How Visiting Ramat Rachel is Becoming a Tour

Jerusalem is an amazing city with so many areas that one can explore. Years ago I had attended a wedding in the Simchah Hall at Ramat Rachel. The wedding was at night and it always fascinated me that here was a wedding taking place on a Kibbutz located in Jerusalem. Well on the outskirts of Jerusalem, but it’s essentially a Kibbutz within a city. Amazing, right?!

For years I wanted to return and explore this Kibbutz within the Holy City of Jerusalem. I’d see the number 7 bus go past as I waited at bus stops and think, “one day I will go back and take a look around. Afterall, if there is a hotel there, surely they must having something to visit.”

I have memories of visiting a cousin on a Kibbutz down south. Their Kibbutz had a dairy section which meant having cows. They also had a petting corner and beautiful nature. I love being able to walk across a lawn or meadow. I love to visit animals in their natural settings. I am not much of a zoo person. I prefer knowing that the animals are where they belong, in their own natural habitat., not a small enclosed area. When animals are in their natural environments is what I call respecting animals and life. So I expected that going to visit Ramat Rachel would also have some nature to explore.

Finally, some weeks ago, my husband and I decided to visit Ramat Rachel, this fascinating Kibbutz that is in Jerusalem. I began by posting in an online group to make sure that visitors were permitted. Not receiving a response I did this google search and found a number to call. I go through to the hotel that assured me that visitors were in deed welcome.

So off we went, a little adventure for an hour or so. I must say, what we found was quite different to what I expected it to be, but we had an enjoyable time all the same.

In the image above you can see one of the glorious views seen from a certain look out point. Not far from this spot is an are filled with archaeological spots. A plaque or sign that explains certain information, some ruins to look at, plenty to learn. Little did I know that my learning would only just be beginning.  

After an enjoyable hour, we headed home. Shortly after settling down to do some work, I noticed a message on that post enquiring about visiting Ramat Rachel. Funny how things can happen so differently to what one expects. I contemplated removing the thread and then decided to add that I had just returned. To my surprise some women began commenting that they would be interested to visit too and to learn more about those archeological sections.

Now it just so happens that I know a rabbi here in Jerusalem who is an experienced tour guide and has just completed his Masters in Archeology. Why not see where this will go. I emailed Rabbi Barnea Selavan and to my surprise received an email stating that not only is there an archeological path but actually “The archaeology is very rich there and there is an entire book about it. I give a tour there from end to end of the area and discuss the 1948 war, and a bit of the archaeology, but to do it full justice I would need to prepare”

That’s one thing I love about Jerusalem, there is always so much to learn. One can spend years just enjoying, exploring and learning about Jerusalem without having to go touring anywhere else.

Seeing that women were interested in a tour I asked Rabbi Selevan what a tour would entail. Here is his reply:

• If most people have cars or use public transportation like the 7 bus it is easy to say meet at Ramat Rachel. 
• There is quite a bit of walking to do on site but that is simpler. 
• Cost would be $45 a person with a minimum of 6 people. 
• If 11 or more people sign up I can discount it to $35.
• Timeframe: Early November (3-6 November), or December.
• The tour takes 2.5 hours, with learning including sources.

For those interested in knowing a little more about Rabbi Selevan, he has been guiding since 1982 and is licensed guide, licensed archaeologist with MA in Ancient Israel Studies, Co-director Foundation Stone educational organization. 

Are you interested in learning more about Ramat Rachel? Would you like to join a tour lead by an experienced and licensed tour guide who is also a licensed archaeologist? If your answer is yes, please be in touch via the contact form in this website or post a comment in the comments below. Please note, comments are moderated this is not an invitation for SPAM but is an invitation for those wanting to join a fascinating tour. We need at least 6 people to set up a tour, if there are 11 or more, there will be a discount.

I look forward to hearing from you and to seeing where this journey leads to.

Chodesh Tov

Shoshanah