The world says that if you cannot crawl under an obstacle, try to leap over it. However, I say, leap over it in the first place!"
It was also a commonly used phrase by the Shliach Rabbi Sholom Dovber Lipskar A"H.
A growth-focused Chabad Mechina.
Yala is a growth-focused Chabad Mechina created primarily for young men preparing for army service. Our first group is being built for guys preparing for the November 2026 draft, with the goal of continuing to serve future groups as well.
Yala was created to give each participant the structure, strength, and support needed to enter the army, or the next stage of life, with confidence, purpose, and a strong sense of identity.
Rooted in Chassidus, responsibility, community, personal growth, and a deep love for the Holy Land and the Jewish people, Yala focuses on building the whole person — spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Through meaningful learning, practical life skills, physical preparation, mentorship, Farbrengens, and a strong daily structure, each participant is encouraged to understand who he is, what he represents, and the impact he can have in the world.
Yala is built around the belief that every Bochur has unique potential. With the right environment, guidance, and expectations, that potential can be brought forward in a powerful way.
Whether preparing for the army or preparing for the next stage of life, Yala offers a foundation of clarity, confidence, Yiras Shamayim, pride in being a Chossid, and a deep commitment to bringing Moshiach closer.
While the main focus of Yala is preparation for army service, it is also open to young men who may not yet be certain about drafting, or who may be in a stage of life where they would deeply benefit from this type of environment.
Whether a participant ultimately drafts or not, the goal remains the same: to help him grow into a stronger, more grounded, more capable version of himself.
Yala is more than army preparation.
It is preparation for life.
השליחות שלנו
Yala's mission is to prepare Chabad young men to step into the army and the next stage of life with Chassidus, discipline, strength, and purpose — proud of who they are, and ready to actualize their unique Shlichus in this world.
A place to grow, lead, serve, and bring Mashiach closer.
The principles we live by.
הערכים שלנו
רצון השם
Ratzon Hashem
Living in line with Hashem's will.
תורה וחסידות
Torah & Chassidus
Rooted in Torah, Chassidus, and Hiskashrus to the Rebbe.
שליחות
Shlichus
Recognizing and actualizing each person's unique mission.
אהבת ישראל
Ahavas Yisroel
Living with love, care, and responsibility for every Jew.
אהבת הארץ
Ahavas Ha'aretz
A deep love and connection to Eretz Yisroel.
משמעת
Discipline
Structure, consistency, and showing up every day.
משפחה
Community
Warmth, connection, and support where everyone is cared for like family.
הכנה גופנית
Physical Preparation
Workouts, challenges, endurance, and readiness.
צמיחה אישית
Personal Growth
Building character, confidence, and responsibility.
בריאות הנפש
Mental Health
Emotional strength, self-awareness, and healthy support.
Raphael is a Chosid of the Rebbe and former lone soldier from Miami, Florida, who served as a commander in the Nahal Brigade.
מוכן להצטרף?
Ready to join יל״א?
Spots are limited. Our current program runs Sunday, October 4 – Thursday, November 5, 2026 (כ״ג תשרי – כ״ה חשון ה׳תשפ״ז). You can also express interest in a future cycle (for example a March draft) on the form below.
Take the first step.
טופס הרשמה