Tourist Tip #258 / Neot Kedumim Biblical Nature Reserve

Set midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Neot Kedumim offers those of you who love plants and are interested in biblical Judea a chance to see firsthand those plants that are mentioned in ancient Hebrew texts.

Throughout the beautiful grounds of this biblical nature reserve are the many plants mentioned in the Bible with respective biblical quotes beside them. Ancient agricultural facilities such as olive and wine presses were dug up and restored, so visitors can see how wine and olive oil was made by the ancients.

Among the plants you can see are the “four species”: The citron tree (etrog), the date palm (lulav), the myrtle (hadas), and the willow (arava). Other plants include the mandrake, hyssop, inula, cedars, capers, and storax, as well as wheat, grapevines, and other agricultural crops grown by the biblical Hebrews.

Some biblical animals also walk the grounds, including fallow deer, goat, and sheep, as well as some wild animals, including porcupines and wild boars. There aren’t any lions, tigers or bears, though.

Neot Kedumim is a great place to take kids to experience the the Bible first hand, not only in terms of flora and fauna but also for its characters and stories, which are retold vividly by experienced and friendly guides.

The facility offers four different self-guided walking tours with different themes, as well as guided tours. Plan for two to five hours of activity.

During July and August there are special tours for families on Thursdays, which include cooking according to ancient recipes and other activities for children.

It’s about a 30-minutes drive from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. You can take the 111 Veolia bus from Tel Aviv to Modi’in, but this is not highly recommended.

Open everyday except Saturday, from 8:30 A.M.. to 4:00 P.M.., on Friday until 1:30 P.M.

More information on Neot Kedumim can be found on its website:

http://www.neot-kedumim.org.il/