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Welcome to Tekoa |
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CONTACTS
Tekoa Office: Ph:
011-972-2-9964568 Fax: 011-972-9962396 tekoa@zahav.net.il
Shani Simkowitz +972
50 401 2071 gushezif@inter.net.il
Housing: Tamar
Castelnuovo: +972-2-9968131,
tekoat@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.tekoa.co.il
PAGE - CONTENTS
1. Who Lives in Tekoa
2. Location and
Climate
2. Tekoa's Ancient
Roots
3. Aliyah Support
4. Housing
5. Education
5. Religious Life
6. Work Opportunities
6. Agriculture and
Food Shopping
7. Youth Movements
7. Recreation
8. Pets
8. Medical Services
8. Community
Governance
8. Regional
Municipality
9. Transportation
9. Security
9.
Tekoa
9.
Hesder Yeshiva
We
are delighted that you are considering Tekoa for your future home.
1.
Who Lives in Tekoa?
Tekoa is blessed with people who have chosen to live in a yishuv (community)
based on social diversity and mutual respect. Tekoa was founded in 1977 by
visionary Israelis and new immigrants
seeking to build a community of co-existence. Numerous studies have been
conducted documenting the fascinating success of the Tekoan social
experiment that brings together religious and secular value systems.
Open-mindedness is a key. The community fully respects those who observe
Shabbat and those who do not. People who come to Tekoa tend to be
thoughtful, seeking creative solutions, and drawn to be active community
members. Our community reflects the diversity of Am Yisrael - from full
observance and orthodox to totally secular and creative artists; new
immigrants blending with Israelis; singles, young families and grandparents;
professionals from academics and high tech to organic farmers. New
immigrants come from the world over. Today Tekoa hosts 300 families and is
expanding. In Tekoa, your neighbors become your extended family. New
children are warmly accepted and make friends in no time. Happy children
make happy families. This makes for a successful aliyah.
2.
Location and Climate
Tekoa is located in the Gush Etzion region, fifteen kilometers south of
Jerusalem, eight kilometers west of Efrat, and within an hour drive from
Beersheva and an hour and a half from Tel Aviv.
At 675 meters above sea level, Tekoa enjoys a Mediterranean climate
slightly warmer than Jerusalem. Our typical Mediterranean winters range from
sixty to forty degrees fahrenheit during the day, with blustery winds and
rain in the evening sometimes going below zero. The rare blanket of snow is
an occasion for all. Summers days are hot, dry and without humidity, while
the evenings enjoy cool mountain breezes.
3.
Tekoa's Ancient Roots
Tekoa's ancient meaning reflects our community today as a place both for
'the securing of tents' and an 'awakening herald of the shofar'. Birthplace
of the prophet Amos, and home of the 'wise woman' brought to teach King
David reconciliation by parable (Samuel 2, Ch.
14, 4-9).
Our fertile fields produced
olive oil considered the best in the
ancient world. It alone was chosen for the offerings in the Temple in
Jerusalem. Each year a special ceremony would accompany the wagons bringing
Tekoa's olive oil to Jerusalem.
View of Herodian from Tekoa
During the destruction of the Second Temple, Tekoans were able to see the
tragic glow of the burning from our hills. Skirmishes of the Bar Kokhba
revolt took place in our area. Herodion was used as a synagogue at the time
of the destruction of the Temple and by the Jewish rebels in the Great
Revolt against Rome in 70 AD. Some Tekoans, together with other residents
of Gush Etzion, have the tradition of reading Eicha on Tisha B'Av
(the Ninth of Av) at the ancient synagogue inside the mountain fortress of
Herodion, after sundown to read the Book of Lamentations by candle light.
The Haritun Cave is the largest in the Middle East. Byzantine monks created
a network of dwellings carved into our mountainside to meditate in the
awe-inspiring beauty of Tekoa's natural vistas.
4. Aliyah Support
Tekoa is piloting an Aliyah Support Program for your first year,
sponsored together with the Jewish Agency and the World Zionist
Organization, Settlement Division (WZO-SD). This is coordinated with the
Aliyah Support Program of the Regional Council of Gush Etzion. During this
year, if you decide to seriously consider Tekoa you will meet with the
Absorption Committee. We then will invite you for a year period to enable
you to get to know us, and us to know you. In this first year we help you
find an affordable rental home. Should you decide to establish your
permanent home in Tekoa, your potential membership is voted on, as for all
new applicants interested in moving to our community. Most often the people
that want to live here are the people we want. Each new family is 'adopted'
by an established Tekoa family with a similar profile. In this one year
absorption support program, the WZO-SD will provide: basic furnishings for
your rental home and a personal Aliyah coordinator. The support program also
provides new Olim with a four hours a day ulpan, and practical assistance to
register your children in our schools, find employment, arrange medical
services and individualized support as needed to ensure that your first year
is a success. The cost of living is the same as any other place in Israel.
We suggest that you take into consideration the following typical expenses
as normative - medical insurance, medicine, rent or mortgage, pre-school and
school tuitions, cable TV, pool membership, Internet hook-up, electricity,
water, heat, gasoline, car and house insurance and individual after-school
activities. Taxes are paid both to Tekoa for community upkeep and to the
Regional Council.
5.
Housing
Every home in Tekoa is on at least half a dunam plot (500 square meters -
about 1⁄4 acre).
*
New homes for immediate purchase or rental from $130,000 (102 meters + 70
meter unfinished second story) to $160,000 (180 meters for a two story
finished home)
*
Resold homes for purchase from $80,000 - $200,000.
*
Rental of houses or apartments from $250-$650 per month.
*
Rental of yishuv caravans from $100-$150 per month.
*
Plot Purchase - $25,000. (includes water, telephone, gas electric and
sewage hook-up)
No
one technically 'owns land' in Israel - the land is owned by the State of
Israel. This entails a step-by-step process that includes working with an
engineer and an architect to submit a plan for approval. The plan is
submitted for review and permitting to the Regional Council of Gush Etzion
Engineering Department. Upon completion of the process, you are ready to
build. The process is straightforward to ensure basic building standards.
6. Education
There is a community daycare and nursery program till four PM with a hot
meal, with longer hours available for working mother. There are also several
home-based daycare programs run by mothers, a yishuv and a Chabad
kindergarten. Tekoa has six playgrounds with equipment for active play.
Our community's values of Jewish unity is reflected in our children's
education. The Tekoa elementary school has pioneered 'Achdut Israel',
a program integrating religious and secular students, which was awarded high
honors for innovation. After completing 6th grade, students
either go on to the Gush Etzion regional high schools or choose from
Jerusalem's broad educational options. Daily bus transportation is provided
to the Gush Etzion and the Jerusalem schools.
7. Religious Life
There are six active synagogues in Tekoa. The largest synagogue in our
yishuv is the Ashkenazi Young Israel, other synagogues include Sephardic,
Chabad, the Steinsalz Yeshiva Minyan and the Carlebach-style minyan. There
are at least two early minyanim for morning services. The Rabbis and learned
women are as diverse as our community, and are affiliated with Torah
institutions throughout Israel such as the Matan Torah Institute for Women,
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz Hesder and Yeshiva High school. Weekly shiurim are
conducted in English, French, Russian and Hebrew. Our modern mikvah is open
at time convenient for busy schedules for men and women.
8. Work Opportunities
Work options range from small businesses to organic agriculture, light
industry to teaching in the school system. An easy commute to Jerusalem and
Gush Etzion opens up many other employment opportunities. Business
initiatives include: a carpentry shop, two grocery stores, graphic art
studio, a real estate and an educational software company. Communications
resources include ADSL fast Internet hook-ups, all major cell phone
companies reception and the local Bezek phone company. We encourage
entrepreneurs to establish new initiatives. The Gush Etzion Development
Company will provide business initiative development.
9. Agriculture and Food Shopping
At
least ten families make their livelihood from cultivating an array of
organic products, from organic grapes for wine, juice and raisins, organic
mushrooms, fruits and vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, fresh organic
eggs, organic goat milk and cheese, olive oil and organic breads. We have
two country stores, one carries more tasty Russian delicacies and the other
a good selection of local shopping needs. For a larger selection, all the
major food chains and the colorful Machane Yehuda open air market in
Jerusalem offer a tapestry of ethnic flavors.
Organic tomatoes on Tekoa terraces
10. Youth Movements and Activities
There is an active Bnei Akiva chapter that begins in the 4th grade under the
leadership of community counselors with Shabbat afternoon activities in
addition to various weekday programs that involve both orthodox and secular
young people. In addition, there is a youth leader for the upper grades that
works with an elected youth committee who together organize their own
supervised activities. During vacations there are day camps for young
children and exciting activities for the older children, such as hikes,
movies and outings.
11. Recreation
Tekoa pool
Tekoa offers a broad variety of extra-curricular activities for young and
old. The Tekoa Community Center offers basketball, soccer league, arts and
crafts, yoga, karate, chess, music lessons, choir, ballet, hiking and sewing
taught by professionals from Tekoa and the region. We have two basketball
courts, a tennis court, and a well-equipped exercise room with a
professional trainer. Our library has both English and Hebrew books and
offers after-school homework tutoring. The Tekoa Country Club boasts two
gorgeous outdoor swimming pools, for adults and little ones, with separate
men, women and family hours, swimming lessons, lockers, showers and a
canteen selling refreshments. The pool is open on Shabbat but no business is
conducted. This has enhanced our quality of life even more and attracts
visitors from the surrounding area. Our Horse Ranch offers group and
individual riding lessons. Breathtaking hiking trails embrace our village
echoing the ancient history of our land. There is a family-run pizza parlor
and a meat grill restaurant.
12. Pets
Many families have pets. Veterinary services are available in the Regional
Council, with regular visits in Tekoa for vaccination, licensing and
registration of pets.
13. Medical Services
In
Israel, every family has medical coverage through one of the major providers
that you choose. Services through Meuchedet, Clalit and Maccabi medical
plans and clinics are provided on the yishuv. There is a pharmacy in Efrat
open for day and evening hours. We have a private dental clinic. Alternative
therapies for nutrition and whole system health treatments such as massage
therapy, shiatsu, reflexology and acupuncture are provided by Tekoa-based
practitioners.
14. Community Governance and Infrastructure
Although all homes are private, the community infrastructure is jointly
owned and managed through regular town meetings. We encourage new members to
become active community members, and participate in community
decision-making and committee responsibilities. There is a five member
governing committee for overall management and policy. Other committees
address absorption, education, culture, security, environment, tzdakah,
synagogues and building. Each committee is elected annually, with some
overlap. Town meetings are conducted periodically to decide on issues
brought up by community members. Accepted Tekoa members are entitled to
vote.
15. Regional Municipality
Tekoa is within the jurisdiction of the Regional Council (municipality) of
Gush Etzion which is located in Alon Shvut, 15 minutes away. Each resident
pays municipal taxes, according to the size of their house. The services
provided by the Regional Council are garbage disposal, security, social
services, school transportation according to the Ministry of Education
guidelines, veterinary services, cultural activities and the Aliyah
Department which assists new Olim.
16. Transportation
Frequent public bus transportation is available to and from Jerusalem. Many
people drive in private cars and offer rides to those waiting at the central
Tekoa bus stop. The town of Efrat is a ten minute drive away.
17. Security
Tekoa has twenty-four hours a day patrol system, ambulance and a trained
rapid response team for any emergency. There is a guard at the locked gate.
Many homes remain unlocked. Our children feel free to roam safely within the
town limits.
18. Tekoa Hesder Yeshiva
The Hesder Yeshiva in Tekoa combines service in the Israeli army with
advanced Jewish study. When our community decided to invite a yeshiva to
make its home in Tekoa, it was natural that we approached Rabbi Steinsaltz,
an educator renowned for a lifetime of reaching out to Jews of all
affiliations and backgrounds. There are currently 140 students studying at
the Yeshiva: 40 in the army and 100 who are there full-time.
Rabbi Steinsaltz
Mission:
The Hesder Yeshiva’s mission is to create a cadre of rabbis, teachers,
spiritual and communal activists who embrace Rabbi Steinsaltz’s philosophy:
that learning belongs to every Jew; that all Jews merit the respect and love
of their fellow Jews, regardless of level of observance and belief.
Contact:
Yeshivat Hesder Tekoa Ph: 972-2-960-5095 Fax: 972-2-960-5094
Email:
yeshtkoa@netvision.net.il Websites: <yeshivatekoa.org.il> <steinsaltz.org>
If you have any
further questions, feel free to speak with the community contacts listed on
the first page. We wish you all success in your aliyah process.
Written by S. Simkowitz, V. Brill and E. Rogosa
Synagogues: There are five synagogues in Alon Shuvut: the central synagogue, the southern synagogue, the Sephardic synagogue, the Teimani synagogue, and the synagogue of Givat HaChish.
Mikveh: A beautiful new mikveh for women was recently opened in Alon Shevut. For information and mikveh hours call (02) 9933228.
Education:
Early education: two clusters of daycare centers (infant through two years) operate in Alon Shevut consisting of eight groups divided by age. The daycare is operated by the regional Matnas (community center).
Pre-school: The yishuv has eight ganim (pre-school classes) ranging from three years old to five years old.
Elementary education: Adjacent to Alon Shevut is the Gush Etzion Religious-Torani Public School comprised of the lower division (grades 1-3) and the upper division (grades 4-8). Additionally, the area has a number of other schools to which families in Alon Shevut send their children: Orot Etzion in Efrat, Reishit in Rosh Zurim and the school in Bat Ayin.
Highschool education: There are a number of highschools in the area:
Ulpenot (religious highschools for girls): Neve Chana located in the regional center, Shavei Rahel in Neve Daniel and Orot Etzion in Rosh Zurim.
Yeshiva highschools for boys: Neve Shemuel in Efrat, Mekor Hayyim in Kfar Etzion, Orot Yehuda in Efrat, and Beit HaMidrash HaTichoni in the Zayit section of Efrat.
Higher yeshiva education: Yeshivat Har Etzion in Alon Shevut for men, its sister school for women, the Midrasha in nearby Migdal Oz, and Michlelet Herzog school of education (adjacent to the yeshiva in Alon Shevut) which grants a B.Ed. degree.
Joining Alon Shevut:
Information about dwellings for rent or for sale second-hand can be found on the bulletin boards of the yishuv (and soon on the yishuv’s website). Information about new dwellings can be obtained from the office of the va’ad.
