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Long School Day and Enrichment Studies Law, 5757-1997

חוק יום חינוך ארוך ולימודי העשרה, תשנ"ז-1997

Published: 1997-07-31Consolidated Hebrew text as of 2022-01-01 · Last amended 2021-11-15✓ Amendment status checked against the Knesset legislation record on 2026-09-07
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Unofficial English translation — for reference only. It may contain errors or omissions and cannot be relied on as a legal text. Only the Hebrew text published in Reshumot is legally binding.More

This English text was translated from the official Hebrew using a range of translation tools, and it undergoes ongoing checks and updates. It is not a certified translation.

Despite these checks, it may contain errors, omissions, or imprecise renderings of legal terminology and cross-references, and it may not yet reflect the latest amendments. It cannot be relied upon as a legal text.

The Hebrew text as published in Reshumot (ספר החוקים) and on the Knesset website is the sole authoritative and legally binding version. In any discrepancy, the Hebrew text prevails.

This translation is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For use in legal proceedings, request a certified Expert Legal Opinion.

Definitions§

1.

In this Law –

"educational institution" – any of the following:

(1)an educational institution for systematic study for pupils;
(2)a vocational school as defined in section 1 of the Apprenticeship Law, 5713-1953;

"local education authority" – as defined in the Compulsory Education Law, 5709-1949;

"the Programme" – the "New Horizon" programme, as established in the collective agreement between the State of Israel and the Teachers' Federation in Israel of the 28th of Kislev 5769 (25 December 2008), excluding compulsory kindergartens;

"pupil" – a person studying in an educational institution, in a compulsory kindergarten or in one of grades 1 through 12;

"the Minister" – the Minister of Education, Culture and Sport.

Purposes§

2.
(a)The purpose of this Law is to provide equal opportunity in education for every child in Israel in order to bring about the maximum realisation of his or her talents.
(b)This Law is intended to add hours of study and education to the existing hours in educational institutions, in order to broaden and deepen the knowledge and education of the pupil, to add education in values and social activity, all within the framework of the purposes of state education as set out in section 2 of the State Education Law, 5713-1953.

Long School Day§

3.
(a)A long school day for pupils shall be introduced in educational institutions in accordance with the provisions of this Law.
(b)A long school day shall be as follows –

four days a week – at least eight study hours;

on one of the midweek days – at most five study hours;

on Friday – at most four study hours.

(b1)Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (b), in educational institutions in which the Programme is operated, a long school day shall be as follows:
(1)four days a week – at least seven study hours;
(2)on one of the midweek days – at most five study hours;
(3)on Friday – at most four study hours.
(c)Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (b) and (b1), the Minister shall prescribe, with the approval of the Education and Culture Committee of the Knesset, in respect of types of educational institutions or study classes, a different number of study hours in a long school day, for each day of the school week that the Minister shall prescribe, having regard to the number of school days per week and the days of the week on which those educational institutions or study classes study, provided that the number of study hours per week shall not be less than 41 hours, and in educational institutions in which the Programme is operated – not less than 37 hours.
(d)Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) through (c), the principal of an educational institution may, in exceptional cases and with the approval of the Director-General of the Ministry of Education, prescribe a different number of study hours for each day of the school week, provided that the number of study hours per week shall not be less than 41 hours, and in educational institutions in which the Programme is operated – not less than 37 hours.

Gradual Application§

4.
(a)This Law shall be applied gradually, commencing with the 5758 school year, in localities, neighbourhoods, educational institutions or age groups to be prescribed by the Minister by Orders, giving priority to localities, neighbourhoods, educational institutions or age groups which in the Minister's opinion are in need of additional assistance in education, provided that its application shall be completed no later than the commencement of the 5787 school year.
(b)(Repealed).

Implementation and Regulations§

5.
(a)The Minister is responsible for the implementation of this Law and shall make Regulations on any matter relating to its implementation.
(b)Orders as referred to in section 4 shall be made by the Minister, with the approval of the Education and Culture Committee of the Knesset, and shall be submitted for the approval of the Committee –
(1)in respect of the 5758 school year, within 60 days of the date of publication of this Law;
(1a)in respect of the 5765 school year, within 60 days of the date of publication of the Long School Day and Enrichment Studies Law (Amendment No. 3), 5764-2004;
(2)in respect of subsequent school years, at least four months before the commencement of each school year.

Repeal of Long School Day Law§

6.

The Long School Day Law, 5750-1990 – is repealed.

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LawEducationWelfare & Social Security

חוק יום חינוך ארוך ולימודי העשרה, תשנ"ז-1997

long school day law

enrichment studies law

yom chinuch aruch law

extended school day

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5757-1997

1997 education law

school day extension

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