Visiting Israel: Neot Kedumim

If you are interested in doing something a little different while visiting Israel, you might want to visit the Neot Kedumim Biblical Landscape Reserve, located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Consisting of 625 acres of land, the reserve’s mission is to preserve the ancient ways of farming, harvesting, and shepherding by caring for the land using the old techniques that were used during the ancient biblical days. Following accounts referenced in the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Talmud, farmers have purposely and carefully planted and maintained the same plants that were harvested here thousands of years ago.

You can spend the day taking a guided tour of the land and learn firsthand how farm life might have been like during biblical times. Here you will be able to see how an ancient olive press works, how ancient inks were made from natural ingredients, and how farmers and shepherds lived thousands of years ago. On the guided tour you will be able to see the work as it is being done while also learning about the biblical connections and more about the plant species themselves.

One of the highlights of the tour is being able to enjoy some of the fruits of their labors by staying for the vegetarian buffet that consists of foods made using ancient recipes. You must make reservations ahead of time however, if you want to be able to attend the meal.

Guided tours are given in English every Friday morning, but you can also tour the grounds on your own if you are planning to visit on another day of the week.